Blog five - Choreographic Devices

Throughout creating my solo, I used a range of choreographic devices to help represent my chosen theme and message I aim to convey in my solo. I also trialled different methods to creating choreography, using inspiration from practitioners such as Wayne McGregor. In addition, I also considered using the use of action, space and dynamic.  

Regarding the use of action in my choreography, there are sections involving walking in different directions, to reflect the image of the stimulus. I also used different rolling movements to represent the ‘shadow’ moving across the floor.  

I used spacing in my choreography to highlight the difference between the conscious and unconscious being of the shadow self. I did this by using levels and floorwork to show this contrast; for example, the floorwork represents the ‘shadow self’ (the unconscious being) and the standing movements represent the conscious state.  

Throughout my choreography, I mostly used a smooth, continuous dynamic to give a sense of fluidity in my movements. There are some sections where there are pauses to give a sense of being overwhelmed; this also shows a contrast between the continuity of the movements which ties together with the idea of the difference between the ‘shadow self’ and the ‘conscious self’.  

As previously mentioned, we watched a ‘TED talk’ by Wayne McGregor (McGregor), where two dancers create a motif inspired by letter. In this, he talks about the use of proprioception (feeling your body in the space) and how as a choreographer working on other dancers, he views them as objects. Using this as inspiration, I created eight counts of movements to create my own motif based on the shape of the letters in my name. I found this to be a new way of thinking requiring you to think more ‘physically’ using your body and creatively. I think this would be a useful tool when creating choreography to help create a motif which can be repeated throughout the piece to give it a clear meaning.  

 (McGregor)

Bibliography

McGregor, W. (no date) A choreographer's creative process in Real time, Wayne McGregor: A choreographer's creative process in real time | TED Talk. Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/wayne_mcgregor_a_choreographer_s_creative_process_in_real_time (Accessed: November 7, 2022).