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Choreographic Devices are used to develop and rework section of movement. We are going to focus on the choreographic devices of CANON, REPETITION, and UNISON.

Canon:

A choreographic device that reflects the musical form of the same name in which individuals and groups perform the same movement phrase beginning at different times.

Repetition:

A choreographic device whereby a movement or motif are repeated exactly for emphasis or to gain interest.

Unison:

Two or more people performing the same movement at the same time.

Activity 1:

• Create groups of 4
• In your groups, take 15 minutes to create 32 counts (4x counts of 8) of movement that includes any number of skips, runs, jumps and turns or any other movements you wish to include (you can use the actions from ‘Ready, Set, Action’ to assist you).
• Learn the sequence together as group 
• Each group then performs their sequence for the class performing together in UNISON
• In your groups choose 8 counts that you like the best and repeat this section anywhere in your movement sequence (beginning, middle, end) and rehearse so that the sequence flows well with the repeated section included.
• Each group then performs again for the class.

REFLECTION:

1. Discuss what difference REPETITION made to the work?
2. When would it be most effective to use REPETITION in a movement sequence?

Activity 2:

• Create groups of 4
• In your groups, take 15 minutes to create 32 counts (4x counts of 8) of movement that includes any number of skips, runs, jumps and turns or any other movements you wish to include (you can use the actions from ‘Ready, Set, Action’ to assist you).
• Learn the sequence together as group
• Each group then performs their sequence for the class performing together in UNISON
• In your groups Decide who will be A, B, C, and D. Take another 10 minutes to rehearse this time performing in a CANON. Person A starts on count 1, person B starts on count 5, person C starts on count 9 and person D starts on count 12.
• Each group then performs again for the class.

REFLECTION:

1. Discuss any difficulties that arose while you were putting this together?
2. What effect does using CANON create? 

A warm-up prepares the body for physical exertion. It is also a time when mental preparation may take place, a time for focusing both body and mind. If performers begin strong physical movement too quickly they run the risk of injury as the muscles are not properly warmed up.

The idea is to gradually increase the heart rate, raise the body’s core temperature, warm the muscles and increase blood flow. If the muscles are warm, they are more flexible and less likely to tear.

Consider the types of movements executed by circus performers. Some examples are jumps, leaps, rolls, lifts, falls, tumbles, stretches, etc. Make a list of some of the muscle groups involved in executing these?

In groups of 4 design and create a warm-up appropriate to the types of movement and muscle groups involved in a circus performance.

The warm-up needs to go for 2-3 minutes. There should be a combination of stretching exercises and cardio exercises to get the blood pumping around our bodies. Pick an appropriate song that can be used while you are doing the warm-up.

Using Tayasui Sketches School, which is already on your iPad:

•  Draw and label diagrams of the warm-up exercises you will be doing (stick figures will be fine!): 

Ready, Set, Action!

Please check the appropriate passage in this iBook for Drawing help.