Describing the work

Overview

To write well in dance you need to use technical and descriptive vocabulary.

Technical vocabulary comes from the style of dance (ballet, jazz, contemporary), the technique and execution of steps (pirouettes, off centre tilt, ball change) and technical terms to describe an action (extension, rise, dégagé). Technical vocabulary can also include Stage 6 Dance language (elevation, twisted shape, stillness, explosive release of energy).

Descriptive vocabulary comes from describing the choreographic choices (quality, timing, visual aspects, space). It requires using adjectives (soft, flowing, oozing, snaking) to formulate detailed movement descriptions. 

Activity

Motifs

There are many motifs evident within the choreography for 'Sarabande'. 

These motifs can be broken into three categories:

Activity

Create a table that outlines one motif from each of the above categories (movement, form, aural). 

Name each motif and note any variations of the motif you see throughout the work. Record the motif's meaning in relation to your interpretation of 'Sarabande'.

Image link to worksheet

The elements of dance

Choreographers use the elements of dance to develop motifs and to manipulate movement phrases throughout their works. It is important to be able to identify what aspects of space, time and dynamics the choreographer has selected and to provide detailed descriptions of these movements using dance language. Possible elements of dance that choreographers may have selected are listed below. 

Spatial analysis of 'Sarabande'

The element of space consists of level, geometry of space (direction, dimension and plane), shape, floor pattern, design in space, personal space, active space, performance space.

"... one of the elements of dance. The dancer moves in and through space. Dance movement takes up space and is performed in a space. Direction, level, size, focus and pathway are aspects of space. "

Activity

3. Watch the first solo in 'Sarabande' (36:22-37:30). Describe how Kylián has used space to communicate his intent. Include one specific example for each of the aspects of space below. 

Ensemble performing Sarabande

4. What are the other dancers doing at the time the first solo is performed? 

5. Where are the other dancers in the performance space during the first solo? 

6. What types of movements are the other dancers performing during the first solo?

7. Re-watch the first solo in 'Sarabande' (36:22-37:30), this time with a focus on the other dancers. Describe how Kylián has used space to communicate his intent in the ensemble movement. Include one specific example for each of the aspects of space below. 

8. What do you think Kylián is trying to communicate during the first solo of the work? 

Aural analysis of 'Sarabande'

Aural aspects of a work include music, spoken word/singing, sound effects and body percussion.

You need to consider the description of each of these components separately, and then in relation to each other, commenting on the images, atmosphere and mood they create.

The element of time can be considered when describing and analysing the aural aspects of a work. Time also has a close relationship to dynamics.

The element of time consists of accent, rhythm, metre, phrasing, duration, tempo, momentum and stillness.

"... one of the elements of dance. The aspects of time include movement speed, accents, silences and rhythm"

Activity

Select a section from the work 'Sarabande' where the group is performing at the same time as a solo performer. Be sure to identify the excerpt in some way, e.g. final episode.

Dynamic analysis of 'Sarabande'

Dynamics are an important tool employed by a choreographer to communicate their concept/intent. It is possible for the same movement to be performed with a different weight/force or dynamic quality to convey a completely different meaning. This is why it is imperative to understand the use of dynamics when analysing a dance work. 

Dynamics have a close relationship to time.

"... one of the elements of dance; the level of energy or force applied to the execution of a movement or movement sequence."

Activity

Describe the dynamic qualities that you can see in Kylián’s work 'Sarabande'. 

The dynamic work bank below may help you to create your responses. 

Dab, slash, hover, flow, bound, percussive, accelerated, sustained, resisting, anticipating, suspended, explosive, release, swinging, vibratory, collapse, loose, punch, wring, suppressed, fluttering, writhing.

For example: Towards the beginning of the work, the dancers are on the low level on their backs with their focus towards the Baroque dresses hovering above. They then perform a vibratory and fluttering action of the hands on the floor to communicate building agitation.

Visual elements

The visual elements of a work include:

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Form/structure

Identifying a work's form/structure requires you to look at how the work has been structured to communicate meaning. 

Common ways choreographers can structure their dances are listed below.

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References and images