Repetition

The word repetition means ‘exactly the same thing again’. However, if you repeat the same thing exactly as it is over and over again then it will make your composition monotonous and it will also limit the ability to further develop your concept.

Yet if you skilfully utilise repetition, you can create a sense of consistency (unity) to your composition. Repetition can assist in emphasising and reinforcing the motifs throughout your dance as well as highlighting important parts of the dance, like a meaningful sequence, a floor pattern or even a gesture.

There are a number of ways to repeat movements, motifs, phrases and sequences. Repetition becomes more interesting when it is varied. A few ideas are listed below.

  • Repeating on the other side
  • In a different part of the performance space
  • Change the direction
  • Instrumentation
  • Performing on another level
  • Different dynamics and time variations
  • Repeating a part of a phrase (fragmentation).

Skilful repetition could occur through the manipulation and exploration of the elements of dance. It does, however, need to be purposeful for your concept/intent.

Activity

Select one key phrase from your Core Composition dance. Document the phrase with a written description and illustrations/photographs. Select one way to repeat the phrase from the list above.

Answer the following questions:

a) What does your original phrase communicate?

b) How have you repeated the phrase?

c) How has your repeated phrase reinforced your concept/intent?

d) How will you sequence this repeated phrase? Will it occur directly after the original phrase or will it be used in another section of the dance?

In your response, please ensure that you are supporting what you are saying by using movement description. It is imperative that you relate your choices as a choreographer back to how it helps in communicating your concept/intent.

Make sure you use technical and descriptive terminology as well as annotated illustrations/photographs.