What is Motif? Created by S. Purnell

Definition Dance Stage 6 Syllabus states; the earliest stage of development of a theme or composition; a movement starting point which gives the first element of form to the dance/work Linda Ashley, author of Essential Guide to Dance states; “The central movement themes of dance which are repeat, developed and varied.”

But what does that mean?? “The shaped phrases of movement are known as motifs and they contain the style and images of the dance. They are repeated, developed and varied to give the overall shape and expression of the dance. The simplest way to use a motif is to repeat it exactly on and off during the dance. However, if there is too much of this simple repetition the dance comes like a simple routine rather than an interesting choreography” – Linda Ashley.

Therefore… A MOTIF is a set phrase (8 counts) or movement/s that are repeated throughout a dance to enhance the idea or stimulus to the audience.

Stimulus – The Motion of a Ribbon Sequence A (circles) = movement may be rolls, circular floor pattern, head roll etc – Sequence B (spirals) = spins, chaines interweaving, Martha Graham technique floorwork Sequence C (lines) = angular, rigid, structured Photo by Samantha Siegel / CC BY-SA 3.0

https://youtu.be/suzEom1fXdg Motif Development You would then develop and manipulate the motifs to create interest throughout. For a more in depth explanation of development, watch the clip below; https://youtu.be/suzEom1fXdg

TIP! Your motifs should tell/show your markers what your dance is about. If you are struggling to know where to start, create at least 3 motifs; one for each sequence of your work.

USE YOUR STAGE 6 DANCE SYLLABUS How do I create a motif? USE YOUR STAGE 6 DANCE SYLLABUS Photo by Manfred Werner - Tsui / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Criteria You are marked on three different areas; Generating Movement Organising the Movement Organising the Dance To be able to create a motif, you must generate movement first.

Generating Movement As per your STAGE 6 Dance Syllabus, generating movement as it relates to dance composition relates to; Finding stimulus material (visual, auditory, tactile, ideational and kinaesthetic) Building your concept – intent or motivating factors Once you have a clear idea you will start generating movement relevant to a concept/intent This involves moving from the literal to the abstract Through exploration and improvisation Reflection and evaluation of the movement you create. Does it really link to the overall concept? Select and refine the movement that you have created. http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/stage-6-creative-arts/dance-syllabus

Types of Stimuli Visual – the dance is derived from observations or perceptions. E.g. pictures, sculptures, objects, patterns, shapes, etc. Auditory – the dance is derived from music, percussion, vocal and other sounds, spoken words, songs and poems. Ideational – the dance is derived from ideas. E.g. a story, a blog, website Tactile – the dance is derived from feeling or touch sensations. E.g. swirling, smooth, spreading, rough, sticky, hot, etc. Kinaesthetic – the dance is about movements itself. E.g. a single movement or shape, or phrase which becomes a kinaesthetic from which the dance is derived. Eg, the way a bouncy ball moves or the way water flows etc.

Abstraction The move from the representational to the symbolic; the process of removing movement from a particular or representative context and (by manipulating it with the elements of space, time and dynamics) creating a sequence or dance that retains the essence of the original - Dance Stage 6 syllabus, Board of Studies, 1999, p 78. Abstraction means to take an idea or image or form and present to an audience its essential qualities … we abstract the natural movements of the human body by simplifying, enlarging and sometimes distorting the movements. The reason for doing this is to communicate something about those movements or about the character who is performing those movements. We also abstract the movements of animals or objects and make abstract movement to communicate themes and concepts, such as conflict, liberty or depression. - Dancing in Space, Wauchop D., 2004, p 112

Abstraction When we are creating movement, we need to aim to be the black dot in the middle. We need to have an even balance of representational and symbolic. Without the essence of the original, the audience would not understand what the movement is about. Take a handshake for example, how could you abstract this movement and move down the line to symbolic? Watch the clip below to see how you can abstract movement into different ways; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ycEuFEhJY

Organising the Movement Motif – developed from your stimulus Phrase – ‘a brief sequence of related movements that make up the smallest and simplest unit of dance form’ Motif into phrase – using 16 Ways to Manipulate a Motif

Creating your Motif Now that you have an idea of what you want to communicate, use your stimulus to abstract your ideas and create key movement ideas/phrases. Continuously asking for feedback from a range of people, will help to narrow down exactly what you are trying to portray through you movement.

The Elements of Dance Once you have developed a concept and thought about how you want to organise it into a formal structure, you need to make sure you have variation and contrast throughout. Before you start creating movement, plan the way in which you are going to use aspects of SPACE, TIME and DYNAMICS to clearly convey your intent to the audience.

Organising the Dance Sequencing – your phrases turn into sequences Transition – you must have a reason to move into your next sequence of the dance Repetition – use of repetition to communicate your idea clearly variation and contrast – using The Elements of Dance formal structures – see next slide Unity – how does it all come together to communicate your idea? Does it flow? appraisal and evaluation – seek feedback and critic your own work. Composition takes time. You will continuously be reworking the movement. Organising the Dance

Remember the Process of Composition Concept/Intent Find stimulus for your idea Formal structure Create motifs for each sequence Use 16 Ways to Manipulate a Motif to develop your phrases Organise your dance through the use of Space, Time, Dynamics

Resources Stage 6 Dance Syllabus - http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/port al/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/stage-6- creative-arts/dance-syllabus https://youtu.be/-QNEpj2TbRE https://youtu.be/suzEom1fXdg