4/13/2026 - Week 14 / Meeting 23: Choosing the Title: Synopsis & Music for Ensembles

 

 

 

 https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/improvising-dance-64764/

 

Unit: Choosing the Title

Theme: Synopsis & Music for Ensembles

I

Introduction

 

II

Learning Objectives

 

III

Main Lesson

 Choosing the Title

 

1

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.

2

 

 

Instructional Video: More Ideas

Question 2

Was this video useful to illustrate how improv can take place? Explain.
 
3

 

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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 4

 

Exploring Music for Dance Improvisation


10 Songs for Dance Improvisation


Question 4

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

 

Question 5

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

5

 

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.

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IV

 Activity

 

Choose the Music for your ensemble piece

 Match music and phrases


Question 7

Is there a theme you can identify? Explain

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V

A Note to Remember

 

 

VI

Case Study

Question 8

Write your reflection about this piece.

 

VII

Journaling

 

VIII

Glossary

 

IX

Sources

 

Sagolia, Lisa (2019). Improvising Dance. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/improvising-dance-64764/

 

 

X

Students' Work