Composing Dances

Dance Composition  Stimulus  Types of Dances  Improvisation  Motif  Elements of Dance composition  Choreographic Devices  Compositional Structures  Final Composition “To compose a dance is to create a work of art”

Stimulus idea, inspiration, starting point Basic impulse Often SEVERAL stimuli work collectively to influence the dance OR: Can accompany the dance (music, set, text) Most dances are symbolic presentations of stimulus Examples:  Auditory  Visual  Kinesthetic  Tactile  Ideational

Types of Dances A) Classified by Genre Some examples: Ballet Tap Jazz World Dances (African, Belly Dancing, Irish step Dancing) Modern B) Terms of how they are choreographed Pure Dance Abstract or Non- Narrative Narrative Dance/Dramatic Dance Comic Dance

Improvisation So far choreographer has done: Chosen stimulus Decided on how stimulus presented Decided on style and type of dance Next Step: IMPROVISATION WHY?????

Improvisation experimentation with movement new ideas evolve spontaneous, transient creation –not fixed, not formed. movement ‘feels right’ can be selected and refined Never over, used throughout Movement then must have: Movement then must have:  Have meaning  Relevance to the idea of the dance  Interesting and original in action, dynamics, and spatial patterning  Potential for development

Motif and Development MOTIF MOTIF: movement or short movement phrase that forms the basis of the structure of a dance. It can: a) convey the theme / idea of the dance in physical form b) mark a recurring feature of the accompaniment, e.g., chorus of the music c) convey a character d) reflect the initial visual stimulus, e.g., pose from a picture, photograph, Sculpture etc

16 Ways to Manipulate a Motif 1.Repetition 2.Retrograde 3.Inversion 4.Size 5.Tempo 6.Rhythm 7.Quality of Movement 8.Instrumentation 9. Force 10. Background 11. Staging 12. Embellishment 13. Change of planes/levels 14. Additive/Incorporative 15. Fragmentation 16. Combination

Elements of Composition Space Space – Levels – Geometry (Direction, dimension, plane) – Shape – Floor Pattern – Design in space – Personal space – Active space – Performance Space Time Time – Tempo – Duration – Momentum – Regular or irregular – Accent – Metre – Natural rythms – Stillness Energy Energy – tension vs. release – seven qualities of movement – Weight or force

Choreographic Structures & Devices AB ABA Rondo (ABACADA) Theme and Variation Narrative Form Canon Chance Method Collage Mirroring

Final Composition Changes constantly Includes:  Stimulus  Types of Dances  Improvisation  Motif  Elements of Dance composition  Choreographic Devices  Compositional Structures  Final Composition Relates to the motif Work of Art