Motif development is a core choreographic technique used to create dance. A motif can be developed by changing elements like space, levels, size, directions, pathways, and proximity of movements. A group motif can also be developed using choreographic devices like copying, mirroring, contrasting, leading/following, question/answer, and contact work. Motifs can be developed by changing actions, body parts used, repetition, dynamics, speed, quality, relationships between dancers, structure/order, focus, embellishment, rhythm, accent, and expression. Common ways to develop a motif include changing instrumentation, repetition, fragmentation, dynamics, levels, directions, enlargement/exaggeration, condensing, performing in retrograde,

1. Motif Development
Motif development is a core
choreographic device used
when creating dance.

2. • Change the space
• Levels
• The size of the movement
• Directions
• Shape/body design
• Pathways – air and floor
• Change from near to far proximity
• Dance in different areas of stage

3. If your motif is in a group dance
you can also develop a motif
using relationships and
choreographic devices
• Copying (matching)
• Mirroring
• Contrasting and complimentary
• Leading and following
• Question and answer
• Action and reaction (cause and effect)
• Unison
• Canon
• Group formations
• Contact work

4. •Change action
• Add in action and add
another action E.g a jump
and turn together.
• Take out actions
• Instrumentation – different
body parts (do on R then on
L)
• Repetition – repeat the motif
or action

5. •Change the dynamics
•The speed –
faster/slower
•The quality – stronger,
softer, sharper, more
direct, more flowing
etc.

6. •Change the
relationships
choreographic devices.
• Add in canon, unison
• Make it action reaction with
a partner
• Lead and following
• Mirroring it with your partner

7. •Change the
structure/order
• Retrograde – motif
performed backwards
• Fragmentation – changing
the order of the action in
motif

8. The performance
• Change the focus
• Embellishment/ornamentation –
make a movement look more
elaborate or complicated.
• Alter the rhythm
• Alter the accent – where the points
of energy and impulse are.
• Change the expression – change
from expressing calm to now
express panic.

9. 1. Instrumentation – same movement on a different
body part
2. Repetition – repeat parts or all
3. Fragmentation – Change the order
4. Change the dynamics – to all or part of it
5. Change levels - to all or part of it
6. Change Directions – once or several times
7. Enlarge or Exaggerate – all or parts of the
movements
8. Condense or shrink - all or parts of the movements
9. Retrograde – perform all or some of it backwards/ in
reverse
10. Combination - of any of the above