Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation

by Sandra Cerny Minton

This reader-friendly text bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of the choreographic process. Whether you’re a beginning choreographer or a dance teacher new to choreography, you’ll learn how to solve common choreography problems, design and shape movements into a dance, and organize a dance concert. The book features 63 movement exploration exercises that take you from dance making to preparing for a performance. More than 56 photographs highlight and clarify important concepts. This second edition also includes these helpful features that will guide you through the entire choreographic • Movement exploration and improvisation exercises
• Ideas for organizing rehearsal schedules
• Suggestions for blocking, costuming, and lighting
• Sources for music and equipment
• Tips for selecting accompaniment
• Review questions
• Forms and checklists
• Glossary of choreographic terms
• Suggested readings A Basic Approach Using Improvisation also addresses three of the seven National Dance Content understanding choreographic principles, creating and communicating meaning, and using critical and creative thinking skills. It’s an excellent resource for teachers who are responsible for implementing these standards and dance enthusiasts who want to enrich their choreographic expertise.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone who is just starting out with improvisation and its relationship to choreography....a college student or a high school student interested in dance would get a lot out of this book.

[Shawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very, very basic. This is an example of how books on dance don't really work. The whole time, I kept thinking 'Just take a dance class!' It's strange to read, for example, about what shapes can be made with the arms, or how movements can be sped up or slowed down. No duh. But this textbook holds your hand and walks you through the facets of dance choreography. The exercises are elementary & very mechanical. Can't imagine anyone beside the instructor taking them seriously. I don't recommend this, it's a 1.5 on my scale, you're better off searching for richer, better books, or signing up for a dance class at a nearby studio or community college.

[Anilyn Dela cruz ii · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting