Mathis School of Dancing

Choreography

Choreography is the "Art of creating and arranging dances". It is a huge part of dancing and is as important as learning the technique of dance. At Mathis we understand the value of choreography and encourage all students to learn & explore choreography. We give them opportunity not only to create their own dances but to choregraph groups of dancers also.

During the year we have an internal choreographic competition in which all students are encouraged to makeup their own solos, duets, trios and groups. They perform their work for an audience and a trained adjudicator judge's their choreography who gives constructive critics to help them with their work. It is a really fun day and it is a pleasure to see all the students encouraging and supporting each other in their efforts. We encourage all students even the tiny fairies. We have encouragement medallions for all beginners, medals for all sections and trophies in lots of categories. We also have 3 Major awards given to the most promising choreographers in 3 age groups. The Lynda Mathis Memorial Cups.
These have been named after our founder of our school, a firm believer in students developing skill in choregraphy & improvisation. Along with these awards comes a scolarship for each student to have sponsored private lessons until the next annual competition.

We are very lucky to have these sponsored by local businesses. These are listed below. Please support these business supporting our students. Each year there is the opportunity to sponsor 3 more students. Please contact Jen if you would like further information.



Our 2009 Sponsors	Our 2009 Lynda Mathis Memorial Cup Winners Samantha Holland, Zoe King & Vanessa Northcott	Our 2009 Sponsors

About Choregraphy

There is no set way of doing Choreography.
Some choreographers find their inspiration in music. Very often the nature of a certain piece of music stimulates a dance idea. The music then not only dictates the kind of dance, but also its mood, style, length, phrasing, intensity and overall form. The choreographer will be aware of the nature of the the music (lyrical, comic, dramatric, etc.) will make sure that it complements rather than conflicts with the idea.
Other choreographers have the intention to convey an idea or tell a story and may choose not to use musical instruments as accompaniment, but percussion instrument sounds, human voicesounds, word, songs and poems.
When a dance is constructed, the choreographer gives attention to the elements of motif, logical development, variation and contrasts, repetition, climax or highlights, relationship and unity.. The choreographer also keeps the following in mind: The length of the dance, the size of the stage or area to be used, decor and props, costumes and make-up, as well as the aesthetic quality of shape in space, and pathways created on the floor and in the air.
The human body is the choreographers instrument.