'Shadows' Motif Development Task for AQA GCSE Dance

A resource for students that need to develop their skills in using the choreographic device ‘motif development.’ I used this for a 3-week virtual/remote project, however it could easily be adapted to be used in one-off workshop or lesson or extended to a 6-week scheme of learning with an assessment/peer-assessment task at the end.

The resource is on a PDF document and the option to ‘copy’ the resource to an electronic Google Form for ease of use is available!

Includes:

1. Step by step instructions to learning the son’s solo motif highlighting action, spatial and dynamic content. It would be beneficial if you were also able to access the video of ‘Shadows’ by Christopher Bruce from the E-AQA website - the selected motif starts at 7 minutes.
2. Link to an extract of Rutka Laskia’s diary from the Polish ghetto in 1943 which is used as a stimulus.
3. Informative quiz which breaks down the choreographic device of ‘motif development’ into developments of action, spatial and dynamic content (as students should know them for the GCSE Dance written paper examination) along with definitions and examples. The quiz asks students to select the ‘motif development’ devices that they think are appropriate for their solo.
4. Suggestions for aural settings.
5. Visuals throughout the resource to support students’ understanding of the choreographic device ‘motif development.’

Nb. When I assessed this, I graded students on:
a) Choreographic device of ‘motif development.’ /8
b) Choreographic devices of contrast highlight and climax. /8
c) Structuring devices and form /8
d) Spatial content /8
GCSE Dance Specification

E-AQA is available to teachers in registered UK schools. Alternatively, you can purchase Phoenix Dance Theatre’s digital resource pack through their Learning and Participation department.

I strongly recommend booking a workshop with Phoenix Dance Theatre. Their youth/education dance practitioners, in my experience, have an excellent understanding of the ‘Shadows’ repertoire and are highly engaging teachers!

Please give feedback and feel free to ask any questions about delivery of these activities! Good luck!