The body is used to make shapes which create interesting movement. To continually change the shape of the body is an important part of choreography. 

You can make shapes individually or in a group to create interesting effects.  

Individually create the following shapes with your body

Practise holding each shape for 4 counts then move into the next shape

1. 2 closed shapes 

2. 2 curved shapes 

3. 2 angular shapes 

4. 2 open shapes 

Below are some examples of shapes these are ballet shapes but you can use the same body parts and/or shapes and make them more angular or sharp or flowing or forceful or whatever suits your dance, to match your theme.

It is important for a dance composition to flow, display rhythm and maintain continuity.

 Transitions are the joining of movement skills, phrases and sequences to make a whole and give performances connectedness. 

A transition in a movement composition is often determined by physical necessity, that is, by the need to change position to complete the next move. However, a performance would look unusual if the performer stopped every time they needed to change direction, use a different skill or move from one level to another. This would detract from the performance and would not seem smooth or logical.

Transitions are an integral component of the composition, yet are very often neglected or put in as an afterthought. The use of transitions contributes to the flow of movement and, to be most effective, a transition needs to be seamless and appear to be part of the movement itself. The size and complexity of a transition is generally determined by the context in which it occurs, and it should only last as long as it takes to fulfil its function. It can be a jump, a turn or a leap, a change in music or music tempo, or a change in possession of the ball.

Form a group of any number and try different combinations of the shapes created above. You will need a transition movement which links one shape to the next (use the ‘connect the movement sheet’ for assistance and ideas). 

What type of transitions can you use to link movements together? List at least 5.

• • _______________________________________________________________

  • _______________________________________________________________

  • _______________________________________________________________

  • _______________________________________________________________

  • _______________________________________________________________ 

What made these shapes interesting to look at?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________