CUACHR412 Create Short dance pieces

Knowledge Questions
Question 1:
List five elements that relate to the creative process of choreography.
Body, Action, Space, Time, Dynamics.
Question 2:
In the context of creating short dance pieces, discuss how the elements of movement (Action, space, time &
energy/force) can be applied?
These five elements of dance can be utilised to create and produce short dance pieces, for example, time
encompasses many things; rhythm, speed of movement, syncopation. This can be varied through pieces of any
length. And the same for space – using the higher and lower levels of the space can be performed within short
pieces, especially ones that have more than one dancer.
Question 3:
Describe the choreographic devices listed below and how they are used in choreography:

 Patterning
Patterning refers to the reoccurrence of lines, shapes, or movements that result in a spatial designs or
sequential movement. This can be used to create a visually satisfying effect for audiences but also in
order to portray a certain intent.

 Unity
Unity in dance refers to the feeling of wholeness within a piece – whether this be through performing
the same movement at the same time, dancers being still all at the same time, this technique is used to
maintain audience interest and to create differing movement concepts within a piece.

 Variety
Variety and variation within a dance piece typically refers to movement patterns or sequences that
have already been established, being used and isolated to maintain audience interest and allowing the
audience to view the piece in different ways with a growing understanding of the movement and
concept.

 Repetition
In dance, repetition is referred to as a choreographic device where a movement sequence or motif are
repeated to create a theme within the piece and highlight intent, and aid in conveying a concept.

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  Contrast
Contrast is used in dance pieces to create opposition within choreography, whether this be between
dancers or between sections of a piece – through the use of dynamics typically.

 Cannons
A choreographic device where movements or movement sequences are typically introduced by one
dancer and are repeated by subsequent dancers in turn – this can bring unity to a piece where dancers
have not been performing similar movement at the one time, and is very visually engaging from an
audience perspective.

 Retrograde
Retrograde refers to the performance of movement sequences or phrases backwards – this is a great
device to create variety within a piece and maintain interest.

 Staging
The use of the space – whether this be modification of movement to maximise the performance space,
or positioning, including both dancers and props.

Question 4:
When developing choreography for dance students identify and highlight from the list below, the important
safe dance requirements

 Match the choreography length and intensity to the age or gender of the student
 Use lifts and tricks that will make the dance exciting without taking into account the skill, strength and
age of the dancers
 Consider the physical developmental stages of the dancers
 Teach the choreography to the students regardless of age or experience in as short a time as possible
regardless of the intensity of the movements
 Make sure the dance space and floor surface are suitable for the genre of the choreography
 Be aware of common injuries in dance and their prevention
 Adapt potentially dangerous choreography to suit the age and developmental stage of the students
 Create the choreography regardless of the fitness level of the students
 Understand the risk of over training and fatigue
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  Use choreography that is mechanically safe and efficient

Question 5:
In regard to your 2 creative movement styles chosen for choreography, discuss how the music can influence
the movement chosen?
Music can influence and determine most commonly time and dynamics; for example, if the music is slow and
calm, with minimal changes in texture – movement is likely to be slower and smooth to match the
accompaniment. Whereas if a piece of music chosen is fast and textured, movement is likely to vary in
dynamic throughout the piece and be faster paced within the space to highlight certain aspects of the
accompaniment.

Question 6:
For the following dance styles list a relevant music style and provide an example of a piece of music to match.

Dance Style Music Style/ Form/ Genre Example of a musical piece

Jazz Pop Circus by Britney Spears
Tap: Jazz Fly Me To The Moon by Frank
Sinatra
Ballet: Classical/Instrumental The Four Seasons by Antonio
Vivaldi
Contemporary Indie To Build A Home by Cinematic
Orchestra
Hip Hop Hip Hop/RnB It’s Like That by Run DMC

Question 7:
In relation to your chosen dance style you have choreographed a short dance piece for, discuss key points in
the history of choreography for the style.
Ballet: Classical ballet, a genre of ballet, developed in the late 19th century, is known to be influenced by the
style of romantic ballet, and Russian ballet practices. It is known to be brought about by Marius Petipa, who
was known for turning Russian Folklore into ballet productions. His most famous works were ‘Swan Lake’,
‘Sleeping Beauty’, and ‘The Nutcracker’, which are all still being learnt and produced globally to this day. From
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this era came the creation and evolution of the pointe shoe. At this time more than ever, musicians and writers
were collaborating with dancers and choreographers to create a combined narrative.
As movement became of a higher skill level in this era, the classical tutu is shorter than the romantic tutu,
which are still used in productions today.
Question 8:
Explain in 50 words maximum how dance is a form of communication and discuss techniques of using dance
as a form of communication.
While movement in dance can be abstract in any form, especially in an attempt to portray a specific intent,
movement can also be very literal. Movement can be expressive and communicative, almost an amplified
version of basic body language. Telling these stories and portraying these emotions through movement allows
the choreographer to communicate with the audience, and the dancers connect to the audience.

Question 9:
Describe three issues or challenges that may arise when composing a dance and consider how you might
overcome them.
1. Trouble creating choreography/mental block – improvising can encourage production and selection of
movement.
2. Forgetting movement during improv – performing a movement and liking it but forgetting what you
did. Set up a camera while improvising so you can always watch it back.
3. Forgetting what you choreographed previously – film yourself at the end of every choreo session.

Question 10:
What is meant by intention or intent in choreography?
Intention within choreography refers to the story, themes, or ideas the choreographer wants to portray to the
audience throughout movement within a piece.
Question 11:
There are several stimuli that can assist when working in designing a choreographic piece of dance or
movement. List and describe three of these you consider to be important.

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 1. Auditory – the most commonly used type of stimuli. Refers to the use of music, sounds, or words to
create a piece and choreography.
2. Visual – the use of images, videos, physical landmarks or objects to generate movement ideas
3. Ideational – movement is generated and formed with the aim of portraying a certain theme or idea to
audiences.
Question 12:
There are many forms that a movement piece can have to add to its meaning and quality.
Describe briefly what is meant by Binary Form in choreography?
Binary form, also known as AB form is a simple choreographic structure that consists of two sections; A,
followed by section B, which are typically contrasting in dynamic and theme.
Question 13:
Describe briefly what is meant by a narrative form or style in choreography?
Narrative form refers to the structure of the choreography that follows a specific intent and aims to convey
specific themes through the intent. It is also known as ABC form, a gradual unfolding story.

Question 14:
Complete the following table.

Define in the context of List Examples (Minimum 3)

Locomotive Movements
Choreography
Movement sequences that move - Jete
from one part of the floor or - Walkover
space to another – moving from - Walking around the space
point A to point B.

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Non-Locomotive Movement Movement that takes place - Plies
around the axis of the body, - Illusion
rather than through and around - Pirouette
the space.

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