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. It involves planning how dancers move across space, interact with music, and express ideas or emotions through body movements. A person who creates choreography is called a choreographer.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define choreography and say who a choreographer is;
• name the four elements of choreography: space, time, energy and body;
• give examples of locomotor and non-locomotor movements;
• list the five stages of the choreographic process;
• perform a simple 8-count combination.

What is the history of choreography?

• Dance has existed since ancient times as a form of expression, celebration, and communication.
• Traditional African dances were choreographed to tell stories, celebrate harvests, and mark important ceremonies.
• In Nigeria, traditional dances like Bata (Yoruba), Atilogwu (Igbo), and Sharo (Fulani) have specific choreographed movements.
• Modern choreography evolved 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?

Space

• Levels: High (jumping, reaching up), Middle (standing), Low (floor work)
• Directions: Forward, backward, sideways, diagonal
• Pathways: Straight lines, curves, zigzags, circles
• Formations: Lines, circles, V-shapes, scattered patterns
• Stage areas: Centre stage, upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right

Time

• Tempo: Fast, moderate, slow movements
• Rhythm: Moving to the beat of music
• Duration: How long movements last
• Counts: Organising movements in counts of 8
• Accents: Emphasising certain beats

Energy/Dynamics

• 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

• Parts: Head, arms, legs, torso, hands, feet
• Actions: Jump, turn, bend, stretch, twist, shake
• Shapes: Angular, curved, straight, twisted
• Relationships: Solo, partner work, group formations

What are the basic choreographic movements?

Locomotor movements (movements that travel)

• Walking
• Running
• Jumping
• Hopping
• Skipping
• Galloping
• Sliding
• Leaping

Non-locomotor movements (movements in place)

• Bending
• Stretching
• Twisting
• Shaking
• Swinging
• Collapsing
• Rising
• Balancing

Basic dance steps

• Step-touch
• Grapevine
• Box step
• Pivot turn
• Chasse
• Ball change
• Kick-ball-change
• Three-step turn

What are the types of choreography?

Narrative choreography

• Tells a story through movement
• Has a beginning, middle, and end
• Has characters and plot development
• Examples: ballet stories, cultural dance dramas

Abstract choreography

• Focuses on movement and design
• Has no specific story
• Works with shapes, patterns, emotions
• Emphasises pure movement

Lyrical choreography

• Interprets music and lyrics
• Expresses emotions
• Flows with musical phrases
• Is common in contemporary dance

Traditional/Cultural choreography

• Is based on cultural heritage
• Uses specific traditional movements
• Preserves cultural identity
• Is passed down through generations

Commercial choreography

• Is made for the entertainment industry
• Is used in music videos and concerts
• Has high energy and audience appeal
• Includes popular dance styles

What is the choreographic process?

1. Inspiration and concept

• Choose a theme or idea
• Select music or sound
• Decide on style and mood
• Research if needed
• Consider 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?

What tools do choreographers use?

Music and sound

• Various genres and styles
• Instrumental or vocal music
• Sound effects
• Silence as a tool
• Mixed soundtracks

Props and costumes

• Scarves, ribbons, fans
• Hats, canes, umbrellas
• Cultural accessories
• Fabric and materials
• Costume design considerations

Technology

• Video recording for review
• Music editing software
• Lighting design
• Projection and multimedia
• Social media for sharing

Basic choreography for JSS1 students

Simple 8-count combination

• Counts 1-2: Step right, touch left beside right
• Counts 3-4: Step left, touch right beside left
• Counts 5-6: Step forward right, step forward left
• Counts 7-8: Jump feet together, clap

Formation changes

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

What careers are there in choreography?

• 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?

• Develops creativity and imagination
• Improves coordination and body awareness
• Builds confidence and self-expression
• Improves teamwork and collaboration
• Provides physical exercise
• Teaches discipline and dedication
• Preserves cultural heritage
• Opens career opportunities

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?

• Always warm up before dancing
• Use proper technique
• Wear appropriate footwear
• Clear the dance space
• Stay hydrated
• Know your physical limits
• Cool down after dancing
• 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

1. Name the three Nigerian traditional dances mentioned in this lesson and the ethnic group each one belongs to.
2. Write out the simple 8-count combination and practise it at home.
3. List four safety rules a dancer should follow.