Considerations

One of the major differences between the Core and Major study is the use of additional considerations. It is not compulsory to use additional considerations, however if you do, they must be important to the ‘Work’.

For Major Study Composition, these additional considerations are:

The number of dancers used relative to concept/intent
Simple props
Simple costumes
Use of accompaniment

These additional considerations are not merely ‘added’ to the choreography after it is completed. They should be integral to the ‘Work’ and support the communication of intent rather than detract from it.

Simple Props

The use of props must be integral to the ‘Work’. When used thoughtfully, they will not only serve as decoration but will also enhance the intentions of the ‘Work’ and so add to the examiner’s understanding of thematic intent.

Props may:

Enhance character
Have symbolic meaning
Add to the movement itself

In the HSC examination, if a prop is being used for Major Study Composition, it must be simple and able to be set up immediately by you or your dancers. A few examples of simple props are:

Chair or stool
Book
Mirror
Suitcase
Elastic
A box

The use of a simple prop in a Major Study Composition is a decision that must relate back to the concept, intent or thematic content of the work. The prop should be such an important part of the work, so much so that the Composition would not work without it. The use of a prop is more than just holding it in your hand whilst you are dancing. Spatial relationships must be formed between the dancer/s and the prop to create meaning within the performance space. This means that you must continually refer to the prop throughout the work, whether that is:

in the pathways used
gestures towards the prop
focus and direction
holding the prop
using the prop in creative and unconventional ways
using the prop for weight bearing movements

The choreography must be seamlessly intertwined with the prop to further communicate the thematic intent of your work.

Activity

Answer the questions below in your journal if you are using a prop.

a) What is the prop?

b) How does this prop assist in driving the concept/intent of the ‘Work’?

c) Where is the prop positioned in the performance space in the opening of the ‘Work’? How is this significant to your concept/intent?

d) How do you or your dancers relate to the prop? How are the spatial relationships formed? For example, gesture, pathways, direction etc.

Answer the questions below in your journal if your are not using a prop.

a) Why is the absence of a prop relevant to the thematic intent of your ‘Work’?

b) What tools do you employ as a choreographer to communicate intent with the dancers alone? Consider the use of the elements of dance to form your answer.

c) How will spatial relationships be formed without the use of a prop in your ‘Work’ to communicate the concept/intent?

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