Choreography Quiz #1 2.0

List the three basic elements of dance.

Time, space, energy

Define "form and content" as used in choreography and give an example of each.

Form: is the structure you give a dance.

Content: is the intent behind the dance.

Abstract

The process of transforming realistic movement into nonrepresentational design while retaining recognizable elements of the original.

Expressionism

The attempt of an artist to project an image on the basis of his own reaction to reality.

Imagery

Symbols created to project a statement or emotion from imagination into visual form.

Climax

The high point of the composition.

Phrase

Beginning, middle, and end

Transition

Separates one movement from another or one dance phrase from another, and at the same time, acts as a connecting link between the two respective parts.

Gestalt

Ads up to more than the sum of its elements.

Contemporary

A manifestation of the world and time in which the choreographer lives.

Positive Space

Something that is tangible

Negative Space

The space that is revealed between

Design

Capturing a form. Curved or circular lines produce a sense of ongoingness. Straight and angled lines give a feeling of stillness.

Facing

Refers to the orientation of the body in relation to the movement and involves other factors besides the face.

Direction

Certain images are best realized in specific directions. Retreat takes us back. Chase takes us forward. Jump up, fall down, sneaking is usually sideways, and authority pushes forward.

Focus

Has the power to convey moods, messages, and meaning to the audience.

Play

Implies choices and lack of constraints, yet, there is a seriousness to it.

What is the difference between a "choreographic phrase" and a "movement combination"?

Choreographic phrase conveys feelings, images, ideas, stories, symbols, and design elements.

A movement combination is for movement's sake, often used in a technique class.

Composition is based on only two things, what are they?

Conception of a theme (content)

Manipulation of that theme (form)

List two main points from the "Essentials" article that you are now going to apply to your choreography.

intention, motivation, clarity

Please list 5 of the 9 principles of "form".

1. Unity

2. Variation

3. Repetition

4. Contrast

5. Development

6. Resolution

7. Climax/Emphasis

8. Balance/Harmony

9. Proportion

Define "site specific" choreography

Choreography that can only be performed in that space. Dependent on the space around you using people and environment.

List 3 improvisation tips AND describe why that tip is beneficial.

Relax

Be in the Moment

Listen and be aware

Don't Talk/Laugh

Don't critique yourself

Be yourself

It's ok to copy

Make eye contact / don't be shy

Be available

Don't compare yourself to others.

Define genres of dance vs styles of dance.

Genre: codified movement, broad and encompassing. Examples: ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, etc.

Style: signature of individual or group, specific and unique to individual or group. Styles exist within genres. Examples: jazz---Broadway jazz, Theatrical jazz, Lyrical jazz. Alvin Ailey, Bob Fosse, Bus Giordano

Do the following:

1. Define the acronym CRP

2. List all 4 steps involved and identify who is performing each step.

Critical Response Process

1-Satement of Meaning from the viewer.

2-Artist Question from artist or choreographer.

3-Neutral Question from the viewer.

4-Opinion from viewer to artist with permission.

Abstraction

The process of transforming realistic movement into non-representation design while retaining recognizable elements of the original

Choreographic study

An exercise in the craft of choreography. No matter how short, this study should stand by itself with a beginning, middle, and end. It must be repeatable.

Communication

Bridging the gap between the performer and the audience

Contemporary dance

A manifestation of the world and time in which the choreographer lives

Content

The central concern or intent that guides the movement

Contrast

Change for the purpose of providing new insights

Dance suite

Three or more related dances constituting a series

Development

The process of evolving a dance idea

Distortion

A change from the normal or average

Ending

An experimental effort in the search for movement, sequence, or form

Form

How the dance is structured

Harmony

The agreement of the forces involved in the whole

Juxtapose

Putting one element beside another (opposites)

Medium

Stuff that the art is made of

Movement style

A recurrent or qualitatively patterned way of moving

Neutrality

A way to begin improvisation, centered and uncluttered

Syncopation

Accenting a weak beat or unaccented part of a beat

Style

Signature of an individual, group, or entire culture at a specific period in time

Unity

The force which binds the parts of the composition together

What are the 2 rules of composition?

1. Conception of the theme (content/intent)

2. Manipulation of that theme (form)

Levels

Low is about earthiness. Middle level facilitated goingness. High level is about elevation

Dimension

There are 3 dimensions dealing with height, width, and depth. They have 3 spatial pulls - vertical, sagittal, and horizontal

What are the three dimensions that can be joined to create planes?

Length, width, and height

What is an example of a vertical plane?

Door

What is an example of a horizontal plane?

Table

What is an example of a sagittal plane?

Wheel

How many spatial pulls does each plane have?

4

What does 'stage specific' refer to in dance?

The actual physical area, the stage or arena that contains the dance.

How many strong areas of movement are there on stage?

7 strong areas.

How many weak areas of movement are there on stage?

6 weak areas.

What is the strongest diagonal on stage?

From upstage right to downstage left.

What does downstage left represent in dance?

A place of intimacy.

What does the left side of the stage symbolize?

The past.

What does the right side of the stage symbolize?

The future.

What does stage center represent?

The present.

Positive space

Something that is tangible

Negative space

The space that is revealed (between)

Symmetry

The design is exactly the same of both sides of center, gives a feeling of strength and authority

Asymmetry

Possesses a produces tension and dynamic quality. These usually contain the highest interest