Using Choreographic Devices and Creating Motifs

 

We decided to create various motifs to help generate movement across the choreographic process. When looking back at our chosen stimulus ‘Relic’ we felt it was important to address certain aspects of the image. In order to do this, we chose to pick out three to four words to describe the picture and how we felt the movements would look. I picked passage, observation, stillness and resistance. As well as looking at Crystal Pite’s work, mainly ‘Flight Pattern’ and ‘Seasons Cannon’, we felt that in order to express to extremity of loss and change that we need to use juxtaposing dynamics throughout the piece and isolation of body parts. We could do this by using the choreographic devices: Contrast/Compliment, motif, repetition and insertion.

Whilst we haven’t directly used choreographic methods influenced by Crystal Pite, we have looked at her style as a choreographer and how she uses motifs and movement to explore her themes and ideas.

Darcey and I decided that we would create two potential motifs. We started by creating a maximum of 4-8 counts of movement and then showing each other what we had created. We then picked out movements that we would like to incorporate or adapt and began to piece them together. This resulted in the following phrase:

We also individually created another short motif and have chosen to revisit them at another point to merge them together.

Our research into Crystal Pite has helped us to develop and discuss how we want our final piece to look. At the start of each session, we generally discuss what aspect we would like to focus on and how we want it to come across using certain levels and movements. We frequently look at Crystal Pite’s works for inspiration and ideas as we feel that she creates a similar style of movement to what we would like to create.