Apr 8 / Compositional Forms: ABA, Rondo, Narrative, Rhapsodic / Program Rough-draft

 

I 

Unit: Compositional Forms

Theme: ABA, Rondo, Narrative, Rhapsodic

 

Introduction

  • ABA is a three-part compositional form in which the second section contrasts with the first section. The third section is a restatement of the first section in a condensed, abbreviated, or extended form.
  • The rondo (ABACADA)is a musical form that contains a principal theme (sometimes called the "refrain") which alternates with one or more contrasting themes. 
  •  A narrative, story, or tale is any account of a series of related events or experiences, whether nonfictional or fictional. Narratives can be presented through a sequence of written or spoken words, through still or moving images, or through any combination of these.
  • Rhapsodies on the other hand express pure feelings. We can thank the Greeks for the idea of the Rhapsody, though their rhapsodies were rather more word-based – poetry to be exact. Poetic rhapsodies were a kind of recital of all the best bits of poems, brought together in one colorful epic. And that’s really what a musical Rhapsody is, a piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas. A Rhapsody is all about dynamics: light and shade, high and low, loud and soft, happy and sad… It's a story, a journey. 

     

    II

     

    Learning Objectives 

     

  • Understand the ABA, rondo, narrative and rhapsodic forms
  • Explain the rondo form
  • Gain an awareness of the appeal of these forms
  • Experience the creation of movement phrases using these forms

 

 III

 

Warm Up

Stretching

Posture

 

IV

 Main Lesson


1

ABA

 

Form & Structure

Once the choreographer has conceived key movement phrases, he or she can combine, manipulate and organize them into longer sequences, paying attention to form and structure.

Question 1

Based on what we have studied so far, which elements of dance would you be able to combine, manipulate and organize into longer sequences?  

 

2

Three basic dance forms are:

  • ABA 
  • Rondo
  • Theme and Variation.

ABA

ABA form begins with an opening theme, leads into a contrasting theme that complements the first, and concludes with a return to the opening theme. 

This conclusion is recognizable but somehow changed in order to bring the piece to its resolution. 

There is a cyclic feel, a sense of continuity, order and inevitability.

 Question 2

What is appealing about the ABA form?

----------------

 

2

Rondo Phrase 

ABACADA

 


RONDO PHRASE

 The rondo (ABACADA) is an expansion of ABA form. It uses a recurring theme (like a musical chorus or refrain) to which the choreographer returns, interspersed with contrasting themes, all building to a conclusion.

Source:

http://www.artsalive.ca/en/dan/make/toolbox/formstructure.asp 

 

Question 3

Based on what we have studied so far, which elements of the ABA form are present in the rondo form?

 

 Question 4

What is appealing about the rondo compared to the ABA form? 

 

----------------------


3


 Narrative/Rhapsodic:

1. Narratives follow a story-line, and may convey specific meaning or concepts through that story. Example: Retelling a fairy tale, a classic, or following a story from your life.  

 

Question 5

Mention an example of a narrative from childhood. Explain why is it important. 

 


 
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Op 43
 
 https://youtu.be/HvKTPDg0IW0
 
 
 
 
 
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
 
https://youtu.be/sBspSJWRT2E 


2. Dances that express pure feeling are “rhapsodies”—emotion is the tie that holds the composition together. Example: Conveying a sense of sadness or loss through movement. 
 
Question 6
 
Compare a musical rhapsody with a movement/dance rhapsody. 


V 

 A Note to Remember

The form of a dance determines the way it is organized. This is similar to the way musical forms like the suite, symphony or concerto shape their overall contour or identity. 

 

VI 

Case Studies

 

 ABA

 Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI, established 2010), a program of the Maine Arts Commission provides this resource as part of the Resource Bank. This project was facilitated by Catherine Ring during the 2014-15 school year. For more information on MALI go to or contact John Morris.

 

 

-----------------

 

Rondo

 


 -------------
 

Narrative


 Narrative— Jose Limon's Moor's Pavane

  

 

Question 7

What aspects of this dance piece make it a narrative?

 -------------

 Rhapsodic

 1. Rhapsodic— Dispute with God by Harald Kreutzberg 

2. Lamentation by Martha Graham


LINK:  Dispute with God, Kreutzberg, Harald

 

Question 8

 Why is Dispute with God a rhapsodic composition?


Lamentation, Martha Graham
 
Question 9
 
 What aspects of Graham's Lamentation accentuate its rhapsodic character?
 
 

VII

Activities 


 ABA Task

Students review their ensemble and solo dance. Using the ABA form, students identify the opening theme, the  contrasting theme and return to the opening theme (8 moves for A, 8 moves for B, 8 moves for A).

 

Rondo Task

 

Create a new group phrase using the rondo form and add it to your group dance (use one of your previous moves as A, one as B, and back to A) plus one of your previous moves as C, back to A, one of your previous moves as D and back to A.

 

Narrative Task 

Apply the concept of narrative to your ensemble piece.
 
 
Rhapsody Task
 
 Apply the concept of rhapsody to your solo piece.
 

 

VIII

Journaling

 

IX

Glossary

Music

Music suite:  a set of instrumental compositions, originally in dance style, to be played in succession.

Music symphony: an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements, at least one of which is traditionally in sonata form. The first movement is brisk and lively; the second is slower and more lyrical; the third is an energetic minuet (dance) or a boisterous scherzo (“joke”); and the fourth is a rollicking finale.

Music concerto: a concerto is, from the late Baroque era, mostly understood as an instrumental composition, written for one or more soloists accompanied by an orchestra or other ensemble. The typical three-movement structure, a slow movement preceded and followed by fast movements, became a standard from the early 18th century.

Dance

Dance suite: suite, in music is a group of self-contained instrumental movements of varying character, usually in the same key. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the period of its greatest importance, the suite consisted principally of dance movements.

Dance symphony: rooted in a Greek word meaning “to dance,” orchestra originally referred to the semicircular area in front of a stage where the chorus danced in theater performances. English adopted the world in the 16th century, though it took on its “large group of musicians” sense in the 1700s.

Concert dance (also known as performance dance or theater dance in the UK is dance performed for an audience. It is frequently performed in a theater setting, though this is not a requirement, and it is usually choreographed and performed to set music.

Question 3

Based on the vocabulary above, compare and contrast the same terms when they refer to music versus when they refer to dance.

---------------------

X

Sources

http://www.artsalive.ca/en/dan/make/toolbox/formstructure.asp

 

XI

Students' Work 


==============

Program Rough-draft


Modern Dance II / Spring Recital 2025

 

 

P R O G R A M

 

Solos

 

1

 

Ice Way

 

Dancer: Sibylle Cao

 

Choreographer: Sybylle Cao

Music: SOLO by Jennie

https://youtu.be/b73BI9eUkjM?si=opOXfQhBfaS8RZsj

My solo is about ice skating and how it is a gate away for people to distress and be able to enjoy skating on the ice freely.

 

2

Heartbreak

Dancer: Lexi Wolf

 

Choreographer: Lexi Wolf

 

Music:

My piece is about heartbreak, toxic love, longing, and emotional vulnerability. It describes a complicated, unhealthy relationship where one feels deeply drawn to someone despite the pain and emotional turmoil it causes her. 

 

3

 

Untitled

 

Dancer: Isabella Ribeiro

 

Choreographer: Isabella Ribeiro

 

Music: Nobody Gets Me by SZA’s

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNd_ufPG3x4

 

 

Synopsis

 

4

'Tethered To The Sky'

 

Dancer: Monique Frauenheim

 

Choreographer: Monique Frauenheim

 

Music:

 

The story of someone haunted by the loss of a loved one. Unsure if they are mourning in real life or still caught in a dream. The piece blurs the line between nightmare and memory, going through flickers of comfort and sudden fits of fear. The dance embodies that surreal space between sleep and consciousness, where you keep reaching for someone you already lost.

 

5

Places

 

Dancer: Maya Grossblatt

 

Choreographer: Maya Grossblatt

 

Music:

My piece is about the idea of putting on shoes and the different journeys and places the shoes take us.

 

6

Running Away

Dancer: Savannah Bray

Choreographer: Savannah Bray

Music: Let Me Down Slowly by Alec Benjamin

This dance is about someone running away from an abuser and trying to find who she is again by herself. 

 

7

Frustrating World

 

Dancer: Vanessa Aiello

 

Choreographer: Vanessa Aiello

 

Music: Out my mind just in time (instrumental) by Erykah Badu.

 

https://youtu.be/brUSjjVQMGQ?si=fqvNhEylmBHUB0Us

 

 

Overall, my piece is about being unsuccessful in trying something new and getting really frustrated and then finally at the end figuring out the conflict and being successful.

 

 

 

8

 

Shopping for life

 

Dancer: Jazmyn Aaron

 

Choreographer: Jazmyn Aaron

 

Music:

My piece is about a girl shopping for clothes.

 

9

 

Here comes the sun.

 

Dancer: Nina Gerson

 

Choreographer: Nina Gerson

 

Music: Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc

 

 

where the sun meets the ocean and the rising and setting each day.

 

 

10

Love Yourself

Dancer: Remi Rosenfeld

Choreographer: Remi Rosenfeld

Music: Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

https://youtu.be/AWGqoCNbsvM?si=uMgoSGzv_gR_3l-K

My story is about a girl struggling in a relationship and realizing she needs herself only to love her self

                                                                         

11

Untitled

Dancer: Brianna Sacks

 

Choreographer: Brianna Sacks

 

Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo

 

https://youtu.be/DCcAtJ1PuEU?si=J4E3jmbLu8fhVRls

 

 

In my piece, her heart breaks and she ends up finding herself and it’s for the better.

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

“The Figure”

 

Dancer: Nicole Goldun

 

Choreographer: Nicole Goldun

 

Music: Gorillaz  - Clint Eastwood (Karaoke) (1:00 – 2:00 min)

 

https://youtu.be/jv1RrZPo0pc?si=JYRQ7ksaG9j_097d

 

 

“The Figure” describes the dance of a girl (me) who always comes in touch with a figure whilst least expected in random moments of her life. The dance starts with a girl walking down and when she comes in touch with the figure she begins her dance with it but alas she is tired of the figure and finally attempts to split off at the end of the end of dance, showing her frustration.

 

13

 

Self-Discovery

 

Dancer: Angie Malik

 

Choreographer: Angie Malik

 

Wake me up- Avicii


My dance is supposed to represent finding your true self and expressing yourself to find who you are. Going out of your comfort and expressing yourself through music or whatever makes you feel good

 

 

14

 

Sweet, Whimsical Love

 

Dancer: Sarabeth Levin

 

Choreographer: Sarabeth Levin

 

Music: Kiss me by Sixspense None The Richer

 

My piece will incorporate what it feels like to be in love and the crazy feelings that come with it. Whether it's magical or painful the dance will symbolize all the good and bad that it comes with.

 

 

15

 

Happiness

 

Dancer: Rebecca Simensky

 

Choreographer: Rebecca Simensky

 

Music: Bloom - bonus track

 

Synopsis:

 

 

 

16

 

Unveil

 

Dancer: Jessica Abboud

 

Choreographer: Jessica Abboud

 

Music:

 

Dance move fluidly, each holding a mysterious box that glows with hidden potential. As they open them one by one, dazzling lights and visions of new worlds emerge, transforming the stage into a realm of endless possibilities. With a final step, they leave the past behind, stepping boldly into the unknown.

17

Sisterly Bonds

Dancer: Ella Corigliano

 

Choreographer: Ella Corigliano

Music: "Slipping Through My Fingers"

https://youtu.be/hRr7qRb-7k4?si=oafzD8yGdrAErTUY

I’m heading off to college, leaving my sister behind. Initially, I couldn't believe im really leaving for college, experiencing life without my sister (Denial). Frustration sets in as I grapple with the reality (Anger). I consider compromises like frequent visits or video calls (Bargaining). The sadness of separation hits, leading to homesickness (Depression). Over time, I adjust, make new friends who make Miami feel like a home away from home, and embrace college life while staying connected with her sister (Acceptance). As you can see my story is based on leaving my sister for college and going through the 5 stages of grief. 

 

 

18

“The Weight of Wings”

Dancer: Shelby Pasternack

 

Choreographer: Shelby Pasternack

 

Music:

Alone in her dorm room, a girl unfolds a letter left behind by her parents. She reads their words, a final embrace before her journey of her first year of college begins. As she reads, memories of home swirl around her, both comforting and aching. Through movement, she navigates the space between holding on and letting go. The girl starts to understand who she is becoming and learning how to be independent.

 

 

19

 In the Waiting

 

Dancer: Karen Abboud

 

Choreographer: Karen Abboud

 

Music: Let’s Go by Indie Folk Central

 

https://youtu.be/8UjJBh_GO2k?si=9Y6csSrZgBM8OBJj

 

 This solo piece explores the journey of starting from nothing—facing a space that feels empty, where it seems like there’s nothing left to do. But through hard work, patience, and inner peace, you begin to cultivate something meaningful. It’s a reminder that nothing worthwhile comes easily. Even when you start from scratch, with dedication and time, growth happens. In the end, what once felt barren transforms into exactly what you were hoping for.

 

20

Lost and Found

Dancer: Sofia Braun

 

Choreographer: Sofia Braun

 

Music: Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish.

My story is about the journey of finding something you have been looking for. This could be interpreted as finding something physical or even spiritual or emotional and dancing your way to finding that missing object/connection.

 

21

The Tea Cup

 

Dancer:  Isabella Racanelli

 

Choreographer: Isabella Racanelli

 

Music:

 

In my piece, I drink a cup of tea I haven't had in a long time, and it brings back memories I try to hold onto.

22

Untitled

 

Dancer: Lizzie Emby

 

Choreographer: Lizzie Emby

 

Music: Vienna by Billy Joel

 

https://youtu.be/3jL4S4X97sQ?si=uFShUQWZaRYA5_6K

 

 

In my dance, I am writing about growing up and that everything life brings is meant to be no matter the ups and downs

 

23

The door: wait for a minute

 

Dancer: Sophia Talamas

 

Choreographer: Sophia Talamas

 

Music: Wait for a Minute by Justin Bieber

 

https://youtu.be/xkL1PCBI9sQ?si=yRsSsLwLY95U07pq

In my solo I am looking through a library, exploring, and a find a door. When I open the door I find myself in a cube and then I realize that I am stuck and I actually want to get out of it. And I fight until I do; then, I am relieved and happy to dance. 

 

24

Learning About Me

 

Dancer: Becca Ross

 

Choreographer: Becca Ross

 

Music: Lose you to love me by Selena Gomez

 

https://youtu.be/zlJDTxahav0?si=SodgmTgv-LANpASK

My piece is about how as I have grown up I have changed and evolved into the person I am from different experiences. These experiences have shaped me into an independent woman that I am today and I am thankful for them. 

 

25

Untitled

Dancer: Joud Alwuhaib

Choreographer: Joud Alwuhaib

Music:

Synopsis

 

26

Untitled

Dancer: Anyla Asif

Choreographer: Anyla Asif

Music:

Synopsis

 

27

Untitled

Dancer: Liliana  Li

Choreographer: Liliana Li

Music:

Synopsis

 

28

Untitled

Dancer: Zixian Lin

Choreographer: Zixian Li

Music:

Synopsis

 

29

Untitled

Dancer: Ava Marasco

Choreographer: Ava Marasco

Music:

Synopsis

 

30

Untitled

Dancer: Maddi Pohl

Choreographer: Maddi Pohl

Music:

Synopsis

 

31

Untitled

Dancer: Guoning Sun

Choreographer: Guoning Sun

Music:

Synopsis

 

 

==========================

 

 

Ensembles

 

 

1

 

Untitled

 

Dancers: Monique, Vanessa, Anyla, Ella, Lexi, Shelby

 

Choreographers: Monique, Vanessa, Anyla, Ella, Lexi, Shelby

 

Music: Sky full of stars

 

Top of Form

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPRjCeoBqrI

 

 

2

 

Untitled

Dancers: Angie malik, remi Rosenfeld,  Sophia Talamas, Sarabeth Levin, Sofía Braun, Savannah Bray

Choreographers: Angie malik, remi Rosenfeld,  Sophia Talamas, Sarabeth Levin, Sofía Braun, Savannah Bray

 

Music: Quemada by Yeahman

 

https://youtu.be/60Rfs_av1do?si=6uLGp9kcSJ6I-np3

 

 

3

Untitled

Dancers: Joud Alwuhaib, Maya Grossblatt, Rebecca, Jessica, and Karen

 

Choreographers: Joud Alwuhaib, Maya Grossblatt, Rebecca, Jessica, and Karen

 

Music: Golden Eurodisco Megamix

https://youtu.be/ZSN2j__PLVA?si=O6yLZScGEED8YrD4

 

4

Untitled

Dancers: Briana, Lizzy, Nina, Zixian, Guoning Sun

Choreographers: Briana, Lizzy, Nina, Zixian, Guoning Sun

Music: Kung Fu fighting by Carl Douglas

https://youtu.be/bmfudW7rbG0?si=e7ps75Ts-ZB_uAHy

 

 

5

 

Untitled

Dacers: Rebecca Ross, Maddy Pohl, Isabella Racanelli, Isabella Ribeiro, Jazmyn Aaron

Choreographers: Rebecca Ross, Maddy Pohl, Isabella Racanelli, Isabella Ribeiro, Jazmyn Aaron

Music: Hero Kung Pu Panda Sound Track

https://youtu.be/86EPZphKBhg?si=Fr6BPeJMsEplXGVc

 

 


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