Choreographic Process

Question 1

Improvisation

Answer 1

Improvisation is spontaneous movement in response to a range of stimuli eg. music, expressive intention, an area of the body etc

Question 2

Selection

Answer 2

Choosing from a range of alternatives to best suit the expressive intention.

Question 3

Arranging

Answer 3

Combining and ordering movement. Arranging your phrases into sections will create unity in your whole dance. The overall intention must be driving this process. The process of arrangement should be movements into phrases, phrases into sections through the manipulation of choreographic devices and including the elements of movement.

Question 4

Refining

Answer 4

Making alterations to achieve a clear intention. Refining of the final choices of movement material is the start of the performance process. During the refining and rehearsal period attention to details of technical skills, interpretation, spatial arrangement and projection qualities need to be addressed. Refining will sometimes include finding additional movement or subtracting that which is not necessary.

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Determining if intention has been realised. The choreographer will undertake two types of evaluation - ongoing within the process of creating and evaluation of the final product.
Ongoing evaluating questions would include - is the movement selected essential to the expressing of the intention? Do the phrases and sections flow smoothly to create unity of ideas?
Final evaluations would include - was the dance work true to the original idea and was this idea communicated strongly?