Reflective Essay on Choreographic Music Video

Introduction

Choreography can be defined as the practice or art of creating sequential movements for the physical body in which form or motion or both have been specified. Also, it may refer to the design of the body movements. This paper, therefore, seeks to explain why the document has helped increase my understanding of choreography as depicted in 'Cherish' a music video compiled by Madonna.

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First and foremost, the choreography depicted in the Cherish portrays a lot of unity. That is; the separate movements in the choreography flow together and each part contributes to the whole. As described, all the movements appear to have the same ambiance or character around them as they begin and maintain the same feeling throughout. These movements perfectly fit in with the feeling of the choreography portraying how interconnected the parts of the dance are. This consequently makes it possible for me as the observer to get involved as it can hold and attract my attention (Vernallis 168).

Another good characteristic that stands out as I continue to read through the choreography of the music video is continuity. It builds up and develops in a way that results in a logical conclusion. A lot of emphases is placed on the process happening, and as the observer, I have swept along to the very end. The choreographer offers an organised and natural progression of phases such that one movement naturally leads to the next. Also, he describes the verses chronologically, i.e., from verse one to verse two and so on.

Thirdly, there is a proper transition from one verse to the next. The writer begins by describing what happens in the first verse as he proceeds to the second and subsequent verses. Each phase is an integral part of the choreography and thus contributes to the unity and harmony of the dance (Vernallis 168).

However, along the way, the progression from one phase to another becomes noticeable at the third verse. This happens when the mermen swims underwater in some form of the formation. A prolonged musical and visual slowing leads the viewer into this section. Nonetheless, this is the only place where the music fails to align with the structure and form of the conventional pop song, thus interrupting the vocal ad-libs and the synthesiser solo. Despite this, the second part of this verse returns to the original arrangement and vocal melody of the previous verses.

This particular choreographic music video helps me understand the importance of a little repetition in a dance form. Carefully, some parts have been repeated to enable the audience to see and identify with them in a better way. This sort of repetition brings a sensation of closure to work. Also, it emphasises the phases and movements that are of significant importance to the dance (Vernallis 169).

Another choreography similar to that of Cherish by Madonna is Beat it by Michael Jackson. It portrays clear transition from one verse to the next while preserving a little repetition which helps the observer to better flow with it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, therefore, the choreographic music video helps me to understand better the qualities of a good choreography by properly incorporating them in the piece. In addition to helping me understand these qualities, it does act as a source of entertainment.

Work Cited

Vernallis. Carol. The Aesthetics of Music Video: An Analysis of Madonna's 'Cherish'. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Print.