Choreographic Devices
Choreographic devices are chosen by choreographers to give dances depth of interest and create compositions.
Repetition
Contrast
Repetition is a choreographic device where you repeat sections of the motifs of your choreography. It can be used to reinforce the ideas that you would like to share with the audience. However, you must be careful of using this device sparingly as it can make a dance predictable and boring.
Contrast is where you add something entirely different for the motifs of material you have created so far. An example is if your dance consists of slow and smooth movements, you can add a sharp and fast one. Contrast can also be created with music; for example, if the rhythm is intense and quick, you can create contrast by making your dancers move slowly.
Transitions
Highlights
Transitions are the link between a choreography's movements, phrases, and sections. They are essential elements of a choreography because they create the overall flow of the dance piece.
Highlights are important moments to enhance the choreography's effectiveness in sharing its message or concept. It can be used to draw the audience's attention to specific moments. Some choreographers create highlights by building dynamics and then pausing or using music.
Beginning and ending
Having a solid start and end of a choreography is essential. Usually, these two parts are the one that the audience remember the most. Think about the position of the dancers, entrances, and exits.
Climax
The climax is the high point of the dance, so you should choreograph your dance to lead to this moment. It could include an element of surprise for the audience. Siobhan Davies uses climax in an exciting way in 'Bird Song.' the central solo is the starting point/stimulus for the work and was the first section to be choreographed, although it is in the middle of the dance. To build towards the climax, the sound score of 'Bird Song' gradually becomes quieter in the sections leading to this solo, so the audience becomes aware that something important is about to happen.
Task 4
Think of a short dance you know well and create a graphic score to show the overall shape, highlights, and climax.
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Share the score of our forum.