One of the most exciting parts of being a choreographer is the freedom to innovate and craft unique movement. Watching our dancers bring our vision to life is like witnessing a living work of art, and it can be one of the most fulfilling moments in the studio. However, there are times when the pressure to create multiple works in a short period can cause our ideas to feel repetitive, and suddenly, it seems like all of our choreography is blending together. It can be frustrating when the creativity feels stagnant, and the well of inspiration runs dry.
In these moments, revisiting the basic tools we’ve learned in composition class can offer a refreshing change. These foundational choreographic devices can completely reinvent a piece and bring a new spark to your work. With basic movement phrases, solid technique, and thoughtful performance nuances, there’s an entire range of creative potential waiting to be explored.
Here are a few of my favorite tools to help reignite your creativity. These methods can be a great starting point to shift your perspective and inspire new ideas, especially when you're pressed for time and need a burst of fresh energy. Enjoy the creative process!
Basic Form
When considering form, simplicity can go a long way, especially for beginners, while advanced dancers can explore more complex variations. Here are some ideas to explore within the basic structure:
Clear beginning, middle, and end
Build to a climax
Use of unison sections
Variety in movement
Contrast between different sections
Changing sequences
Multiple transitions between ideas
Choreographic Structure
Once your phrases are connected into a full piece, think about how they’ll be arranged within the structure of the work. The order of the phrases can have a huge impact on the overall flow:
AB Form: Two contrasting themes
ABA Form: A theme, a contrasting theme, then a return to the original
Rondo: ABACADA, with a recurring A theme
Theme & Variation: Consistent internal sequence with variations
Narrative: Telling a story through the movement
Collage: A series of contrasting sections combined
Choreographic Devices & Phrase Manipulation
These powerful tools can add depth, texture, and complexity to your choreography. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to how you can manipulate movement, so try experimenting with the following devices to bring new dimensions to your work:
Repetition: Reinforce themes through repetition
Retrograde: Perform the movement sequence in reverse
Inversion: Flip the movement upside down
Size: Condense or expand the movements
Tempo: Speed up or slow down the movement
Rhythm: Change the rhythm to alter the piece's energy
Effort Qualities: Adjust the dynamics (light, strong, sustained, etc.)
Body Part Initiation: Start movements from different body parts
Force: Vary the intensity of the movements
Canon: Create overlapping movements where dancers enter one after another
Additive: Gradually add movement or elements
Fragmentation: Break down and reassemble phrases
Changing Planes/Levels: Play with different heights and spatial planes
With these tools, you can breathe new life into your choreography, whether you’re working with seasoned dancers or beginners. These basic concepts and creative devices are all you need to spark fresh ideas and break free from the usual patterns. Let your imagination run free!
Good luck!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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