Motif

Motif Development in Dance

• Definition:

  • Motif development is a choreographic device used in the creation of dance routines.

Changes to Space

• Spatial Elements:

  • Levels:

  • Varying the vertical positioning of dancers (high, medium, low).

  • Size of Movement:

  • Altering the scale of gestures (big movements vs. small movements).

  • Directions:

  • Changing the orientation of movements (e.g., forwards, sideways, backward).

  • Shape/Body Design:

  • Modifying the outlines and forms created by the dancers' bodies.

  • Pathways:

  • Creating patterns in the air and on the floor as dancers move.

  • Proximity:

  • Transitioning from near to far proximity in relation to other dancers.

  • Areas of the Stage:

  • Utilizing different sections and spaces on the stage for performance.

Group Dance and Relationship Motif Development

• Choreographic Devices Used in Group Settings:

  • Copying (Matching):

  • Dancers perform identical movements simultaneously.

  • Mirroring:

  • One dancer's movements reflect those of another, creating symmetry.

  • Contrasting and Complimentary:

  • Dancers perform opposing movements or movements that enhance one another.

  • Leading and Following:

  • Establishing a dynamic where one dancer leads the movements and others follow.

  • Question and Answer:

  • Dialogue through movement where one dancer’s motion prompts a response from another.

  • Action and Reaction (Cause and Effect):

  • One dancer’s movement triggers a reaction from others.

  • Unison:

  • All dancers execute the same movements together.

  • Canon:

  • Dancers perform the same motif in sequence, one after the other.

  • Group Formations:

  • Organizing dancers into specific shapes or patterns on stage.

  • Contact Work:

  • Including physical interaction between dancers in the choreography.

Changes to Action

• Action Modification:

  • Addition:

  • Introducing new actions, such as a jump and a turn performed together.

  • Omission:

  • Removing certain actions from the motif.

  • Instrumentation:

  • Varying the actions by using different body parts (e.g., performing actions first with the right side, then with the left).

  • Repetition:

  • Repeating the motif or certain actions in various sections of the performance.

Changes to Dynamics

• Dynamic Elements:

  • Speed:

  • Adjusting the pace of movements (faster or slower).

  • Quality:

  • Modifying the essence of movements, such as their strength (stronger, softer), sharpness, directness, or flow.

Changes to Relationships and Choreographic Devices

• Relationship Alteration:

  • Incorporating Canon:

  • Adding a sequence of movements performed in succession.

  • Unison:

  • Performing together in synchronization.

  • Action-Reaction with Partner:

  • Engaging in movements that respond to one another.

  • Leading and Following with Partner:

  • Establishing a lead-follow dynamic in the choreography.

  • Mirroring with Partner:

  • Dancers reflect each other’s movements to create visual harmony.

Changes to Structure and Order

• Structural Adjustments:

  • Retrograde:

  • Performing the motif in reverse order (backwards).

  • Fragmentation:

  • Altering the sequence of actions within the motif.

Performance Focus Changes

• Performance Elements:

  • Focus Change:

  • Directing attention to different aspects of the performance.

  • Embellishment/Ornamentation:

  • Making movements appear more intricate or soph isticated.

  • Rhythm Alteration:

  • Changing the tempo or pattern of movement.

  • Accent Change:

  • Modifying where emphasis and energy are placed in the movements.

  • Expression Change:

  • Shifting emotional narratives in performances (e.g., moving from expressing calmness to expressing panic).

Comprehensive List of Instrumentation and Modifications

1. Instrumentation:

   • Utilizing different body parts in the choreography.

2. Repetition:

   • Repeating movements in various sections or using different parts while maintaining consistency.

3. Fragmentation:

   • Modifying the order of actions carried out in the motif.

4. Change the Dynamics:

   • Applying dynamic changes to all or selected movements.

5. Change Levels:

   • Adjusting the height of movements throughout the performance.

6. Change Directions:

   • Altering the path of movements (once or multiple times).

7. Enlarge or Exaggerate:

   • Expanding movements for dramatic effect.

8. Condense or Shrink:

   • Reducing th e size of movements to create a different impact.

9. Retrograde Performance:

   • Executing parts of the choreography in reverse order.

10. Combination of Modifications:

    • Fusing any of the above changes to innovate the motif.