GCSE Dance AQA

Choreography: Action Content

Choreography: Action Content

1. Choreography is the craft of designing sequences of movements in dance, where a movement is defined as any change in place, posture, or position.

2. The action content of a dance refers to what is actually happening in the dance. This includes the movements, gestures, facial expressions, and body positions made by dancers.

3. There are two general categories of movement actions, locomotor (moving in a space) and non-locomotor (staying in one place).

4. The locomotor movements could include jumping, running, walking, and sliding. Non-locomotor movements could encompass twisting, turning, bending, and tilting.

5. Choreographers also use a variety of dance elements, such as beat, flow, rhythm, speed, and shape, to enhance the action content.

6. When creating a choreography, consider where each movement will take place, what sequence the movements will follow, who the dancers will be, and how the dancers will interact with each other.

7. Action content should have a clear intention or emotion backing it. For example, a dancer might make a large, energetic movement to express joy or a small, hesitant movement to show fear.

8. In choreography, it's significant to use repetition and variation. Repeating certain movements reinforces the theme of the dance, while variations keep the audience interested.

9. Transitions in dance are as important as the actions themselves. Effective transitions can make the dance appear seamless and fluid.

10. Action content in choreography should be appropriate to the theme or story being told in the dance. Every movement should contribute to the overall impression of the dance.

11. The choreographer may choose some movement motifs that are repeated throughout the dance. This is a powerful tool in storytelling and can create a memorable image for the audience.

12. Good choreography has a balance of unity and contrast. Unity gives the dance cohesiveness, while contrast provides interest and excitement.

13. Dance improvisation- creating spontaneous, on-the-spot dance movements - can be a useful tool in developing action content. This can lead to unique and organic dance phrases.

Remember, choreography is a form of artistic expression and therefore, there is plenty of room for creativity and individuality. The key is to master the basic principles of action content and then experiment with your own ideas. Happy dancing!