Choreography: Dynamic Content

Dynamics in choreography represent the energy or emotion underlying movements in a dance piece. It’s the manner in which dancers execute movements, and adds depth and complexity to a performance.
Dynamic content typically refers to variations in energy, momentum, weight, and flow. It can be modified to drastically change the way a particular movement or sequence is perceived by an audience.
Key dynamic elements include: speed (fast or slow), strength (strong or light), flow (continuous or broken) and weight (heavy or light).
Dynamics can also be used to convey a range of emotions. Movements may be fast, frantic, and abrupt to suggest panic or fear; alternatively, they can be slow, smooth, and fluid to represent calmness or serenity.
Choreographers frequently use dynamic contrast within sections or between different sections of a dance to keep audience attention.
It’s important to understand relationship between dynamics and other choreographic elements like space and time. For example, the same action can feel entirely different when performed in a tight space compared to an open area, or if performed quickly instead of slowly.
Dynamics can also link with the rhythm and timing of the dance, such as movements going with or against the beat.
Experimentation and improvisation often play a crucial role in finding the most effective dynamics for a given choreographic intention. Use of a variety of dynamics is often encouraged for creating more interesting pieces.
Key vocabulary for discussing dynamic content in dance includes terms like: punchy, soft, sharp, smooth, percussive, floating, sustained, vibratory, collapsing, swinging, slashing, dabbing, flicking and gliding.
Notations such as Labanotation or Benesh notation include symbols to represent dynamics, showing how integral they are to the total choreographic result. Familiarize yourself with these notation systems.
Analysis of dance performances, both live and recorded, is a valuable method for understanding the powerful role dynamics can play in choreography. Watching a variety of dance styles can help broaden understanding of how dynamics can be manipulated.
Practicing dynamics physically through dance exercises and routines can help develop a more nuanced understanding and ability to use them effectively in choreography. This hands-on experience is invaluable for both performing and creating dance.