CHOREOGRAPY PROJECT

Choose an Overall Theme or Idea:

After choosing a theme you need to discuss and write ideas for the following heading the area provided:

  1. List more specific theme(s) related to original idea.
  1. Ideas pertaining to the theme: Any key words or phrases that come to mind in relation to the theme (there should be lots of these/will help to create movement ideas).
  1. Movements that relate: What style of movement is explored, dynamics, flow, effort factors.
  1. Major relationships: What relationships are already apparent or ones that can be created in piece in order to portray your theme.
  1. Text: Any poetry or phrases that can be used as a source of movement or used as sound.
  1. Music: Describe the style, tempo, and any other ideas necessary to further theme idea.
  1. Lighting: What is appropriate for mood setting, developing the theme?
  1. Costumes: justification of what is appropriate (ideas)

CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT

COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in dance. (National Standard 4)

COMPETENCY GOAL 7: The learner will make connections between dance and other content areas. (National Standard 7)

COMPETENCY GOAL 8: The learner will understand dance as an art form with a range of opportunities for involvement.

QUALITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

  • HONORS DANCE: If you are in honors dance you must complete one choreography project OR one individualproject per semester.
  • ADVANCED / REGULAR DANCE: If you are in regular dance class you must complete one different individual project per semester. You also have the option of completing part I of the choreography project as an individual project.

THE CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT:

PLEASE NOTE: DUE IN CLASS ON MAY 11 & 12

All dancers must be present and in semi- costume.

There are 3 separate components or sections to the choreography project. The first section is the choreography component and its worth 70% of your total grade. The second part of the project is the research component and its worth 20% of your total grade. The final component is the rehearsal log and its worth 10% of your total grade.

PART 1: Choreography: 70% out of 100 %

You will choreograph an original dance and teach it to dancers that you choose. Your dance must be based on a specific concentration of dance. Examples of specific concentrations of dance: Ballet, Jazz, African, and Modern. All dances derive from a central base and it is your responsibility to know what your choreography is based on. For example: Did hip hop dance derive from Ballet?

Length: The full length of a song that is equal to or greater than 2 minutes. Anything longer than 2 minutes, points will be deducted.

Choreographer: You must be the sole choreographer in your dance. However, you may use an assistant choreographer if necessary. Even if you have an assistant choreographer all of the main ideas concerning the dance must be your own and not your assistants, videos, reproductions, or any other borrowed idea.

Choreography: Yes, you may dance in your choreography project. However, I prefer that you have at lease one other dancer performing with you unless your goal is a solo. If you choose to perform a solo make sure that you are not making it up as you go along because I will video tape it and ask you to repeat it at a later unspecified date. Try to challenge yourself and move out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget that including a prop is mandatory.

Dancers: Your dancers do not have to be currently in dance class, but try to choose people that are in dance class first. Yes, you may choose someone from another school, but it must be pre-approved first. Please choose dancers who can perform your choreography to the best of their ability.

Other Considerations: You are individually responsible for all aspects concerning your dance. Lighting design, dancer information sheet, compact disc of music, and most importantly the costume and props.

PART 2: Research: 20% out of 100%

Length: 2 to 4 pages typed double space in standard font. Be as creative as you desire.

Requirements: Cite all of your sources using MLA format, and include a cover page.

NOTE: Don’t forget to list a bibliography of your cited sources.

First, you will research the style of dance you plan on choreographing. Then, you will choose one of the following:

  1. Create a time line that shows the progression of the dance style you chose.
  2. Make an outline of your dance style based on your research.
  3. Keep a diary / journal that documents the process of your final choreography product. How did you get from point A to point B. How is your choreography similar to your researched style of dance.
  4. What were your expectations for your choreography before you researched your dance style? Did your choreography turn into something else other than you planned after you researched your dance style or did it stay the same?

PART III: Rehearsal record: 10% out of 100%

This component is very informal and can be hand written as journal entries. You need a daily log detailing your entire rehearsal / choreography process. The purpose of this component is for anyone to be able to follow your total process. For example: Did your rehearsal start on time? Did your dancers cooperate? Did you become frustrated? Did all of your rehearsals proceed as planned?

Your rehearsal record should include the following:

Date and time.

Location.

Goal for the day – Did you accomplish your goal – Why or why not?

Your strengths and weaknesses as a choreographer.

Your frustrations and inspirations.

What worked well and what didn’t?

Did all of your dancers always show up for rehearsal on time?

What adjustments did you have to make to your choreography?

Any other additional information you would like to add.

BASIC CRITERIA

  • Overall form: beginning, middle, end
  • Unity, continuity, flow
  • Variety, movement, manipulation
  • Reception throughout overall form
  • Timing changes
  • Relationship among dancers and creative use of the body shape
  • Use of the stage space and formations
  • Facings
  • Communication of intent, idea, feeling, or successful solution of problem
  • Performance, projection, aliveness of movement quality.
  • Is it boring or is it interesting to watch.
  • Does your dance have an interesting and strong beginning?
  • Does your dance have a strong and clear ending?
  • Can you perform your dance with strong concentration, (FOCUS)?
  • Is this something that you’re proud of?
  • Don’t forget to incorporate a prop.

CHECK LIST FOR CREATING YOUR DANCE

  • Did you select specific partner shapes to get across your intent or theme?
  • If you have three people, rather than two, have you worked the shapes so that three can be involved.
  • Have you successfully repeated the phrases or shapes?
  • Check which of the following ideas you have used in choreographing your dance.

SMOOTH AND CONNECTED TRANSITIONS

REPETION

CONTRAST

VARIETY

UNISON MOTION

MIRRORING

CANNONS

MANIPULATION

OTHER…

  • Check which of the following dance elements you have included in space:

MOVEMENT THAT TRAVELS

MOVENT THAT DOESN’T TRAVEL

LARGE MOVEMENTS

SMALL MOVEMENTS

DIFFERENT LEVELS (High, medium, low)

A FLOOR PATHWAY OR DESIGHN / FORMATIONS

DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AND FACINGS

OTHER…

TIME AND RHYTHM:

FAST TIME

SLOW TIME

RHYTHM

ACCENTS

ENERGY

STRONG OR SHARP MOVEMENTS

SOFT MOVEMENTS

SWINGING MOVEMENTS

SMOOTH MOVEMENTS

VIBRATING / SHAKING MOVEMENTS

ORGANIZATION CHECKLIST

  • Scheduling an audition / choosing dancer’s
  • Get information from dancers phone number, sizes, and times available for rehearsal (You are responsible for your dancers) You need to always have a plan “B”
  • Organize and give dancers a rehearsal, dress, and performance schedule
  • Design costumes / props / set (You must be in costume when you audition)
  • General lighting plot
  • Collect information for the program
  • Record music master and back-up (If you are chosen for the concert, you must have the original CD of your music).

LIGHTING DESIGN

Please be aware of the following:

  • How many sections are in the dance
  • What is the style, mood, and quality of the dance
  • Describe costumes and colors
  • Draw formations and areas of the stage to be used
  • Describe any specials needed
  • How do you see lighting enhancing your dance
  • How do you want the audience to respond to your dance

PROGRAM INFORMATION

DANCE TITLE:______

LEVEL OF DANCE: III OR IV REGULAR OR HONORS

CHOREOGRPHER: ______

WHAT STYLE OF DANCE IS THIS? ______

MUSICAL ARTIST: ______

MUSICAL TITLE: ______

DANCERS: ______

WHAT PROP DID YOU USE? ______

DESCRIBE YOUR COSTUME / COLORS: ______
______
______

DESCRIBE THE LIGHTING DESIGN: