Motif and Development Choreography

Each group creates an 8-count movement motif and develops it with choreographic devices: repetition, level change, speed change, size change, retrograde, and reversing sides. It builds composition skills, creativity, and dance vocabulary.

How to play

1. Form groups of 4. In 4 minutes, each group creates an 8-count motif with at least one turn, one arm gesture, and one weight shift.
2. Give each group six device cards: make it bigger, make it smaller, slow motion, retrograde (backward), change level, and reverse sides. Explain each one with an example (3 minutes).
3. Each group applies all six devices to the motif, one at a time, and notes which ones they like best (7 minutes).
4. The group composes a 6 eight-count piece: original motif, four chosen developments, and the original motif again to finish. Rehearse with music for 6 minutes.
5. Each group performs (1 minute per group); the audience tries to identify which devices were used and in what order.
6. Discuss for 2 minutes which device changed the feel of the motif the most and why.

Rules

• The original motif must be recognizable in every development.
• Level changes down to the floor are done with control, no dropping.
• Every group member suggests at least one development.
• Keep about 6 feet between groups.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: build the motif with arms, torso, and head, and apply the devices the same way.
• Autism: the cards include a drawing of each device, and the group works with a fixed structure.
• Advanced level: ask the student to add an extra device of their own invention and explain it to the group.

Learning goals

• Create a movement motif and develop it with choreographic devices.
• Use basic dance composition vocabulary.
• Identify choreographic devices in other groups' pieces.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music
• speakers: 1
• cards: 36

Teacher tip

Retrograde is tricky: have groups do it without music first, step by step. Put your own example motif and its six developments on the whiteboard so everyone sees it clearly.

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