Title and Synopsis / Creating the Score for Ensembles

 

 

 

Unit: Preparing for the Performance

Theme: Title and Synopsis / Creating the Score for Ensembles

 

I

Introduction

Preparing for a performance is an important process that we try to teach our students. Preparing involves practicing leading up to the performance, physical preparation and reading yourself to go on stage.

 

II 

Learning Objectives

 

• Understand the process of getting ready
  
• Explain the importance of preparing to perform
• Gain awareness of the elements that need to be solved prior
  
• Experience the creation of the title, the synopsis and the score for the ensemble
• Reflect on the creative process at the end of the lesson
  

 

 III

 

 WARM UP

Stretching

IV 

 

Main Lesson

 

1

 Choosing the Title

Tips

1. In addition to the meaning of the words, pay attention to their sound, their rhythm and the meaning they convey.

2. Most creators prefer a short title; long titles are usually wordy on purpose, seeking to achieve a certain effect.

3. Most titles fall into one of two categories: Straightforward/descriptive and mysterious/enigmatic

4. In the age of Google, there is added value in a never used before title or one with unique words in it.

5. That being said, many great titles are just a single word from the dictionary because it feels just right.

6. Sometimes the simple title is the only one that works.

Question 1

Write your title on Discussion Board.

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  2

 

 Instructional Video: More Ideas

Question 2

Was this video useful to illustrate how improv can take place? Explain.
 
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 V

 Activity 1

 

Write Your Synopsis

Once you have finished conceptualizing your dance's score, it’s time to prepare your work for the performance process. While each dancer has their own specific way of summarizing their score, some guidelines are useful to know how to write a synopsis.

 5 Tips on How to Write a Synopsis

• Narrative vs. Non Narrative . In dance improv the synopsis does not necessarily convey a narrative.  It could just ensure actions and motivations.  If there is a story, it summarizes what happens and who changes from beginning to end. It gives the audience a good and reliable preview of your creative dance.
• Active Movement: Let your moves shine in your synopsis by using active voice and third person when describing the dance, the moves, the gestures, the images and metaphors.
• Unique Point of View. What is your creative idea in your fresh or unique dance improv elements/ Is your dance cliche or predictable? List elements that set your dance apart from others.
• Story Advancement. If there is a story, the synopsis should include the characters’ feelings and emotions, in which case you use these elements to advance your plot and story.
• Write Clearly. Focus on clarity in your writing and avoid wordiness. Remember, less is more.

 Question 3

Write your synopsis on Discussion Board.

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VI

Activity 2

 

 

Exploring Music for Dance Improvisation

 

https://youtu.be/IeTmeNM94JM?si=u6nxa0atw-T9P8zU

 Improvise to the different songs in the link below.

 

Question 4

 

What about this piece gets your attention in terns of Dance Improv.

10 Songs for Dance Improvisation


Question 5

Music has many different fundamentals or elements. Depending on the definition of "element" being used, these can include: 

 

pitch

beat or pulse

tempo

rhythm

melody

harmony

texture

style

allocation of voices

timbre or color

dynamics

expression

articulation

form 

structure

 

Describe the song you chose using the elements (listed above) that best apply.

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VII

 

 

Rehearsal

Rehearse all your dance improvisational phrases using any music of your choice.

Question 6

Briefly explain what you felt dancing all your phrases for the first time. 

 

Question 7

 

Is there a theme you can identify? Explain

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VIII

 

 

A Note to Remember

 

The discipline and responsibility learned through preparing for a performance are critical life skills. Students learn time management, the importance of regular practice, and commitment to their role, which positively affects their academic and personal lives.

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IX

 

 

Case Study

 

Question 8

Write your reflection about this piece.

 

 

X

 

Journaling 

XI

Glossary

XII

Sources

XIII

Students' Work