Syllabus definition

'...the overall shape, organisation or development of a composition according to a preconceived plan'

Formal structures are how you arrange the sections in your dance. There are a number of formal structures, some of these are more appropriate for concepts than others. The choice is yours as a choreographer and it all depends on how you would like to present your concept.

AB or Binary

The AB is a simple choreographic form that consists of a beginning section called A, followed by a second section known as B. While sections A and B fit together in terms of the common feeling of the composition, each contains elements that are contrasting. The choreographer must devise a transition to link the two sections of the dance developed in the AB form. The transition can be presented abruptly or could be produced in a gradual manner.

A concept that would support the AB or Binary form would be hide and seek. Your A section could explore movement of hiding and your B section explores seeking.

ABA or Ternary

In the first part of a series of movements or theme, A is stated and manipulated. Part B then presents a contrasting theme and the final section returns to the theme A with a different twist. All three sections fit together to create a unified form. There should be contrast between parts, yet they should be similar enough to suit the overall concept of the dance.

If we look at the concept of hide and seek again, A explores hiding and B section explores seeking, then returning to A hiding.

Rondo

The Rondo could be described as ABACADAEAFA. The rondo form includes an initial section A followed by an alternate or contrasting part B. The third section is a return to A, whether in its entirety or with some changes. The return to A is followed by a fourth section, C, and another return to A. The remainder of the choreography includes parts D, E and F interspersed with variations or restatements of A. Think of it as A being the chorus in a song and B, C, D etc are the verses.

For example, if your concept is looking at the idea of being trapped, the A section could be exploring stuck, B explores freedom, returning to A stuck then C explores frustration etc.

Theme and Variation A1, A2, A3, A4 etc.

With a theme the internal sequence must remain constant. Each variation on the theme gives it a different character. Once the original theme is presented, the sequence of variations can be changed so that they do not appear in order 2, 3, and 4 etc. However it would be advisable to perform sections in sequential order if appropriate to the theme.

For example, a life journey in which the variations show the different ways a child, young woman and an old woman would execute a given theme. Or if your concept was water, you could explore waves, ice, ice melting, current in the river.

Narrative or ABC

'This is the gradual unfolding of a story or idea. Each section is a further exposure of the idea or story with the last section providing a resolution. Just like in a story A will be setting the scene, introducing the idea, B is some sort of conflict or tension with C resolving the issue.' (Blom & Chaplin 1982.).