Choreography : A Basic Approach to Using Improvisation

This reader-friendly text bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of the choreographic process. Whether you’re a beginning choreographer or a dance teacher new to choreography, you’ll learn how to solve common choreography problems, design and shape movements into a dance, and organize a dance concert.

The book features 63 movement exploration exercises that take you from dance making to preparing for a performance. More than 56 photographs highlight and clarify important concepts. This second edition also includes these helpful features that will guide you through the entire choreographic process:

• Movement exploration and improvisation exercises
• Ideas for organizing rehearsal schedules
• Suggestions for blocking, costuming, and lighting
• Sources for music and equipment
• Tips for selecting accompaniment
• Review questions
• Forms and checklists
• Glossary of choreographic terms
• Suggested readings

Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation also addresses three of the seven National Dance Content Standards: understanding choreographic principles, creating and communicating meaning, and using critical and creative thinking skills. It’s an excellent resource for teachers who are responsible for implementing these standards and dance enthusiasts who want to enrich their choreographic expertise.

Sandra Cerny Minton coordinates the dance program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley. She has taught and choreographed dance for more than 25 years and directed numerous concerts.

Minton has been an active member of both the Colorado Dance Alliance and the National Dance Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, for which she was publications director for two years. She also has devoted her energy to scholarship and to grant writing at UNC.

Minton earned her master’s degree in dance education from the University of California at Los Angeles and earned her PhD in dance and related arts from the Texas Woman’s University. She has written numerous articles, a book chapter, and other books on dance choreography and has presented at conferences across North America.

Minton also enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her husband and friends.