WHAT IS FORM, PHRASE, AND MOTIF?

A form is the instrument by which ideas and elements are arranged or combined into a
logical sequence which results in unity and consistency, and by means of which the
content or idea can be expressed and communicated. It is the organizing factor of any
work or dance composition.

Form emphasizes the nature of the relationships between the components of the
dance. The components are put together in different ways to create the form.

When you combine one movement with several others, they form a unit. When units are
pieced together, they make up a section in the choreography and the sections together
form a whole dance. Therefore, “a phrase is the smallest unit of form in the whole
dance”. It can be related to a sentence in writing compositions. Choreographers and
dancers use movement phrasing when working on dances. Phrase is two or more
movement ideas (motifs) linked together; a series of movements linked together to
make a distinctive pattern.

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A good dance contains a theme or a motif to be able to convey its meaning or

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intention to the audience. A dance without meaning makes it harder for the audience to
understand; thus, making it superficial and easy to forget.

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A single movement or a short phrase of movement that embodies the style and
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intention of the dance is called motif. A good dance uses a motif in which the
movements are repeated, varied, and developed by manipulating the movement
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components or elements. Motif is a movement or gesture or short movement phrase

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which has the potential to be developed in the dance/work. A movement motif functions
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as choreographic device within the choreography. It can contain the essence for the
completed piece and is usually repeated with integrity and manipulated throughout the
dance.
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