Y DANCE

Structure in choreography

Many dances may be a mixture of the forms below or just have elements of them in their structure, especially if they are only short pieces of choreography for an exam or showcase.  
No matter how short the choreography is, make sure you consider the beginning, middle and end carefully and to relate to your stimulus and theme.


BINARY FORM
Section A is contrasted by section B—such as different speeds or themes but the two have some common actions or motifs which link them together.

TERNARY FORM
Three sections (A B A) where the first and the last are the same or similar but also linked some how to section B.  This has a nice satisfying feeling to the structure.

RONDO FORM
A form which provides a sort of verse and chorus, where one section is repeated in some recognisable form (ABACADA…)

THEME AND VARIATION
A more free and exciting form.  A bit like Chinese whispers where each section is followed by another which changes something about it.  The final section will still have something linked to the first but it will not be overtly obvious and will make the audience appreciate how it has developed.

CANON OR FUGUE
A composition in which a section (or a motif) are repeated by different dancers so that they overlap.  The choreography  will have a sort of climax feel to it as  it builds up.



NARRATIVE OR EPISODIC
There is a sort of story unfolding.  Each section will be different but must link  carefully to each other but also be well thought out section by section by the composer.