Hi rachel,
The elements of dance should be one of the first things you learn about in class. It is also in your HSC dance syllabus, which i recommend you download from the board of studies webbie.
-space
-time
-dynamics
You can further broaden those topics
eg. use of space > performance space, movement pathways, personal space
time > fast/slow, repetition, retrograde
Dynamics > the energy behind the movement or phrase
I can't remember much more without looking at my old books. Hope that's a good start. Good luck!