A motif is the earliest stage of development of a theme or composition; a movement starting point which gives the first element of form to the dance/work. It is the driving force behind all phrases within the dance.
It can be a movement or a series of movements that clearly relates to the concept/intent. To generate more movement material, we would encourage that you use a series of movements that best communicate concept/intent as opposed to a singular shape as this can be limiting with regards to further development.
The motif is developed from movement that has been improvised, explored and further abstracted from the idea and stimulus; the motif should be seen consistently throughout the dance. It should be repeated, reiterated, reinforced and restated in a number of ways to add variety and contrast to the dance and to further communicate the intent. The motif should not be placed within a phrase of unrelated movements, it should be a product of further development and the movements should relate somehow.
The movements within the phrase are clearly related to concept/intent that makes up the smallest and simplest unit of dance form. A phrase is like a sentence in a book. It has logical structure in that it has a clear beginning, middle and end. The phrase is a logical development of shapes that are connected together by transitions. The shapes and transitions relate to the concept/intent and assist to unfold the idea.
This is a further development and exploration of the motif/s.
A phrase is developed as a direct result of the motif/s; the movement that surrounds the motif supports it to help further communicate the idea. The motif should not be placed in a phrase of unrelated movement shapes, the shapes should all relate as they should have the same qualities i.e. dynamics, lines etc.
There are many ways in which you can explore and manipulate a motif. Manipulation of the motif allows you to reinforce your idea, and adds variation and contrast and provides unity within your dance. The manipulation of the motif is not done just to restate the intent. It should be manipulated and explored purposefully to further communicate the intent and further develop the idea.