Timing and dynamics are very important in music.

The concept of
dynamics is the basis on which a music piece is composed to evoke an
emotion or elicit a feeling. Complex dynamics in a piece of music or
dance is captivating and makes it very interesting to watch; the various
elements of dynamics in contrast and change keeps attention at its
highest just as a monotone voice does not sell in public speaking.
My proposal was to choreograph a dance on a piece of music while
using phrases of movement that catch the dynamics of the music. Also,
by using arrangements and formations to create a series of images that
tell a story of a song in movement. The song is Brother by Matt Corby. I
first learned part of the piece from Keone & Mariel Madrid at Urban
Dance Camp in Germany. And since then I have wanted to elaborate
and get more out of it. I feel like dance as an art builds self-esteem and
encourages empathy, so it may as well be used for purposes other
than solely entertainment. The creation is fully dedicated to the refugee
crisis currently on going so as to bring awareness on the issue.
The difficult part was timing, since its directly related to the beats and
sound of the music. The movement has to respond to the timing and
dynamics of the song. We started by learning the movement phrases
and rehearsed on repetition to correct the dynamics of the movement
accordingly. We also integrated contrast elements in formations by
changing levels and adding pauses to the bodies of dancers.
The experience was entertaining and challenging. I found the relation
between music and movement highly relative to my interests in dance
as an art of movement. To understand dynamics in dance better, I
would like to quote a piece of article on the subject:
DYNAMICS
Force + Time = Dynamics
What are dynamics?
Dynamics are how the body is moving and this relates to speed, energy and flow of movement.
These elements can be varied, combined and contrasted to create different rhythms, phrasing
(individual actions that are joined together to make a phrase) and accents (placement of stress on
beats or movements) to movements.
Descriptive words tend to be used when explaining dynamics, for example, hurried, speedy, languid
or sustained cold be used to describe the speed of the movement. Strong, heavy, explosive or

forceful could suggest the energy used. Smooth, jagged, free or bound could describe the flow of
the movement.

Why dynamics are used in dance?

Dynamics add texture, colour, interest and variety to a dance and can help to show the dance idea,
the mood or the atmosphere of a dance more clearly. Dances that are slow and smooth throughout
can become very boring to watch, while dances that are sharp, strong and fast throughout can
confuse the audience.

staccato slow

sustained

dreamlike
continuous

mechanical

explosive

direct

jagged

fast

heavy

smooth

floppy

soft

controlled

sharp

wavy

jerky

free

vibrant

lethargic

How the body is moving

feeble

strong

airy

poised

weightless
relaxed

bold
sprightly

gliding
precise
firm

uplifted

slashing

vigorous

animated

alert

hesitant

boisterous

vivacious
earthbound

collapsed

blurred