1. High Level (Élevé): This level involves the dancer rising on the balls of their feet, lifting the heels off the floor, and straightening the legs. It's often used to elongate the body, create a sense of lightness, or convey joy and elation.
2. Medium Level (Demi Plié): In demi plié, the dancer bends the knees slightly, lowering and raising the body's center of gravity. This level allows for fluid movement, control, and transitions between other levels.
3. Low Level (Plié): The lowest level in dance, plié involves deeply bending the knees and lowering the body down. It adds weight, grounding, and stability to the movement, and is often used for floorwork, contractions, and release techniques.
4. Aerial Level: This level involves the dancer leaving the floor completely, either through jumps, leaps, or lifts. It creates a dynamic and visually captivating effect, and demonstrates athleticism, power, and technique.
5. Floor Level: As the name suggests, the floor level refers to any positions or movements that are performed on the ground. This level is commonly used in contemporary dance, hip-hop, or floor barre exercises, requiring control, flexibility, and coordination.
6. Mid-Air Level: This level occurs when the dancer is partially suspended in the air, but not to the full extent of a leap or jump. It can be achieved by balancing on one leg or transitioning between supported and unsupported positions.
Understanding and mastering the different levels in dance allows dancers to create intricate choreography, build dynamic tension and release, and connect with the space around them. The choice of level can also enhance the intended mood, story, or emotion of the dance performance.