The division in three sections of the path is only meant to offer basic orientation, since of course a choreographic process does not always unfold in a linear fashion.
You can use cards from one section for another point in time as well. To do so, simply print out several copies of the card in question, or even expand on the set of cards by incorporating your own terms.
The choreographic travel cards accompany you and the class on the path to realising your own choreography together. On one hand, the cards organise this path into three sections: "start", "in the thick of things" and "final sprint". On the other hand, they make the entire development process visible in a vivid manner for everyone. In this way, all involved parties can take part actively and creatively from the first idea to the final performance.
On the front sides of the in-total twelve travel cards (four each per section), terms such as "try it out", "order" or "find movements" name the significant steps within a section. The backs of the cards feature more probing questions on these terms that encourage reflection and active involvement in the creative process.
Idea and topic
Do we have an idea?
How do we develop a topic?
Find or
invent movements
How do we develop movements?
By imitating,
improvising,
making them up...
Trying things out
Space:
Directions? Levels?
Time:
fast, slow, repeating?
Dancers:
individual, in pairs, in a group?
Movement qualities:
round, angular?
Relations:
individual, in pairs,
in a group, with an object?
Experimenting
?
Composing
movements
Is there a beginning,
a middle and an end?
Can we create transitions?
Choosing
What was cool?
What should we choose?
Why?
Music
Which music fits?
Do we need music?
Do we want to dance in silence too?
Order
Do we have an order?
Do we want to change the order?
Practicing
practice, practice, practice
What’s missing?
costumes, objects, set,
texts, videos, image/light projections…
What fits our topic?
What do we still have to get?
Deciding!
What got us personally excited the most?
What is also exciting for other people?
Performing!
Where should we show our piece,
our open rehearsal, our performance?
In a theatre, in the schoolyard, in the classroom?
In a public space, in the subway?
Where will the viewers be positioned?
Are you going to be dancing in front of them or is there a clear separation?
Affix the cards to a large blackboard or poster. For every term, on your own or together with the students you can record assignments, thoughts and ideas. In this way, you can create your own choreographic travel route using the travel cards
Click in this area to create your Travel Card
Idea and topic
Find or
invent movements
Trying things out
Experimenting
Composing movements
Choosing
Music
Order
Practicing
What’s missing?
Deciding!
Performing!
Older students can also work independently with the card set. Pass out the cards (with, without or with only partially formulated questions and assignments on the back side) to the students and have them develop a choreography with the cards on their own.
Think about the best way to accompany and support them in this process.