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Motifs in Dance

Music is full of motifs—themes that are repeated throughout the work (sometimes with subtle changes), introducing an emotion or idea, then building on it with cumulative effect. Motifs happen in dance too, in both story and abstract ballets, when dancers are given a signature step or movement quality. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s movements are slow and heavy, and he often reaches for something he can’t obtain. The Creature sometimes jerks or twitches, showing that he is made of mismatched parts. And everywhere in the ballet, the steps return to center—an extended leg folds in and closes tight against the standing leg, for example, or one dancer moves away from another and is brought up short, forcing a reversal of direction. Again and again, we see repression, physical and emotional withholding, and attempted escape.