Choreography Structure

This page focuses on selecting an appropriate structure for a dance piece. Students are presented with different structural options including:

• ABA
• Binary
• Ternary
• ABC
• Narrative

Students are asked to choose a structure and explain how it reinforces their choreographic intentions and theme.

Definition: Dance structure refers to the overall organization and arrangement of movements within a choreographed piece.

Example: An ABA structure involves presenting a movement sequence (A), followed by a contrasting sequence (B), then returning to the original sequence (A).

Movement and Motif Development

This section explains the concept of initial motifs and motif development in dance choreography.

Key points covered:

• Definition and importance of initial motifs
• Purpose of motif development
• Considerations when developing motifs
• Ways to vary motifs (e.g. changing size, level, speed, dynamics)

Definition: An initial motif is a foundational movement sequence that supports and represents the core theme of a dance piece.

Vocabulary: Motif development techniques in dance choreography refer to methods of modifying and expanding upon a basic movement sequence to create variations and build the overall dance composition.

The page includes a practical task for students to video their initial and developed motifs, demonstrating their understanding of motif development techniques in dance choreography.

Choreographic Devices

This page introduces several key choreographic devices in dance, including:

1. Repetition
2. Retrograde
3. Unison
4. Mirroring
5. Canon
6. Juxtaposition
7. Accumulation

Each device is explained with its potential effects and uses in choreography.

Definition: Choreographic devices are tools used by choreographers to manipulate movement and create interesting variations in a dance piece.

Example: Canon is a device where dancers perform the same movement phrase starting at different times, creating a ripple effect.

Highlight: Understanding and effectively using choreographic devices is crucial for creating dynamic and engaging dance compositions for National 5 dance choreography.

Choreographic Devices Task

This page provides a practical task for students to apply their understanding of choreographic devices:

a) Students are asked to select three devices for their choreography b) They must explain how each chosen device reinforces their dance theme

This task encourages students to think critically about how choreographic devices can be used to support and enhance the overall meaning and impact of their dance piece.

Highlight: Selecting appropriate choreographic devices and being able to justify their use is an important skill for success in National 5 dance choreography.

Spatial Elements in Dance

This section introduces various spatial elements used in dance choreography:

• Personal space
• General space
• Levels
• Direction
• Body shape
• Size
• Proximity
• Pathways

The page also includes a diagram of stage areas and their potential uses in choreography.

Vocabulary: Spatial elements refer to how dancers use and interact with the performance space in a choreographed piece.

Example: Using upstage areas can communicate ideas of solitude or vulnerability, while downstage areas can build intimacy with the audience.

Highlight: Understanding and effectively using spatial elements is crucial for creating visually interesting and meaningful choreography for National 5 dance.

Spatial Elements Task

The final page presents a task for students to apply their understanding of spatial elements:

a) Students are asked to highlight two chosen spatial elements for their choreography b) They must explain how each chosen element reinforces their dance theme

This task encourages students to think critically about how spatial elements can be used to support and enhance the overall meaning and impact of their dance piece.

Highlight: Selecting appropriate spatial elements and being able to justify their use is an important skill for success in National 5 dance choreography.

Page 7: Spatial Elements Application

The page guides students through the selection and implementation of spatial elements in their choreography.

Highlight: Students must select and justify the use of two spatial elements in their composition.

Page 8: Musical Integration

This section addresses the technical and artistic aspects of music selection for choreography.

Definition: Music requirements include specific duration (1:30-2:00) and clear sectional changes.

Highlight: The importance of music in reinforcing theme and enhancing performance.

National 5 Dance Choreography Workbook

This workbook provides a structured approach to developing choreography skills for National 5 Dance students. It covers essential elements of dance composition including structure, motif development, choreographic devices, and spatial elements.

Highlight: This resource is specifically designed to support students preparing for the National 5 dance choreography component of their qualification.