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History of Motifs

In 1988 Jacqueline Smith-Autard regularly choreographed exam pieces for the performance element of the uk GCSE Dance examination, and had a major problem in accurate communication of the piece to pupils throughout the country. Videos were available for distribution and Labanotation of the pieces could also be acquired, but the resulting performances constantly exposed the inadequacies of such means of dissemination. Later that year Jacqueline got together with computer expert Jim Schofield to develop new techniques to solve this communication problem. To cut a long story short, their collaboration resulted in the DANCE DISC, released in 1989. This was used in many trials with the current exam piece at the time (which was choreographed by Jacqueline).

This watershed product was based on a BBC B microcomputer + a Doomsday Laser Disc system, both of which were widely available at the time. In addition Bedford Interactive (Jacqueline and Jim) resolved to package the Laser Disc Product and the required computer to all users of the Dance Disc who required them.

All the resource kits produced were sold and the Dance Disc went on to win a prestigious award at the 1989 BIVA awards ceremony in Brighton, England in October.

This first product set the partnership on the road of continuous research and development in the field of such pedagogic resources. Many trials, experiments and developments resulted in a string of projects, but media and software were constantly being superceded and updated, so the researches did not re-enter the market until 1999 (ten years after the Dance Disc). During those years Bedford Interactive produced innumerable demo products and videos (usually given away free to selected parties), and in the last four years the company has produced 4 products for sale.

The most recent of these "Motifs for a Solo Dancer" is a re-issue of the original Dance Disc, albeit with a whole host of new features. This product, like its predecessor, marks a watershed in resources for teaching dance. Authored entriely in Flash MX , the Motifs CD-ROM delivers all the partnerships best techniques and developments.
It is in fact the second in a closely related series of 3 discs with the overall title of Motif and Varaitions.

The first and second are now available, and the third is due for release in early 2004.