Chapter 1: Composition and Analysis

Module Overview

• Focus on making dances and analyzing the processes of dance composition and arrangement.

• Encourage creative thinking and exploration of movement possibilities.

• Study the structuring of dances and manipulation of dance vocabularies.

Key Components

Creative Thinking and Exploration

• Think creatively and explore different movement possibilities.

• Manipulate dance vocabularies to articulate specific intentions.

Understanding Dance Structures

• Explore various ways of structuring dances.

1. Narrative Structure

   • Storytelling: The dance follows a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Characters and events are conveyed through movement.

   • Theme-based: The dance explores a specific theme or concept, which guides the choreography.

2. Musical Structure

   • Verse-Chorus: The dance follows the structure of a song, with distinct sections for verses and choruses.

   • Phrasing: Movement sequences align with musical phrases or sections, creating a flow that matches the music's dynamics.

3. Abstract Structure

   • Motif Development: A small movement or gesture is introduced and then developed and varied throughout the dance.

   • ABA Form: The dance has three sections: an initial section (A), a contrasting middle section (B), and a return to the initial section (A).

4. Improvisational Structure

   • Structured Improvisation: Dancers follow set guidelines or rules but have freedom to improvise within those parameters.

   • Contact Improvisation: Dancers interact with each other, exploring weight, balance, and movement in a spontaneous and collaborative way.

5. Spatial Structure

   • Use of Space: Choreography is designed to explore different areas of the performance space, using levels (high, medium, low), directions, and pathways.

   • Formation Changes: Dancers move through various formations, creating visual interest and dynamics.

6. Rhythmic Structure

   • Syncopation: Choreography incorporates off-beat movements and accents to create rhythmic complexity.

   • Polyrhythms: Different rhythms are layered together, with dancers moving to different beats or tempos simultaneously.

7. Conceptual Structure

   • Idea-driven: The dance is based on a conceptual idea, such as exploring the relationship between humans and nature, or the idea of transformation.

   • Symbolism: Movement and staging are used to represent abstract concepts or symbols.

8. Collaborative Structure

   • Co-choreography: Multiple choreographers contribute to the dance, each bringing their own style and ideas.

   • Dancer Input: Dancers are involved in the creation process, contributing their own movements and ideas to the choreography.

9. Technical Structure

   • Technique-based: The dance showcases specific dance techniques or styles, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, or ballroom.

   • Skill Development: Choreography is designed to highlight the technical skills and abilities of the dancers.

• Develop an understanding of movement principles through class discussions and teacher commentaries. These principles can help dancers achieve clarity, efficiency, and expressiveness in their movements. Here are some key movement principles:

1. Alignment and Posture

   • Proper Alignment: Ensuring that the body is aligned correctly to avoid injury and maximize movement efficiency.

   • Posture: Maintaining an upright and balanced posture to support movement and expression.

2. Balance and Stability

   • Center of Gravity: Understanding and controlling the body’s center of gravity to maintain balance.

   • Base of Support: Using the feet and other body parts effectively to provide stability during movement.

3. Weight Transfer

   • Shifting Weight: Moving the body's weight from one part to another smoothly and efficiently.

   • Grounding: Feeling connected to the floor and using it to push off and create movement.

4. Breath

   • Breath Support: Using breath to support and initiate movement.

   • Rhythmic Breathing: Coordinating breath with movement to enhance fluidity and expression.

5. Momentum and Inertia

   • Generating Momentum: Using body weight and muscle force to create and control momentum.

   • Managing Inertia: Understanding how to start, stop, and change direction smoothly.

6. Extension and Flexion

   • Extending: Reaching out and elongating the body to create lines and shapes.

   • Flexing: Bending and folding the body to create contrast and movement variety.

7. Articulation

   • Joint Articulation: Moving each joint independently and clearly to create precise and articulate movements.

   • Sequential Movement: Coordinating movements in a sequence to create fluid and connected actions.

8. Opposition and Coordination

   • Oppositional Forces: Using opposing forces within the body to create tension and dynamic movement.

   • Coordination: Harmonizing different parts of the body to move together effectively.

9. Spatial Awareness

   • Using Space: Understanding and utilizing the performance space, including levels, directions, and pathways.

   • Personal Space: Awareness of the space immediately around the body and how it is used in movement.

10. Dynamics and Quality of Movement

    • Dynamics: Varying the intensity, speed, and force of movements to create contrast and interest.

    • Movement Quality: Exploring different qualities of movement, such as smooth, sharp, light, heavy, sustained, or sudden.

11. Timing and Rhythm

    • Musicality: Coordinating movements with music or rhythm.

    • Pacing: Understanding the timing of movements, including accelerations and decelerations.

12. Flow and Continuity

    • Flow: Creating smooth transitions between movements.

    • Continuity: Maintaining a sense of ongoing movement without unnecessary stops or breaks.

• Apply movement principles effectively in each dance.

Supporting Diverse Viewpoints

• Learn how dance structures support diverse viewpoints, ideas, and purposes by providing a framework within which movement can convey meaning. 

• By thoughtfully structuring a dance, choreographers and dancers can effectively communicate complex viewpoints, ideas, and purposes, creating a meaningful and impactful performance for the audience.

• The fundamental to understanding and appreciating the art form is the interrelation of form, content, and function in dance.

Form, Content and Function

1. FORM

   • Definition: Form refers to the structure and organization of the dance. It includes the overall layout, sequences, patterns, and the spatial and temporal arrangement of movements.

   • Role: Form provides the framework within which the dance is created and performed. It shapes how the dance progresses and evolves over time.

   • Examples: Common dance forms include narrative, ABA (a three-part structure), rondo, theme and variations, and episodic.

2. CONTENT

   • Definition: Content encompasses the themes, ideas, emotions, and narratives expressed through the dance. It’s the subject matter or message that the dance conveys.

   • Role: Content gives meaning to the dance and engages the audience on an intellectual and emotional level. It’s what the dance is about and what it aims to communicate.

   • Examples: Content can range from abstract concepts like love, struggle, and freedom to specific stories, historical events, or cultural rituals.

3. FUNCTION

   • Definition: Function refers to the purpose or intended outcome of the dance. It’s the reason why the dance is created and performed.

   • Role: Function influences both the form and content, as the purpose of the dance shapes how it’s structured and what it expresses. It answers the question of why the dance exists.

   • Examples: Functions of dance include entertainment, cultural expression, storytelling, political commentary, ritual, therapeutic purposes, and social interaction.

Interrelation of Form, Content, and Function

1. Form Influences Content and Function

   • Expressive Capability: The chosen form can enhance or constrain the content. For example, a narrative form is well-suited for storytelling, while an abstract form might better convey emotions or concepts.

   • Purpose Fulfillment: The form must align with the function. For instance, a dance intended for a ritual may have a repetitive and cyclical form, reflecting the ceremonial nature.

2. Content Shapes Form and Function

   • Structural Needs: The content dictates certain structural requirements. A complex story may need an episodic form to effectively communicate its plot, while a simple emotional expression might fit a more straightforward structure.

   • Purpose Alignment: The content should support the function. If the function is to educate, the content might be informative and illustrative, requiring a clear and logical form.

3. Function Determines Form and Content

   • Form Selection: The intended purpose guides the choice of form. A dance created for entertainment might prioritize a dynamic and engaging form, whereas a dance for therapeutic purposes might focus on gentle and flowing movements.

   • Content Creation: The function influences the themes and ideas chosen. A dance with a political function might include content that highlights social issues, using a form that allows for strong, impactful statements.

Example:

Ballet Performance (Swan Lake):

• Form: Classical ballet with a narrative structure, including acts and scenes with specific choreography and musical accompaniment.

• Content: The story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse, and her love story with Prince Siegfried.

• Function: To entertain, tell a compelling story, and showcase the technical and expressive capabilities of the dancers.

In this example:

• The form (classical ballet with narrative structure) supports the content (a fairy tale story) by providing a clear framework for storytelling.

• The content (the story of Odette and Siegfried) aligns with the function (entertainment and artistic expression) by engaging the audience emotionally and intellectually.

• The function (entertainment and artistic expression) dictates the choice of form (classical ballet) and content (a dramatic and romantic story).

Glossary of Dance Terms

• Refer to the glossary for definitions and differences between key terms such as “composition”, “arrangement”, and “structured improvisation”.

Glossary of Dance Terms

Practice and Application

Skill Development

• Provide sufficient opportunities for students to practice the required skills.

• Ensure students can meet the assessment requirements.

Creating Original Dances

• Compose original dances as part of the coursework.

• Allow for the creation of one arrangement of a long-standing established dance.

Contrasting Compositional Nature (HL Specific)

• HL students must create dances of contrasting compositional nature.

Steps for Creating Contrasting Dance Compositions

1. Define the Purpose and Theme:

   • Purpose: Decide on the overarching goal of each dance. One might aim to tell a story, while another could focus on abstract expression or exploring a specific emotion.

   • Theme: Choose distinct themes for each dance. For instance, one dance could explore themes of love and joy, while another delves into themes of conflict and struggle.

2. Select Different Dance Styles:

   • Choose styles that inherently contrast in movement vocabulary and technique. For example, pair a classical ballet piece with a contemporary dance work or a hip-hop routine with a lyrical dance.

3. Create Distinct Movement Vocabulary:

   • Movement Quality: For one dance, use smooth, flowing, and continuous movements. For the contrasting piece, incorporate sharp, staccato, and abrupt movements.

   • Dynamics: Vary the dynamics between dances. One could have slow, sustained movements, while the other features fast, energetic, and powerful motions.

4. Vary the Musical Choices:

   • Music Selection: Use different genres of music to enhance the contrast. Classical music can complement a ballet, while contemporary or electronic music can support a modern dance.

   • Rhythm and Tempo: Choose music with different rhythms and tempos. One piece could have a steady, calm tempo, while the other has a fast, syncopated rhythm.

5. Experiment with Spatial Design:

   • Use of Space: In one dance, explore expansive use of space with large, sweeping movements. In the contrasting piece, focus on confined, intricate movements within a limited space.

   • Formations: Utilize different formations and spatial patterns. One dance might emphasize symmetrical patterns, while the other uses asymmetrical and scattered formations.

6. Choreographic Structures:

   • Narrative vs. Abstract: Create one dance with a clear narrative structure, telling a story with a beginning, middle, and end. For the contrasting piece, opt for an abstract structure focusing on movement for movement’s sake.

   • Motif and Development: In one composition, develop a central motif with variations and repetitions. In the other, avoid repetition and focus on continuous evolution of movement without recurring themes.

7. Contrast in Costuming and Set Design:

   • Costumes: Design costumes that reflect the contrasting nature of each dance. One dance could have elaborate, classical costumes, while the other uses minimalistic, modern attire.

   • Sets and Props: Incorporate sets and props that enhance the thematic and stylistic differences. One dance could have a detailed, traditional set, while the other uses a bare stage or abstract props.

Tips for Successful Contrasting Compositions

• Research and Inspiration: Study different dance styles and compositions to gain inspiration and understanding of various movement vocabularies.

• Collaboration: Work with different choreographers or dancers specializing in contrasting styles to bring authenticity and depth to each piece.

• Rehearsal and Refinement: Dedicate time to rehearse and refine each dance, ensuring the contrasts are clear and impactful.

• Feedback and Adjustments: Seek feedback from peers and audiences to gauge the effectiveness of the contrasts and make necessary adjustments.

Analysis and Examination

Analyzing Personal Work

• Analyze and examine their own dance work.

• Write analytical statements about their compositions.

Demonstrating Understanding

• Demonstrate how the compositional structure supports specific viewpoints, ideas, and purposes.

• Show how form, content, and function interrelate in their dance.

Discussion of Choreographed Works

• Discuss these elements in relation to works choreographed by others.

• Analyze and compare personal work with that of others.

Making Connections (HL Specific)

• Make connections across all aspects of dance learning.

• Note how these connections influence their compositional work.

Assessment Requirements

Original Dance Compositions

• Create and present original dances.

• Meet the criteria for originality and technical execution.

Composition Requirements

• First Dance: Solo performed by the student.

• Second Dance: Solo or duet performed by the student alone or with another student from the school.

• Third Dance: Group dance, either individual or collaborative:

  • If collaborative, must involve a student from another arts discipline within the school.

  • Must be performed by other dance students from the school.

• One of the three dances may be an arrangement of a traditional dance or standard repertoire.

Written Analytical Statements

• Write detailed analytical statements demonstrating their understanding of compositional elements and structure.

• The length of the analytical statement must be no more than 1,000 words focusing on one submission.

Discussion and Comparative Analysis

• Participate in discussions and provide comparative analysis of personal work and that of other choreographers.

Higher Level (HL) Specific Assessments

• Create and present dances of contrasting compositional nature.

• Demonstrate co

• mprehensive understanding through making connections across all aspects of their dance education.

Chapter 2: World Dance Studies

Understanding Dance Forms

The definition of dance

• Dance is an expressive medium for people of all languages and cultural backgrounds. It includes a wide variety of dance forms, such as the highly stylized forms found in classical ballet and contemporary dance, as well as the ritualistic dances of indigenous cultures. All dance is expressive movement with intent, purpose and structure, which communicates through the body and gestures of the dancer.

• Dancing is about telling stories, expressing emotions, and expressing cultural identities through movement. Dance is a vital and integral part of human life. This form of artistic expression functions as a repository for cultural heritage and community memory, frequently reflecting the historical, social, and spiritual aspects of a community.

• For example, in African cultures, dances like the Maasai jumping dance in Kenya and the Adowa from Ghana are an essential part of traditional events that signify celebrations, rites of passage, or connections to ancestors.

• These dances' symbolic meanings strengthen social connections and uphold cultural identity throughout generations with each movement and gesture.

Dance Forms Classification

• Dance forms can be broadly divided into three categories: folk, classical, and contemporary. Each of these categories has unique traits and purposes.

• Folk dances, which have their origins in the customs of certain geographical areas or ethnic groups, frequently use rhythmic movements and music to convey cultural tales or to commemorate social gatherings.

• Flamenco, for instance, is a Spanish dance form that has its roots in the Roma (Gypsy) communities of Andalusia. Its performers' determination and sense of ethnic identity are reflected in their complex hand gestures, passionate footwork, and strong emotional expression.

• Ballet and Kathak, on the other hand, are examples of highly structured and elegant classical dances that emphasize technical accuracy and storytelling through movements and facial emotions (abhinaya).

• These genres developed in the context of royal courts and religious organizations, offering audiences spiritual lessons or legendary stories in addition to being a source of amusement.

Cultural Context of Dance

Cultural Influences

• Social standards, cultural traditions, and beliefs all have a significant impact on dance forms. They frequently act as the medium for expressing religious devotion, commemorating important life events within a community, or honoring seasonal changes.

• For instance, the Hawaiian Hula dance incorporates narrative, chants (oli), and particular motions (hula 'auana and hula kahiko) to transmit and maintain the history, mythology, and spiritual beliefs of the Hawaiian people. Every dance step is infused with cultural meaning, such as hand motions that signify historical figures or elements of nature, strengthening connections to ancestors and promoting cultural continuity.

• Similar to this, the elaborate hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions (bhavas) of Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam are meticulously choreographed to convey philosophical concepts from ancient texts like the Natya Shastra, embodying the artistic and spiritual legacy of Hindu traditions.

Meaning and Symbolism

• Dance frequently uses symbolic gestures, movements, and clothing that evoke strong feelings and deeper meanings.

• Kabuki is a classic Japanese dance genre in which players recreate historical tragedies or supernatural tales using elaborate costumes (kimonos) and exaggerated gestures (mie). Each movement in the performance serves as a visual metaphor for moral dilemmas or societal challenges.

• In addition, Indigenous dance traditions such as the Inuit blanket toss in Canada's Arctic combine acrobatic moves with group singing and drumming to represent cooperation, resiliency, and common survival strategies in hostile environments.

• These symbolic elements enhance dance's artistic expression while also acting as a means for cultural transmission, upholding customs and values throughout generations in the face of changing social environments.

Techniques and Practices of Choreography

Choreographic Elements

• In dance, choreography is the deliberate arrangement of motions, space, time, and energy to produce visually striking expressions.

• Abstract choreography was invented by contemporary choreographers such as Merce Cunningham, who prioritized movement over narrative or emotional meaning. This method encourages audiences to see movement as a stand-alone art form while also challenging traditional storytelling norms.

• Traditional dance styles, on the other hand, like Irish Step Dance, place more emphasis on rhythmic posture and footwork, with moves that frequently show regional and historical influences. These dances' use of percussion footwork not only offers musical accompaniment but also, through physical expression, upholds cultural identity and historical continuity.

Dancing Methodologies

• To learn the particulars of movement and expression in various dance genres, particular approaches and training methods are necessary.

• Turnout, or the rotation of the legs from the hips, extension, and elevation are examples of classical technique highly valued in ballet. Ballet dancers must possess discipline and determination, and these skills are crucial for performing graceful movements like pirouettes (spins) and grand jetés (huge leaps) with precision.

• Another instance, performers in traditional Chinese dance go through intense training in moves like "kicking legs" and "flying hands," which emphasize strength, agility, and fluidity to clearly and narratively depict themes of historical events, folklore, and cultural traditions.

Performance and Interpretation

Performance Contexts

• Dance performances happen in a range of venues, from traditional theaters and outdoors festivals to informal gatherings and online platforms.

• Flamenco, for instance, which is often performed in small spaces called "tablaos" in Spain, has made its way to stages all over the world, where audiences can see its profound feelings, rhythmic guitar playing, and passionate footwork.

• In a similar vein, hip-hop and other current dance styles have become more well-known through music videos, live performances, and international contests, influencing youth culture and artistic expression beyond national borders.

Dance Interpretation

• Analyzing ideas, stories, and emotions expressed via movement is all part of the process of interpreting dance.

• The universal themes of human emotion, struggle, and resilience are explored in Martha Graham's choreography, which is renowned for its dramatic use of contraction and release techniques.

• Her piece "Appalachian Spring," for example, uses dance, music, and abstract movement to interpret the spirit of the American frontier and encourage viewers to consider how history, identity, and cultural heritage are all interconnected.

• Similar to this, Afro-Brazilian groups celebrate Carnival with African dance forms like Brazil's Samba, which combines rigorous hip movements, foot stomping, and colorful costumes to represent themes of joy, liberation, and cultural pride.

Globalization and Current Challenges

The effects of globalization

• Globalization has enabled the blending of dance styles and cross-cultural exchange, which has resulted in the creation of new hybrid forms and creative collaborations.

• Bollywood Dance is one example of a fusion dance form that has acquired popularity in international film and cultural festivals. It combines traditional Indian dance components with Western influences like jazz and hip-hop, and its lively choreography, colorful costumes, and cheerful music appeal to people all over the world.

• Comparably, modern dance companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater explore topics of social justice, identity, and the human experience through creative choreography and multimedia storytelling. They do this by combining modern dance methods with African American cultural traditions.

Current Challenges

• Contemporary dance uses activism, cultural criticism, and community empowerment as a platform to confront current social and political issues.

• By combining traditional movements with modern narratives and multimedia elements, choreographers like Akram Khan—known for his combination of Kathak and contemporary dance styles—explore themes of migration, displacement, and cultural identity in works like "Xenos."

• Khan's choreography challenges perceptions of belonging and displacement in a globalized world, influencing audiences to confront challenging social issues and embrace cultural diversity through the transformative power of dance.

Identity and Dance

Individuality and Cultural Identity

• As a tool for self-expression, community building, and cultural preservation, dance plays an important role in forming both personal and cultural identities.

• Dances such as the Corroboree are used as spiritual rituals and storytelling traditions in Indigenous Australian communities, establishing a connection between people and their ancestral lands, animals, and Dreamtime stories.

• In the face of constant challenges from colonization and cultural assimilation, Indigenous peoples find strength in the way that each dance movement incorporates ecological knowledge, familial bonds, and traditional values.

Social and Political Movements

• Throughout history, dance has been employed as an instrument for social change, political protest, and revitalization of culture.

• African American dancers and choreographers such as Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey used dance in shows that honored African American cultural heritage and resilience to fight against racial segregation and promote civil rights during the American Civil Rights Movement.

• Their choreography—which featured expressive gestures, syncopated rhythms, and spiritual themes—inspired audiences to address racist institutions and imagine a more welcoming community in which dance would play a significant role as a catalyst for social justice and group empowerment.

Additional Considerations

Research Methodologies

• Participant observation and interviews with dancers and choreographers are two examples of ethnographic methods that shed light on the societal contexts and cultural importance of dance practices around the world.

• These techniques are employed by anthropologists researching traditional African dance forms to document the role of dance in healing ceremonies, rites of passage, and community rituals.

• This documentation highlights the interdependence of movement, music, and oral traditions in the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of globalization and modernization.

Comparative Analysis and Case Studies

• Understanding dance forms' aesthetic principles, historical development, and societal implications can be strengthened through comparative analysis of other cultural perspectives.

• A comparison of Flamenco and Bharatanatyam rhythmic footwork and storytelling techniques, for instance, reveals common themes of passion, spirituality, and emotional expression expressed through dynamic movement and artistic interpretation, while also showcasing the two dance forms' distinct cultural new beginnings.

Chapter 3: Introduction to Performance in Dance

Definition and Importance

• Performance in dance can be defined as the ability to perform dance movements and gestures in front of an audience. It is the result of practice, skill, and creativity.

• It is a way of expressing ideas, feelings, and concepts through the medium of movement and as such is an important element of dance as an art form.

Elements of Dance Performance

Technical Skills

• Technique: The foundational movements and positions in dance.

  • Ballet Technique: Includes positions like plié, tendu, and arabesque.

  • Contemporary Technique: Focuses on fluid movements and body contractions.

  • Jazz Technique: Emphasizes sharp, energetic movements and isolations.

Ballet Technique (ARABESQUES)

• Contemporary Technique 

• Jazz Technique 

Expressive Skills

• Facial Expressions: Using the face to convey emotions.

• Body Language: How the posture and movements communicate feelings and narratives.

• Dynamics: The variations in movement intensity and speed.

• A comparison chart of different facial expressions and body postures.

Musicality

• Timing: Matching movements to the rhythm of the music.

• Phrasing: Understanding and expressing the musical phrases through dance.

• Interpretation: How dancers use music to inspire and shape their movements.

•  Diagram showing a musical score with corresponding dance movements.

Performance Preparation

Rehearsal Process

• Warm-up: Essential exercises to prepare the body.

• Drills and Techniques: Specific practices to improve skills.

• Run-throughs: Complete practice of the performance piece.

• E.g. a wedding rehearsal

Costume and Makeup

• Costumes: How they enhance the performance and character.

• Makeup: Techniques for stage makeup to highlight facial expressions.

• Images of costume designs and stage makeup examples.

Stage Presence

• Confidence: Building self-assurance through practice and mental preparation.

• Audience Engagement: Techniques for connecting with the audience.

• Spatial Awareness: Understanding and utilizing the performance space.

• Stage diagrams showing optimal positioning and movement patterns.

Performance Execution

During the Performance

• Focus and Concentration: Maintaining mental clarity and presence.

• Adaptability: Responding to unexpected changes or mistakes.

• Energy and Stamina: Sustaining performance energy throughout the piece.

Post-Performance

• Cool Down: Essential exercises to help the body recover.

• Reflection: Analyzing performance strengths and areas for improvement.

• Feedback: Seeking constructive criticism from peers and mentors.

Case Studies and Examples

Iconic Performances

• Analysis of famous dance performances from various genres.

• Breakdown of techniques, expressions, and stage presence used.

• Kanye West's music video annotations.

Student Performance Analysis

• Examples of student performances with critiques and feedback.

• Highlighting what was done well and what could be improved.

• Dance Moms performance comparisons and ranking on feedback.