The concept of “phrasing” refers to how a given sequence of events is meaningfully organized in time through its internal relative dynamics.

Meaning/breath/intent

Poetic, syntactical, functional

Identifying events

Mode of expression, e.g., Sound, Action

Describing events

Parameters of each mode
Tone	Movement
Timbre	Action (motif)
Amplitude	Effort
Pitch	Shape
Duration	Space
Envelope	Body (neuro-muscular)

Describing a phrase

Sequence

Order of events along a timeline

Elements of a phrase

Beginning, Middle, End

Framing elements. Stillness/Silence. Cadences and resolutions

Defining relative dynamics

Effort loading, effort contrast, effort intensity (clarity), condensing effort.

Spatial dynamics such as size & complexity of kinesphere, spatial contrast, relationship to external spatial elements including other movers and the performing area.

The role of new or unexpected events in dynamic perception; disaffinities, incongruities, surprises

Gross Dynamic Contour

5 typical contours: arch, impactive, impulsive, even, Gunther

Rhythmic elements

Repetition, variation, gradation

Simultaneous Layered Relationships of Phrases

Macro-phrases concurrently organized through multiple levels of branching micro-phrases:

(e.g., envelope, event, motif, phrase, passage, through-line.)

Concurrent experience of different points in separate phrases of various lengths.

(Starting a training group while grading exams)

Multiple purposes concurrently organizing a single sequence of events:

(Poetic, syntactical, functional)