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.

1. Key Components

1.1. Creative Thinking and Exploration

• Think creatively and explore different movement possibilities.

• Manipulate dance vocabularies to articulate specific intentions.

1.2. 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.

1.3. 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).

1.4. 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

2. Practice and Application

2.1. Skill Development

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

• Ensure students can meet the assessment requirements.

2.2. Creating Original Dances

• Compose original dances as part of the coursework.

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

2.3. 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.

3. Analysis and Examination

3.1. Analyzing Personal Work

• Analyze and examine their own dance work.

• Write analytical statements about their compositions.

3.2. Demonstrating Understanding

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

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

3.3. Discussion of Choreographed Works

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

• Analyze and compare personal work with that of others.

3.4. Making Connections (HL Specific)

• Make connections across all aspects of dance learning.

• Note how these connections influence their compositional work.

5. Assessment Requirements

5.1. 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.

5.2. 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.

5.3. Discussion and Comparative Analysis

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

5.4. Higher Level (HL) Specific Assessments

• Create and present dances of contrasting compositional nature.

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