Download CHOREOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENTS

LEVEL II DANCE
CHOREOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT
GROUP PORTION
After dividing into groups of your own choosing, you will select from the following
choreography assignments:
A) Dramatic Dance: Students will choose a familiar story, fairy tale or poem
(examples provided). Interpret the text in two ways – literally and then abstractly (express
the text in an abstract way based upon the images, feelings, emotions, etc. you get from
the words)
Performance: 1st time – Literally (tell the story through movements)
2nd time – Abstractly
B) Living Sculpture: Create a living sculpture utilizing all members of your
group. After observing your sculpture, create movements that reflect the qualities
(dynamics) of its lines or shapes. You may choose to include the actual sculpture in your
study. If you do, your movements must flow naturally into and/or out of it. If you choose
not to include it in your study, you will be asked to present it separately to your audience.
ALL CHOREOGRAPHY MUST INCLUDE:
 A minimum of 8 measures of 8 counts each.
 Two (2) choreographic forms we explored in class. These are: Theme and
Variations, Canon, ABA, Rondo. (See below for specifics relating to Theme and
Variations, Rondo, and Canon)
 Changes in level (minimum of 3), changes in directions, changes in dynamics
 One exit and one entrance
 No music will be used for this assignment.
 Make your choreography as original and creative as possible. Don’t rely on
established movement vocabulary that we’ve worked on in class. Your
movements don’t have to have “names” – just MOVE!
* Theme and Variation – Choose from two of the following variations: levels, directions,
pathways, speed/rhythm, dynamics
* Rondo – Choreograph only through ABACA (each section no more than 2 meas. of 8)
* Canon – (Section 3 and 6) Choose 2 from either Reverting Non-overlapping,
Simultaneous or Cumulative canons
 REGARDLESS OF WHAT CHOREOGRAPHIC FORMS YOU CHOOSE, BE
SURE TO FULLY ESTABLISH A SEQUENCE OF MOVEMENTS TO SERVE
AS YOUR ‘A’, OR THEME, OR CANON
(TURN OVER FOR WRITTEN PORTION)
INDIVIDUAL PORTION
Written Assignment:
Each student will write a paper discussing their own individual ideas about their group
choreography. This paper should include the following:
 Title of dance – including explanation and how it connects to the dance
 Discussion of the following topics:
For each of the topics, be sure to explain why you made the decision you did and
how it reinforces your original, overall idea of your piece.
A – You hire a composer to create a piece of music for your dance. Describe the music.
What is the quality of its sound? Is it more classical with violins? Is it more of a stronger
sound with brass instruments? You decide. Make sure to mention what types of
instruments might be used. DO NOT USE AN EXISTING PIECE OF MUSIC.
B – Design and describe the costumes. What color are they? What type of fabric are they
made of? (velvet, cotton, chiffon, etc.) What style are they? (dress, pants, long sleeve,
short sleeve, etc) Explain your choices. Be as detailed as possible. You may submit
sketches if you choose – and/or fabric swatches.
C – Where should your dance be performed? A traditional proscenium stage? Theatre in
the round? A park? Beach? Design and describe the set pieces. Where are they located
on the stage? What are they made out of? Do the dancers actually use them, or are they
there for purposes of scenery only? How do they enhance your vision of your piece? You
may submit sketches if you like.
D – If you could expand the number of dancers in your piece, how many would you
have? Would you add male dancers? Why/why not?
E – What would the stage lighting look like? Colors? Placement? Spotlights or full stage
wash? Overhead lights, side lights? Backdrop colors? Patterns on back drop or floor?
Any special effects?