Introduction to Choreography – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

Choreography is the art of creating, arranging and designing dance movements and sequences to form a complete dance performance.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define choreography and say who a choreographer is.
2. Name the four elements of choreography: space, time, energy and body.
3. Give examples of locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
4. List the five stages of the choreographic process.
5. Perform a simple 8-count combination.

What is choreography?

Choreography is the planning and arranging of dance movements into a complete performance.

• Planning: it decides how dancers move across space.
• Music: it fits the movements to the music.
• Expression: it shows ideas or emotions through body movements.
• Choreographer: the person who creates choreography.

What is the history of choreography?

• Ancient times: dance has existed as a form of expression, celebration and communication.
• Traditional African dance: dances were choreographed to tell stories, celebrate harvests and mark important ceremonies.
• Nigerian examples: Bata (Yoruba), Atilogwu (Igbo) and Sharo (Fulani) have specific choreographed movements.
• Modern choreography: it grew from classical ballet to include contemporary, hip-hop and fusion styles.
• Today: choreography is used in stage performances, music videos, films and cultural celebrations.

What are the elements of choreography?

There are four elements of choreography: space, time, energy and body.

Space

Space is the area in which dancers move and how they use it.

• Levels: high (jumping, reaching up), middle (standing) and low (floor work).
• Directions: forward, backward, sideways and diagonal.
• Pathways: straight lines, curves, zigzags and circles traced on the floor.
• Formations: lines, circles, V-shapes and scattered patterns.
• Stage areas: centre stage, upstage (away from the audience), downstage (near the audience), stage left and stage right.
• Stage left and right: these are named from the performer’s view, facing the audience.

Time

Time is how movements fit with speed, beat and length.

• Tempo: how fast, moderate or slow the movements are.
• Rhythm: moving to the beat of the music.
• Duration: how long a movement lasts.
• Counts: organising movements in counts of 8.
• Accents: stressing certain beats.

Energy (dynamics)

Energy is the force and quality with which a movement is performed.

• Sharp: quick, angular movements.
• Smooth: flowing, continuous movements.
• Strong: powerful, forceful movements.
• Light: delicate, gentle movements.
• Sustained: controlled, held movements.
• Percussive: explosive, sudden movements.

Body

Body is the dancer’s instrument, and how it is used to make movement.

• Parts: head, arms, legs, torso, hands and feet.
• Actions: jump, turn, bend, stretch, twist and shake.
• Shapes: angular, curved, straight and twisted.
• Relationships: solo, partner work and group formations.

What are the basic choreographic movements?

Basic movements are grouped into locomotor movements, non-locomotor movements and basic dance steps.

Locomotor movements

Locomotor movements are movements that travel from one place to another.

• Walking: moving by shifting weight from one foot to the other.
• Running: a faster form of walking, with both feet briefly off the ground.
• Jumping: taking off from two feet and landing on two feet.
• Hopping: taking off from one foot and landing on the same foot.
• Skipping: a step and a hop, repeated on alternate feet.
• Galloping: a forward step with one foot leading and the other chasing it.
• Sliding: a gallop-like step done sideways.
• Leaping: pushing off one foot and landing on the other, covering distance in the air.

Non-locomotor movements

Non-locomotor movements are movements performed in one place.

• Bending: folding a joint, such as the knee or waist.
• Stretching: extending a body part to make it long.
• Twisting: turning a body part around while the base stays still.
• Shaking: quick, repeated movement of a body part.
• Swinging: moving a body part in an arc.
• Collapsing: letting the body sink down loosely.
• Rising: lifting the body upward.
• Balancing: holding a steady, still position.

How do locomotor and non-locomotor movements differ?

Basic dance steps

• Step-touch: step to the side, then touch the other foot beside it.
• Grapevine: a sideways travelling step in which one foot crosses behind and then in front.
• Box step: steps taken in a square pattern.
• Pivot turn: a turn made on the ball of one foot.
• Chasse: a gliding step in which one foot chases the other.
• Ball change: a quick change of weight from the ball of one foot to the other.
• Kick-ball-change: a kick followed by a ball change.
• Three-step turn: a full turn made with three steps.

What are the types of choreography?

There are five types of choreography: narrative, abstract, lyrical, traditional (cultural) and commercial.

Narrative choreography

• Purpose: tells a story through movement.
• Structure: has a beginning, middle and end.
• Content: has characters and plot development.
• Examples: ballet stories and cultural dance dramas.

Abstract choreography

• Focus: movement and design.
• Story: has no specific story.
• Material: works with shapes, patterns and emotions.
• Emphasis: pure movement.

Lyrical choreography

• Purpose: interprets music and lyrics.
• Feeling: expresses emotions.
• Flow: follows the musical phrases.
• Use: common in contemporary dance.

Traditional (cultural) choreography

• Base: rooted in cultural heritage.
• Movements: uses specific traditional movements.
• Value: preserves cultural identity.
• Handing down: passed on through generations.

Commercial choreography

• Market: made for the entertainment industry.
• Use: seen in music videos and concerts.
• Quality: high energy and audience appeal.
• Styles: includes popular dance styles.

What is the choreographic process?

The choreographic process is the series of five stages a choreographer follows to turn an idea into a finished dance.

1. Inspiration and concept

• Choose a theme or idea.
• Select music or sound.
• Decide on style and mood.
• Research if needed.
• Consider the audience and purpose.

2. Experimentation and improvisation

• Experiment with movements.
• Try different combinations.
• Try out space and levels.
• Play with rhythm and timing.
• Find what works best.

3. Selection and development

• Choose the best movements.
• Create movement phrases.
• Develop sequences.
• Build transitions.
• Establish patterns.

4. Structure and composition

• Organise the beginning, middle and end.
• Create climax points.
• Balance repetition and variety.
• Design formations.
• Plan entrances and exits.

5. Refinement and polish

• Clean up movements.
• Synchronise group work.
• Perfect the timing.
• Add performance quality.
• Make final adjustments.

What are choreographic devices?

Choreographic devices are techniques that choreographers use to develop and organise movement. Eight common devices are shown below.

What tools do choreographers use?

Choreographers use music, props and costumes, and technology to build and present a dance.

Music and sound

• Genres: various genres and styles.
• Type: instrumental or vocal music.
• Sound effects: added sounds that support the action.
• Silence: can be used as a tool.
• Mixed soundtracks: several pieces joined into one.

Props and costumes

• Props: scarves, ribbons, fans, hats, canes and umbrellas.
• Cultural accessories: items that show the dance’s origin.
• Fabric and materials: chosen to suit the theme and allow free movement.

Technology

• Video recording: used to review rehearsals.
• Music editing software: used to cut and join music.
• Lighting design: sets mood and focus.
• Projection and multimedia: adds images to the stage.
• Social media: used for sharing finished work.

What is a simple choreography for JSS1 students?

A simple 8-count combination and a formation change are good starting points for JSS1 students.

Simple 8-count combination

Formation changes

1. Start in a straight line.
2. Form a circle on counts 1-8.
3. Create two lines on counts 9-16.
4. Return to the original formation.

What careers are there in choreography?

There are six common careers in choreography, listed below.

• Professional choreographer: creates dances for companies and shows.
• Dance teacher: teaches choreography in schools and studios.
• Movement director: works in theatre and film.
• Cultural dance preservationist: maintains traditional dances.
• Fitness choreographer: creates dance fitness routines.
• Competition choreographer: designs routines for dance competitions.

What are the benefits of learning choreography?

Learning choreography builds the mind, body and character of a student.

• Creativity: develops imagination.
• Coordination: improves body awareness.
• Confidence: builds self-expression.
• Teamwork: improves collaboration.
• Fitness: provides physical exercise.
• Discipline: teaches dedication.
• Culture: preserves cultural heritage.
• Careers: opens career opportunities.

What are the tips for beginning choreographers?

1. Start with simple movements.
2. Listen to music carefully.
3. Count beats and phrases.
4. Use space creatively.
5. Mix different levels.
6. Include variety in movements.
7. Practise regularly.
8. Watch other dancers.
9. Record your work.
10. Be patient with yourself.

How can dancers stay safe?

Dancers stay safe by preparing the body, using good technique and keeping the space free of danger.

• Warm up: always do this before dancing.
• Technique: use proper technique.
• Footwear: wear appropriate footwear.
• Space: clear the dance space.
• Water: stay hydrated.
• Limits: know your physical limits.
• Cool down: do this after dancing.
• Risk: avoid dangerous movements.

Evaluation

1. Define choreography.
2. Name the four elements of choreography.
3. What is the difference between locomotor and non-locomotor movements? Give two examples of each.
4. List the five stages of the choreographic process.
5. Explain the choreographic devices canon and unison.

Assignment

In your notebook, name the three Nigerian traditional dances in this lesson with their ethnic groups, write out the 8-count combination, and list four safety rules a dancer should follow.