Theme and Variation

 

 I 
 
Unit: Dance Forms
Theme: Theme and Variation 

Introduction
 
 "Theme and variation" is a popular musical form in which a composer states a melody and then repeats it several times with changes to create more interest and variety. In dance, something similar happens. One can create a movement to then repeat it several times with changes in directions, levels, speed, etc, to create more interesting variations.
 
II
 
Learning Objectives 

  • Understand the concept of theme and variation
  • Explain the impact of theme and variation on the overall quality of the dance
  • Gain an awareness of how theme and variation is used in dance performance
  • Experience theme and variation in the creation of a movement phrase
 
III
 
Warm Up
Stretching 
Allignment


IV
 
Main Lesson


 
 1

Theme and Variation

 
 Water Study, Doris Humphrey
 
Choreography is presented and then repeated with changes, while still retaining enough of the theme that the original movement is recognizable. The significance of the original theme increases as it’s examined in its variations. Any number of tactics may be applied to the main phrase to create a variation, including:
 
• Altering the tempo, rhythm or direction in which the pattern is performed.
• Applying another structural tactic to the movement, such as inversion.
• Changing the style or mood.
• Repeating or lengthening portions of the theme, while omitting others.
• Modifying the number and placement of dancers.

Example: Taking a phrase, then trying it at twice the speed, or with only the arms, or completely in reverse, or as small as you can possibly move. With any theme, begin with simple steps, so there are plenty of variation options. 
 
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V
 
A Note to Remember 
 
Theme and variation make the dancer aware of that one recurrent theme that permeates his/her dance.
 
 
VI

Case Studies
 
1

Masterpiece: Water Study, Doris Humphrey

Call and response is a physical conversation: One person/group performs, then another dances in response. This form has its roots in the songs, drums and dance of African culture, and is often seen today in hip hop and tap. Example: Two groups face each other onstage and perform alternating 8-counts. 
 

 Question 1
 
Write a reflection on the piece.
 
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2

Masterpiece: Revelations, Alvin Ailey

Ground bass requires a single theme to be constantly reiterated throughout the composition, juxtaposed against other group movement. This theme may be the primary focus or serve as background movement. It may also be passed from one individual or group to another, or performed by the entire group in unison. Look for ground bass in Native American dances where the women provide a constant background theme and men execute difficult and varied dance steps as the principal center of interest. Example: At any given point during the dance, someone is repeating an 8-count arm phrase. 
 
Question 2
 
Compare and contrast Revelations and Water Study.
 
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3




Masterpieces: Accumulation and If You Couldn’t See Me (an inversion of Accumulation), Trisha Brown

In music visualization, the structure of the dance mimics the structure of the music, whether dancers are representing specific instruments or dance phrases correspond with musical phrases. Example: Creating a petit allegro phrase that matches a speedy flute solo in the music, or returning to the same steps during each chorus of a song.
 
Question 3
 
In which way is theme and variation present in Brown's Accumulation?
 
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4
 
 

Masterpiece: L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, Mark Morris
 
Question 4
 
How is Mark Morri's piece an example of theme and variation? 
 
 
VII

ACTIVITY

Create a movement phrase with 8moves and turn it into a second phrase by changing levels, speed, directions and size.

RECORD AND POST YOUR PHRASE.
 
--------------------------
 
 
VIII
Journaling
 
 
IX
Glossary
 
 
 
X
Sources  
 
https://www.dancespirit.com/how-to-structure-a-dance2326035194.html


 

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