3.2 Choreography

Students must learn how to create an original piece of group choreography, which lasts for a minimum of three minutes to a maximum of four minutes, for three , four or five dancers, in response to an externally set task.

To translate their dance ideas into choreography, students must develop and apply practical knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes, including:

  • research ing , developing and experimenti ng with dance ideas through studio and non-studio investigation
  • the rehearsal process.

Students must know, understand and be able to apply the following, as appropriate to their own choreography and pertinent to their selected externally set task.

Knowledge, understanding and skills of group choreography

Selection of the three movement components

  • movement components ( ie action, spatial and dynamic elements)

Manipulation of the movement components through the use of a variety of choreographic devices, including:

  • motif and motif development
  • variation
  • repetition
  • contrast
  • highlights
  • climax
  • transitions .

Structuring of movement material through sectional use of choreographic structur es, including :

  • binary
  • ternary
  • rondo
  • theme and variation
  • narrative
  • episodic
  • chance .

Use of other constituent features ie aural setting and dancers (and physical setting where appropriate) in relation to the dance idea (s) , including:

  • aural setting
    • consideration of tempo
    • rhythm
    • mood and atmosphere
    • direct correlation
    • music visualisation
    • mutual coexistence
    • disassociation
    • narrative
    • call and response
  • dancers
  • physical setting (where appropriate).

Students must also develop practical knowledge and understanding of the communication with, and organisation of other dancers, including utilising their skills to develop the artistic intention of the choreography.

Study of the choreographic approaches (historical or current) of the named practitioners in the areas of study will inform students’ practical work and provide a link to theoretical study in Optional set works and areas of study .

3.2.1 Documenting the choreography

Students must write a Programme note, of no more than 300 words, which clearly informs the examiner of the choreographic intention of the work and how it relates to the selected assessment task.

For details please refer to Assessment task 3: Group choreography . Students will be assessed using the Group choreography assessment grid (40 marks) .