Choreographic Content and Devices
A choreographer shapes movement into a dance. Learn the four types of content that make up any dance, and the devices, from motif to canon, that a choreographer uses to develop and structure it.
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Building a dance
A choreographer does not just string moves together. They shape movement using four kinds of content, and a set of devices that develop and structure the dance. This module covers those four types of content and the main choreographic devices.
The four types of content
Any dance is built from four types of content. Learn them first.
Unison or canon?
Two of the most common devices control how a group of dancers times their movement.
Spot the content in a performance
- Action content
- Dynamic content
- Spatial content
- Relationship content
- A dancer leaps, lands and holds completely still
- The same leap performed sharply, then slowly and softly
- The solo travels a wide curving path at low level
- One dancer takes the weight of another
Which content?
A dancer performs a movement quickly and with great force. Which type of content is this?
- Dynamic content
- Action content
- Spatial content
- Relationship content
The motif: the heart of a dance
A motif is a key movement phrase that captures the choreographic idea. Choreographers use motif development to change a motif, through its action, space, dynamics or relationships, so the dance stays linked together while still growing and staying interesting.
Match the device
- Motif
- Repetition
- Contrast
- Climax
- A key movement phrase that captures the idea
- Performing a movement again to reinforce it
- Placing very different movements together
- The moment of greatest intensity in a dance
Which are devices?
Which TWO of these are choreographic devices, not types of content? Choose all that apply.
- Motif
- Canon
- Action content
- Spatial content
Growing a motif
Put the steps of building a section of dance in order.
- Create a motif that captures the idea
- Repeat the motif so the audience notices it
- Develop the motif by changing it
- Build the section to a climax
What the body does, and how
What the body does, such as a jump or a turn, is _____ content. How a movement is done, such as fast or strong, is _____ content. The reach and fall the dancers keep coming back to in every section is the _____. When dancers move at the same time, this is _____. When they move one after another, this is _____.
Spot the devices
Tap the TWO choreographic devices.
- Canon
- Repetition
- Action content
- Spatial content
Unison or canon?
Three dancers perform the same movement one after another, so it looks like a ripple. Which device is this?
- Canon
- Unison
- Contrast
- Motif
Which device fits?
For each effect a choreographer wants, choose the device that creates it.
- The choreographer wants a section to look powerful and unified, with everyone moving together. Which device?
- The choreographer wants a rippling effect, with dancers taking up a movement one after another. Which device?
- The choreographer places a slow gentle movement right next to a fast sharp one for effect. Which device?
Shape a dance
Explain how a choreographer uses content and devices to shape a dance.
- Name the four types of content and give an example of one
- Explain what a motif is and how it can be developed
- Describe two choreographic devices and the effect each creates