Choreographic Devices

Canon

• Canon technique involves a repeated motif or phrase with the same movements performed by different dancers at different times.
• This technique allows a choreographer to emphasise the most important parts of a piece by repeating them.
• Canon creates an echo effect, which can be visually pleasing and helps to engage the audience.
• Example: If one dancer begins a sequence, and then after few beats another dancer starts the same sequence, this is canon.

Unison

• Unison occurs when all dancers perform the same movement at the same time.
• This device can be used to create harmony and coherence amongst the dancers, enhancing the visual impact.
• It enhances unity and shows an ensemble working together as one body.
• Example: If all dancers leap together, they are dancing in unison.

Mirroring

• Mirroring is when dancers reflect the movements of each other like an image reflected in a mirror.
• This technique often requires dancers to face each other and carry out the same movements in reverse order.
• It can be a symbolic expression of togetherness, or used to create interesting visual patterns.
• Example: If one dancer raises their right arm and the opposite dancer raises their left arm, this is an example of mirroring.

Retrograde

• Retrograde involves performing a series of choreographed moves in reverse order.
• This device allows choreographers to add variety and interest to a piece, it can also change the audience's perspective of the original sequence.
• Example: If a dancer performs a sequence that includes a leap, a turn, and a fall to the floor, a retrograde of this would be the dancer rising from the floor, turning and then leaping.

Accumulation

• Accumulation device involves adding movements to a choreographic phrase with every repetition.
• This device can generate a sense of building anticipation or tension, or it can be used to physically demonstrate a theme or narrative.
• Example: A dancer begins by bending their knee, on the next repetition they bend their knee and then twist their torso, on the next they bend their knee, twist their torso and reach an arm out.

Remember, these choreographic devices can be used independently or they can be combined to enrich the texture of a dance piece. They add variety and complexity, highlight a motif, develop a theme or idea and can deepen the emotional resonance of a piece. Practice using these within your own choreography to enhance creativity and expressivity.