Whether dance has a meaning or may be presented abstractly, it must contain certain

qualities that make the choreography effective. These characteristics include unity,
continuity and development, variety and contrast, transition, repetition, and climax.

Unity. The interconnected phrases of the dance are coherent and flow smoothly
together. The movements fit together and each plays an important role that contributes
to the entirety of a dance.

It is crucial for a dance to have unity to effectively make the audience understand
the choreography as a whole. It also attracts and holds the audience’s attention.

Continuity and Development. The phrases of the dance that are organized
progressively, making each movement phrase move naturally into the next. There is a
continuous development of the movement phrase and the audience is swept along to
the end.

Some dances develop organically in much the same way a play or a novel grows
from a process of natural unfolding of an idea, or sometimes it is built upon a structure
ordinarily associated with poetry.

Variety and Contrast. Making one or several variations that highlight the facet of
the motif. This provides variety within the development of a dance. It introduces new
material, which is noticeably different from anything so far seen in the dance. Variety
and contrast in movement phrases add excitement and flavor in the dance. Changing
the direction, use of energy, timing of a movement phrase, and avoiding repeating them
in the exact way are ways to add variety to the dance. Examples of contrasting
movements are slow to fast, short to long, and minimal to large movement phrases.

Transition. This is the link between movements, phrases, and sections of the
dance. It makes the logical progression of the dance flow smoothly. Also, it is vital
because it keeps the unity and continuity of the dance.

Transitions may vary from length and complexity. They may be long or short,
gradual or abrupt. They may also be simple or involving an entire phrase of movement.

Repetition. It emphasizes movements and phrases that are important to the

dance and gives a feeling of closure to a work. Some phrases need to be repeated in
choreography so that the audience can see those movements again and identify its
significance. Usually, when a certain phrase or a section of choreography is repeated, it
is the main message of the dance. This function to make clearer the meaning or
intention of the dance. Also, if the audience gets familiar with the movement, it gives
them a feeling of comfort.
 Climax. This is where the apex of energy in the dance is reached. It is similar to
a climax in a story where a series of events culminates. The climax may be a fast and
enraged blast of energy and action, or it could fade away to a gentle and quiet exit that
marks the end of a particular story. The music will often assist both the choreographer
and the audience when determining this point of development.

All these characteristics are organized to contribute to the development of a meaningful

dance. It is easier to recognize a good dance when all these characteristics have been
applied in the choreography.