4/2/2026 - Week 12 / Meeting 22: Narrative / Story and Title

 

I 

Unit: Narrative

Theme: Story and Title (Solos, Duets, Ensembles)

 

 II

Introduction

As stated before, a dance solo is a deeply personal performance. The choreography, the music and the emotion are just elements that support the story you try to tell through movement. Today, we will work on articulating a story that will serve as subtext to your choreography.

 

III

Learning Objectives 

• Understand the need for a story to back your movement structure
• Gain awareness of the importance of the story as subtext
• Experience the process of articulating the text that becomes narrative
• Reflect on the work done in class

IV

Main Lesson

 

 1

(3:20 -  4:40)

Question 1

According to Crystal Pite, why do we need stories in dance?

 2

 

LINK

 How to Tell a Story through Dance

 

Question 2 

 Mention the steps necessary to tell a story through dance and briefly explain each.

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V

 

A Note to Remember 

 Storytelling is crucial in dance because it allows dancers to communicate emotions, ideas, and narratives through movement, offering a powerful and expressive form of art that can evoke a deeper connection with the audience. Remember that in Modern Dance, there is always a story being told. 

 

 

Question 3

 

Why is storytelling crucial for dancers? 

 

 

VI

 

Case Studies

 

Catherine Dunham - Barrel House Blues 

The piece is based on the slow drag a couple stands common to the Juke and the honky tonking. It depicts the time in Chicago when it was cold.  This lonely woman who felt a little beat up went on in a barn and had the time of her life just for a moment. She finds this young man and fantasizes. 

 

https://youtu.be/UcN0G7xItwo (9:00)

 

Lester Horton - The Beloved

The Beloved (all 1948), based on a newspaper article about a man who suspected his wife of infidelity and beat her to death with a Bible. The Beloved, co-choreographed with Lewitzky, is widely regarded to be a classic example of modern dance and one of Horton’s masterpieces. 

 

https://youtu.be/NZZ8RP8cTcs

 

Martha Graham - Appalachian Spring

The story tells of a spring celebration of the American pioneers of the 19th century, after building a new  Pennsylvania farmhouse. A young farm couple ruminate on their lives before getting married and setting up house in the wilderness. An itinerant preacher delivers a sermon. An older pioneer woman oversees the events with sympathy and wisdom. The newlyweds muse on their future as night falls. The couple will face a future that will not be all sweetness and light, but they will be able to survive the challenges.  

 

https://youtu.be/XmgaKGSxQVw

 

Question 4 

 

In which way are the stories above relevant to the audience and which way are they important to the choreographer and dancers? 

 

 VII

 

ACTIVITY

Written Component: Tell Your Story 

 

 

 Go over your piece and think about the story you are telling.There is no right or wrong answer. Your story is yours to tell. Please write a few sentences in which you summarize the story you are telling through your ensemble piece and your solo piece.

 

VIII

 

Journaling

 

IX

 

Glossary

 

X

 

Sources

 

XI

 

Students' Work