Composition is a compulsory component of the HSC practical exams. Some people find starting a composition difficult, but this resource is specifically designed as a starting point for you.

In the HSC your Core Composition dance must have a concept/intent.

Your Core Composition should

• have motifs which are generated through the process of stimulus, improvisation, abstraction and selection and refinement and clearly represent the concept
• be constructed of original/personalised movements that are relevant to your concept. This is an important point! Avoid including generic/technical sequences that you learn at your dance school. Always ask yourself, 'What does this movement have to do with my concept? Does it represent my concept clearly?'
• be performed by another dancer. Start scouting your school for a dancer who you think you can work with and will perform your composition well.
• be between 3-5 minutes in duration
• not have any costumes or props.

Refer to the syllabus on page 24-25. The areas of study for Core Composition are listed. You should include all of these in your composition and document how you used them. This will help you be better prepared for your rationale and elaboration interview.

The rationale is a 300 word written response that covers the areas of study from the syllabus, it gives the examiners insight into your composition dance and they will ask you questions on Generating Movement, Organising Movement and Organising the Dance.

Stimulus

'The starting point or incentive for creative movement. Stimuli for dance composition can be auditory, visual, ideational, tactile or kinaesthetic.'

The more stimulus you gather, the more you have to draw on to generate your movement. Include this discussion in your Core Composition process diary, ensuring that all images are annotated with your movement intentions, using both technical and descriptive terminology.