SPRING 2009
COMPOSITIONAL ASSIGNMENT

This semester I would like each choreographer or group of choreographers to create a dance study based upon an image or series of images.  This semester's assignment directly relates to two of the Content Standards in the National Standards for Arts Education:  Content Standard # 2 - Understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures; Content Standard # 3 - Understand dance as a way to create and communicate meaning; Content Standard #4 - Apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in dance; and Content Standard # 7 - Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between dance and other disciplines.  This assignment is probably easier than you may think.  Each "creative team" needs to select an image on which to base their dance composition on.  Working with your chosen image, explore ways to express it through the movement vocabulary of time, space and energy integrating all these concepts into your choreography.  My hope is that each choreographic work reflects a unique interpretation and manipulation of movement vocabulary.  Imagery has inspired many choreographic works throughout history and has the power to inspire you.  Think creatively and simply.  Imagery is all around us.  Go to the produce section of any grocery store.  Cabbage is an amazing image!  Consider advertisements in print and the constant barrage of "pop ups" on your computer.  These images and some of the "one liner" text accompanying them are often influential enough to cause us to go purchase something, to dress a certain way, or to believe in a concept.  Visual art or sculpture often provides unique shapes and designs to work with as well.   Consider looking at a painting or a photograph and choreographing the "scene" and what happens next!  The possibilities are truly endless.  Your first task is to determine your source.  Please keep in mind, each "creative team" will need to bring in examples of their image when presenting their work in class.

Beyond the above criteria your choreography can be based upon any idea, use any music, and so forth.  As a creative team you will need to brainstorm and be inspired by the idea you select that you feel would make for the best composition for this assignment.  Whatever the theme, the important thing is that it can be expressed with clarity through the medium of movement.  Not all ideas are suitable so if you have questions about this please consult with Jessica!  You will want to narrow your theme to a clear and simple statement of "intent."  You will want to make a specific statement or have a point of view. 

You may use any music you wish (or non at all) yet I do prefer you to consider non-popular music or solely instrumental music if at all possible for this work.  I will leave this up to you yet I encourage you to expand your musical interests!  

Before completing a dance composition, it is wise to consider Doris Humphrey's advice to choreographers which will serve you well:

• Symmetry is lifeless

• Two-dimensional design is lifeless
  
• The eye is faster than the ear
  
• Movement looks slower and weaker on the stage
  
• All dances are too long
  
• A good ending is 40% of the dance
  
• Monotony is fatal; look for contrasts
  
• Don't be a slave to, or a mutilator of, the music
  
• Listen to qualifies advice; don't be arrogant
  
• Don't intellectualize; motivate movement
  
• Don't leave the ending to the end

The basic criterion for this work remains the same as in past semesters:

• Groups are to be formed-1person-4 people per group
  
• A WORD OF WARNING: work in smaller groups with people you know have the same standards that you do for this project!
  
• Your work needs to be a minimum of 4 minutes in length---remember:  the more substantial work you put into this "works in progress" assignment potentially earns you a higher compositional assignment.  
  
• You will be given some time in class to work on this project, but time is limited and goes very quickly.  Be prepared to work outside of class and use class time productively!
  
• Each member of the group must be active in the choreographic process as well as in the performance process
  
• Showing dates scheduled January 20th-23rd .    Jessica Riss will approach each group January 14th to schedule your "showing date."  Casting assignments will be announced on Friday, January 23rd and rehearsals will begin Sunday, January 25th ---leaving works for the Orchesis concert a 6-7 week window for completion!    Concert dates are March 20th, 21st and 22nd.  We can negotiate whether we have 2 or 3 performances when I return.
  
• During your showing date, please be prepared to give a working Title for your piece, possible costume ideas, and number of dancers for the work should the piece be selected for the rehearsal/performance process, and the image or images your piece is exploring.
  
• This assignment/project is worth a total of 100 points---TAKE IT SERIOUSLY!
  
• Works from this assignment holding the most promise and merit will be asked to go into full production and rehearsal for the Spring Orchesis concert.  The more "upfront" work and consideration you give this assignment the higher your compositional grade for this quarter, the more likely you can perform in the Spring concert, and the less work you have to complete your piece in the 7 weeks you have prior to tech/dress week in Stroud!