ELEMENTS of CONSTRUCTION

1. MOTIF or Foundation of Construction

• Without repetition motifs could be forgotten.
• Without variation and contrast repetition of motifs would be dull.
• Lacking of climax or highlights motifs would lack content
• Without proportion and balance of the whole work each of the motifs could become almost eliminated or too dominant.
• Without transitions, motifs would be isolated movement statements. Transitions within the motif and between motifs are important in defining the phrase and section shaping of the dance.
• Without logical development from motif to motif, the them of the dance would be blurred

2. REPETITION

It must be recognise as a main device of the dance composition, and it should be clear in the form of development and variation. See repetition notes.

3. VARIATION & CONTRAST

Variation is to use the same content in different ways.
Contrast is to add new material within motif on repetition or variation. Sometimes this provides the climax or highlight in a dance

4. PROPORTION & BALANCE

They are complementary elements of construction.
Proportion is the size and magnitude of each part in relation to the whole.
Balance is the equilibrium of content within each of these proportionate parts of the whole.
Equal proportions may become :boring:

5. TRANSITION and Organic Form

Is a link between phrases, sections or motifs. If the transition is too long or becomes too important, it transforms on a phrase, not being a transition any more.
Logical, clear, easily performed could give a flavour of what is next as an introduction. Hesitation between phrases or an anticipation of movement to follow.
Organic means something that evolves naturally to another.

6. LOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Is the natural growth from beginning to end of a dance piece. Beginning is a movement interpretation of the motivation or idea behind the dance. This movement is the identity to develop by actions, space, relationships and qualities with variation, repetition and contrasts. By giving identity, all movement appear relevant to the piece ensuring unification.

7. UNITY

If one part is missing meaning or doesn't fit, then the whole never becomes a whole, loosing sense and interest.