Syllabus definition

'The organisation of single movement to short and long phrases, to sequences and sections, to a complete dance'

What is a sequence?

You would have heard the saying that a ‘phrase is like a sentence’. This analogy can be applied to a sequence as it is like a paragraph. Sequences also have a beginning, middle and end, they go somewhere and say something about your concept/intent. They are made up of a number of phrases and have a climax or high point. The length and shape of the sequences vary according to the needs of the movement. This then becomes a ‘chunk’ of movement that is looking at a specific aspect of your concept/intent.

Sequencing is how you organise phrases, sequences and sections in a logical order in relation to your concept/intent. Part of this process includes considerations to the beginning, middle and end of your dance. The final chosen order of your sections must give the appearance of a unified whole.

Transitions

Syllabus definition

'A natural evolvement from one thing to the next, between individual dance movements, between phrases, between major sections of a dance/work'

Transitions are the links between movements, phrases, sequences and sections of the dance.

Transitions can differ in:

• length – gradual or abrupt
• complexity – as simple as a plie for a jump, or involving a whole phrase of movement.

A transition between movement phrases can be as simple as a step or change of direction or focus or it may even be a movement phrase itself. Transitions between major sections are determined by the overall form of your dance and may be gradual.

'No matter what the length or complexity, the transition must be integral to the concept/intent. This means that you shouldn’t just add a dance movement or phrase that you learn in class to join your phrases, your transitions still need to communicate your concept. Transitions hold parts together by bridging your ideas, and therefore creating unity within the composition.'

Ashley 2004