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The Composition and Analysis component of the IB Dance syllabus combines both performance and written work. In this post, we’ll break down the assessment and share practical tips to help you excel.
IB Dance Composition and Analysis
- At SL, the Composition and Analysis component accounts for 40% of the final grade. At HL, it accounts for 35%.
- Both SL and HL students will spend around 90 hours on this component.
- Students compose and produce dance works (submitted on DVD) as well as an analytical statement on the processes of composition and analysis of one of the dances.
- SL students produce 2 dance works (totalling 6 – 10 minutes) while HL students produce 3 dance works (totalling 8 – 15 minutes).
- The written report must not exceed 800 words at SL, while at HL, students are permitted to write up to 1000 words.
The Dance Works
You’ll choreograph two dance works from scratch. These should be your own original ideas – not based on anyone else’s choreography – and they should show that you understand how to use the tools of choreography to convey something through movement.
The IB is looking for choreography that shows a clear intention – meaning, it should be clear what you’re trying to say or explore through your piece. You’ll also need to show that you understand and can use a range of choreographic devices, like motifs, contrast, spatial design, timing, dynamics, and structure. Creativity is important – the IB wants to see your own style and original ideas clearly shown in the way you choreograph and structure your movement.
Tips on succeeding
- Start with an idea. It doesn’t have to be deep – just something you care about or are curious to explore. It's going to be much easier to craft a dance work that genuinely resonates with you. Think about the styles you enjoy or what you would like to convey through your performance.
- Play around with movement early. Don’t wait until your idea is perfect. Test stuff out and see what works. Record your rehearsals. Watch them back to spot what’s working and what’s not. Keep things simple but intentional.
- Make sure to seek feedback. Ask your teachers for advice. You may also discuss ideas with your friends. Of course, remember that while another person's perspective can be valuable, always stay true to yourself – the best choreographies are those that convey the artist's personal style and approach.
- Use choreographic devices intentionally. Don’t, for instance, just throw in repetition or contrast because you feel like you “should''. Make sure to always ask yourself: Why am I using this? For example, repetition can show obsession, or change can represent transformation. Every choice should support your intention.
- Use music conciously. If you’re using music, make sure it enhances your intention – not just something you like. You can also challenge yourself with silence or abstract sound if it suits your concept.
- Play with space. Change where and how movement happens – use the stage or studio space with purpose. Think about directions, pathways, and floor work to make the choreography visually interesting.
- Don’t overcomplicate it. The IB values clear, well-developed movement ideas over random tricks or filler moves. A simple gesture can be powerful if it’s done with intention and supported by strong structure. Of course, if you are able to, incorporate gymnastic skills, as these can also improve your performance, but remember that they are not necessary.
The Analytical Statement
Once your dance works are done, you’ll need to write an analytical statement for each one. This is a written breakdown of your choreographic process – what your intention was, how you developed movement, how you used choreographic devices, and how the whole piece came together. It’s not an essay. It’s a structured reflection where you explain your creative decisions and how they connect back to your intention. SL students write up to 800 words. HL students write up to 1000 words.
In your analytical statement, you’ll need to clearly explain the intention behind your piece – what you wanted to express, explore, or communicate through your choreography. Then, walk through how you developed your movement. This could include your starting points, how ideas evolved, and how you shaped the material into a full dance work. Be sure to discuss the use of choreographic devices such as motif, contrast, spatial design, dynamics, and structure, and explain how each one supported your intention. You should also describe the overall structure of your piece – how it’s organized and why you made those structural choices. Finally, reflect on your creative process. Talk about any challenges you faced, decisions you had to reconsider, and how your choreography changed over time.
Tips on succeeding
- Be clear and honest about your intention. Start by explaining what inspired the piece – an emotion, experience, idea, image, etc. Don’t worry about sounding deep or fancy. Just be real and explain what you were trying to say and why.
- Describe your process step by step. Take the reader through how you built the choreography. Did you start with improvisation? A specific motif? A music track? Be specific about what you tried, how it developed, and how you made decisions.
- Talk about choreographic devices with purpose. Don’t just list what you used – explain how and why.
- Reflect on changes and challenges. No creative process is perfect. If you had to change your structure, cut a section, or rework movement that didn’t feel right, talk about it. Explain why the change helped strengthen your piece. If anything, discussing the challenges you faced will make your work seem more authentic and original.
- Don’t ignore music or sound. If you used music, explain how it supports your piece. Was it driving the rhythm? Creating contrast? Reinforcing emotion?
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
The Composition and Analysis component of the IB Dance syllabus combines both performance and written work. In this post, we’ll break down the assessment and share practical tips to help you excel.
IB Dance Composition and Analysis
- At SL, the Composition and Analysis component accounts for 40% of the final grade. At HL, it accounts for 35%.
- Both SL and HL students will spend around 90 hours on this component.
- Students compose and produce dance works (submitted on DVD) as well as an analytical statement on the processes of composition and analysis of one of the dances.
- SL students produce 2 dance works (totalling 6 – 10 minutes) while HL students produce 3 dance works (totalling 8 – 15 minutes).
- The written report must not exceed 800 words at SL, while at HL, students are permitted to write up to 1000 words.
The Dance Works
You’ll choreograph two dance works from scratch. These should be your own original ideas – not based on anyone else’s choreography – and they should show that you understand how to use the tools of choreography to convey something through movement.
The IB is looking for choreography that shows a clear intention – meaning, it should be clear what you’re trying to say or explore through your piece. You’ll also need to show that you understand and can use a range of choreographic devices, like motifs, contrast, spatial design, timing, dynamics, and structure. Creativity is important – the IB wants to see your own style and original ideas clearly shown in the way you choreograph and structure your movement.
Tips on succeeding
- Start with an idea. It doesn’t have to be deep – just something you care about or are curious to explore. It's going to be much easier to craft a dance work that genuinely resonates with you. Think about the styles you enjoy or what you would like to convey through your performance.
- Play around with movement early. Don’t wait until your idea is perfect. Test stuff out and see what works. Record your rehearsals. Watch them back to spot what’s working and what’s not. Keep things simple but intentional.
- Make sure to seek feedback. Ask your teachers for advice. You may also discuss ideas with your friends. Of course, remember that while another person's perspective can be valuable, always stay true to yourself – the best choreographies are those that convey the artist's personal style and approach.
- Use choreographic devices intentionally. Don’t, for instance, just throw in repetition or contrast because you feel like you “should''. Make sure to always ask yourself: Why am I using this? For example, repetition can show obsession, or change can represent transformation. Every choice should support your intention.
- Use music conciously. If you’re using music, make sure it enhances your intention – not just something you like. You can also challenge yourself with silence or abstract sound if it suits your concept.
- Play with space. Change where and how movement happens – use the stage or studio space with purpose. Think about directions, pathways, and floor work to make the choreography visually interesting.
- Don’t overcomplicate it. The IB values clear, well-developed movement ideas over random tricks or filler moves. A simple gesture can be powerful if it’s done with intention and supported by strong structure. Of course, if you are able to, incorporate gymnastic skills, as these can also improve your performance, but remember that they are not necessary.
The Analytical Statement
Once your dance works are done, you’ll need to write an analytical statement for each one. This is a written breakdown of your choreographic process – what your intention was, how you developed movement, how you used choreographic devices, and how the whole piece came together. It’s not an essay. It’s a structured reflection where you explain your creative decisions and how they connect back to your intention. SL students write up to 800 words. HL students write up to 1000 words.
In your analytical statement, you’ll need to clearly explain the intention behind your piece – what you wanted to express, explore, or communicate through your choreography. Then, walk through how you developed your movement. This could include your starting points, how ideas evolved, and how you shaped the material into a full dance work. Be sure to discuss the use of choreographic devices such as motif, contrast, spatial design, dynamics, and structure, and explain how each one supported your intention. You should also describe the overall structure of your piece – how it’s organized and why you made those structural choices. Finally, reflect on your creative process. Talk about any challenges you faced, decisions you had to reconsider, and how your choreography changed over time.
Tips on succeeding
- Be clear and honest about your intention. Start by explaining what inspired the piece – an emotion, experience, idea, image, etc. Don’t worry about sounding deep or fancy. Just be real and explain what you were trying to say and why.
- Describe your process step by step. Take the reader through how you built the choreography. Did you start with improvisation? A specific motif? A music track? Be specific about what you tried, how it developed, and how you made decisions.
- Talk about choreographic devices with purpose. Don’t just list what you used – explain how and why.
- Reflect on changes and challenges. No creative process is perfect. If you had to change your structure, cut a section, or rework movement that didn’t feel right, talk about it. Explain why the change helped strengthen your piece. If anything, discussing the challenges you faced will make your work seem more authentic and original.
- Don’t ignore music or sound. If you used music, explain how it supports your piece. Was it driving the rhythm? Creating contrast? Reinforcing emotion?
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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