Choreographic Structures: Repetition and Contrast

Active learning helps students internalize choreographic structures by engaging their bodies and minds simultaneously. When students physically experience repetition and contrast, they develop an intuitive sense of how these elements shape meaning, which is difficult to grasp through discussion alone.

• Grade 7
• The Arts
• 4 activities
• 15 min–30 min

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate the use of repetition to emphasize a specific movement motif within a 16-count phrase.
2. Compare and contrast two distinct movement qualities (e.g., sharp vs. sustained) when transitioning between two established phrases.
3. Create an 8-count movement sequence that incorporates at least one instance of symmetry.
4. Analyze how the use of contrast affects the overall energy and intention of a short dance phrase.
5. Explain the function of a transition in connecting two contrasting movement ideas.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

Pairs: Repetition Mirror Game

Partners face each other; one leads by repeating a gesture three times with variations in level or direction, the other mirrors exactly. Switch roles after one minute, then discuss how repetition built emphasis. Combine into a paired sequence.

Prepare & details

How does repeating a specific gesture clarify its meaning for the audience?

Facilitation Tip: During the Repetition Mirror Game, remind pairs to vary the size, speed, or level of their repeated movements to avoid monotony and deepen audience connection.

Setup: Groups at tables with problem materials

Materials: Problem packet, Role cards (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, reporter), Problem-solving protocol sheet, Solution evaluation rubric

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Collaborative Problem-Solving

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Small Groups: Contrast Phrase Builder

In groups of four, brainstorm two contrasting motifs, such as sharp versus fluid. Create a four-part phrase alternating them with transitions. Perform for the group, noting audience reactions, then revise based on feedback.

Prepare & details

What makes a transition between two movements feel seamless?

Facilitation Tip: In the Contrast Phrase Builder, encourage groups to test at least two contrasting pairs before selecting the most effective one to avoid randomness.

Setup: Groups at tables with problem materials

Materials: Problem packet, Role cards (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, reporter), Problem-solving protocol sheet, Solution evaluation rubric

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Collaborative Problem-Solving

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

Whole Class: Symmetry Circle

Form a circle; teacher models a symmetrical gesture repeated on both sides of the body. Students replicate, then add contrast by breaking symmetry. Perform as a group wave around the circle, observing order created.

Prepare & details

How can a choreographer use symmetry to project a sense of order?

Facilitation Tip: For the Symmetry Circle, model how to use transitions to connect movements smoothly or abruptly, depending on the desired effect.

Setup: Groups at tables with problem materials

Materials: Problem packet, Role cards (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, reporter), Problem-solving protocol sheet, Solution evaluation rubric

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Collaborative Problem-Solving

⏱ 15 min·Individual

Individual: Transition Improv

Students solo improvise a sequence starting with repetition, inserting contrast, and experimenting with two transition types: blend or cut. Record on phone, self-assess seamlessness against a checklist.

Prepare & details

How does repeating a specific gesture clarify its meaning for the audience?

Facilitation Tip: During Transition Improv, ask students to focus on one transition type per trial to isolate its impact on flow.

Setup: Groups at tables with problem materials

Materials: Problem packet, Role cards (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, reporter), Problem-solving protocol sheet, Solution evaluation rubric

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Teaching This Topic

Teach choreographic structures by modeling first, then scaffolding student practice. Start with simple, clear examples of repetition and contrast, then gradually increase complexity as students demonstrate understanding. Avoid overloading students with too many concepts at once; focus on one structure at a time before combining them. Research suggests that students learn best when they see immediate connections between their movement choices and the audience’s response.

What to Expect

Students will demonstrate the ability to use repetition to emphasize a movement’s significance and contrast to create dynamic interest. Successful learning is evident when sequences are intentional, cohesive, and communicate a clear idea to an audience.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Repetition Mirror Game, watch for students who repeat movements without variation, leading to dull performances.

What to Teach Instead

After the activity, prompt students to reflect: 'How did changing the speed or size of your repetition affect the audience’s reaction?' Use their observations to guide them toward intentional variation.

Common Misconception

During the Contrast Phrase Builder, watch for students who pair movements randomly rather than intentionally.

What to Teach Instead

During the activity, ask each group to explain why they chose their contrasting pair. If they struggle, provide sentence starters: 'We chose this contrast because...' to guide their reasoning.

Common Misconception

During the Symmetry Circle, watch for students who assume transitions must always be smooth.

What to Teach Instead

After the activity, show two short video clips of transitions—one smooth and one abrupt—and ask students to vote on which they think is more effective. Discuss how each type serves a different purpose in dance.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After the Repetition Mirror Game, ask students to create a 4-count phrase using a specific gesture, repeat it once, and add a contrasting 4-count movement. Circulate to check if students accurately apply both repetition and contrast.

Peer Assessment

During the Contrast Phrase Builder, have students perform their sequences and use a checklist to observe clear repetition, evident contrast, and smooth transitions. Peers provide one specific suggestion for improvement based on the checklist.

Exit Ticket

After Transition Improv, students write down one movement they repeated and explain why it was emphasized, then describe a contrasting movement they could add and how it would change the phrase’s feeling.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students to create a 16-count sequence using repetition, contrast, and at least three different transitions, then perform it for peers.
• Scaffolding: Provide students with word banks of movement qualities (e.g., sharp, fluid, heavy, light) to help them generate contrasting ideas.
• Deeper exploration: Have students analyze a professional dance video to identify specific examples of repetition and contrast, then discuss how these elements support the choreographer’s intent.

Key Vocabulary

motif	A short, recurring phrase or gesture that is developed and repeated within a dance.
repetition	The act of repeating a movement, gesture, or phrase to reinforce its meaning or impact.
contrast	The juxtaposition of opposing movement qualities, energies, or shapes to create interest and highlight differences.
transition	The movement or connection used to move smoothly or abruptly from one movement or phrase to another.
symmetry	Balanced arrangement of movement on either side of a central axis, creating a sense of order or stability.