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.