Choreography, Compositional Forms, and Purposes of Dance Unit

Choreography Choreography: The act of designing a dance. The sequences of steps and the movement of bodies. Can be called dance composition Choreography can use specific compositional forms, but does not have to

Compositional Forms AB Structure: A dance with a 2-part structure (A and B) With the second part being different from the first part. (A and B are different)

Compositional Forms ABA Structure: A dance with a 3-part structure With the second part being different from the first part. (A and B are different) And the last part being the same as the first part ( Part A starts and ends the dance)

Compositional Forms Call and Response: 1st group (or soloist) moves, then the 2nd group (or soloist) moves in “response”.

Compositional Forms Narrative: A dance that tells a story using only movement. No words, singing, or dialogue Examples: Ballets like Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Cinderella Folk Dances like the Hula or some Native American ceremonial dances

Compositional Forms AB ABA Call and Response Narrative

Purposes of Dance Ceremonial: Dance done by a dancer in order to celebrate or commemorate a special occasion Perform a ritual such as an initiation of members into a group in some cultures

Purposes of Dance Recreational: Dance done by a dancer for enjoyment and in order to have fun Example: Square dancing Tap dancing Social dances

Purposes of Dance Artistic: Dance done by a dancer so that the viewer can appreciate the artistry of the dance Example: Ballet Jazz Broadway, in a performance

Purposes of Dance Ceremonial Recreational Artistic