Structures for Dance AB ABA ABCBA A B

Structures for Dance AB ABA + ABCBA A B A C A D… Binary Rounded Binary Ternary Arch Rondo

Structures for Dance ² Every dance we choreograph will be made up of different sections. This helps us remember our routines in rehearsals. ² The structure is the order we put the sections of our dance in. ² There are five basic structures that we can use when choreographing dances. ² Music is also divided up into sections which assists in creating and developing choreography.

Structures for Dance- Binary A B – Binary This Structure is very simple. There are two sections. The two sections are different from each other. This is will be the starting point in structuring your routine. A Create a sequence of steps and moves, combine them together to make section ‘A’. This is known as a motif that will be repeated throughout your performance. B After creating your section ‘A’ motif, the section of the music has now moved onto a different verse or even the chorus. Create a new section and name this sequences of steps and moves ‘B’. Top Tip: Sometimes music with lyrics can be restricting, why not try the instrumental version or music that is just about the beats rather than the vocals. This works really well for this type of dance structure

Structures for Dance- Rounded Binary A B A – Binary This Structure is very simple. There are three sections. The two sections labelled ‘A’ are the same sections repeated. They are separated by the middle section labelled ‘B’. This is a development from your original structure. A Create a sequence of steps and moves, combine them together to make section ‘A’. This is known as a motif that will be repeated throughout your performance. B After creating your section ‘A’ motif, the section of the music has now moved onto a different verse or even the chorus. Create a new section and name this sequences of steps and moves ‘B’. A Repeat section’A’

Structures for Dance- Ternary A B C – Ternary This Structure is also simple. There are three sections. The three sections are different from each other. A Create a sequence of steps and moves, combine them together to make section ‘A’. This is known as a motif that will be repeated throughout your performance. B After creating your section ‘A’ motif, the section of the music has now moved onto a different verse or even the chorus. Create a new section and name this sequences of steps and moves ‘B’. C After creating your section ‘A’ and ‘B’ sequences. You can elaborate you dance and create a section ‘C’. Create a new section and name this sequences of steps and moves ‘C’.

Structures for Dance- Arch A B C B A – Arch In this structure there are three sections. Section A is first, and is repeated at the end. Section B is the second section, and is also repeated. Section C is the middle section. It is not repeated, but is the climax (high point) of the dance. A B C B A

Structures for Dance- Rondo A B A C A D… - Rondo In this structure there is a section that is always repeated (section A) possibly with developments. In between this, there are different sections that provide a contrast to section A. These can all be different, or some could be repeated, for emphasis. AB ACA D ‘D’ is usually your ending to your routine or is the last section of dance before you end your dance.

Structures for Dance- Mix it up! Mix it up by creating small motifs and labeling them A, B, C and D then play around with the order you would like to present them in your dance. Repeat as many or as little as you like. + Don’t forget you can add choreographic devices to make your dances more interesting