Expression Through Choreography

Fundamental Elements of Choreography

Body: How dancers use their body is central to the choreography. Elements such as shapes, body parts, body actions, body zones, and body base can all shape a sequence.
Energy: Involves a dancer’s exertion and application of force. Understand different dynamics such as percussive, swinging, sustained, and vibratory to portray the desired expression.
Space: Choreographers use different directions, levels, dimensions, and pathways in the space to create unique compositions.
Time: This is how dancers coordinate and synchronise to the rhythm, speed, and duration of the music.

Narrative Choreography: Creates a story that unfolds chronologically. Choreographers use devices such as characters, conflict, and resolution to engage the audience emotionally.
Abstract Choreography: Rather than telling a specific story, abstract choreography conveys a certain mood, image or concept through movement. Choreographers employ symbolism and metaphor to create layers of meaning.

Repetition: Emphasise certain movements or motifs to convey a theme or motif in the choreography.
Contrast: Use differences in movement, such as different energies, levels or directions, to create interesting visual and emotional contrasts.
Transitions: Smooth transitions between movements can create a seamless narrative. Conversely, sharp transitions can inspire surprise or provoke thought.
Cannon and Unison: Both are often used to emphasise a certain part of the choreography. Cannon is a ‘wave-like’ succession of movement, whereas unison is synchronized movement.

Facial Expression: Essential in conveying the mood or emotion of a dance piece, especially in narrative choreography.
Gestures: Non-verbal communication using body parts like hands, head, or shoulders can effectively translate intended emotions or ideas.
Use of Props and Costumes: Props and costumes can amplify the emotional tone or concept of the piece.

Choreography often reflects cultural and societal issues. Movements, themes, and narratives in choreography can mirror historical contexts, political climates, and cultural identities.
Use of traditional dance styles or movements can portray cultural messages or norms. Conversely, fusion of different dance styles can reflect multicultural societies or globalisation.

Recognise choreography as often a personal and creative interpretation of music, ideas or emotions.
Be prepared to justify and explain the choices made in choreography. Understanding the motivation behind choreographic decisions can deepen the relationship between the choreographer, dancers and audience.
Continually revisit and revise choreographic work, adapting and refining to better express the artistic intention.