Choreographic devices

• Motif

  A movement phrase encapsulating an idea that is repeated and developed throughout the dance.
• Motif development

  Ways in which a movement phrase can be varied.
• Fragmentation

  Use of parts of a phrase or motif.
• Retrograde

  Reversing a movement phrase.
• Repetion

  Performing the same action or phrase again.
• Climax

  The most significant moment of a dance.
• Highlights

  Important moments of a dance.
• Manipulation of number

  How the number of dancers in a group is used.
• Unison

  Two or more dancers performing the same movement at the same time.
• Canon

  When the same movements overlap in time.