MDPE.1:2.4 - Choose preservation and variation

State which distinctions must survive and which may change. Depending on the project, these may concern rhythm, timing, sound, movement quality, partner response, form, improvisational freedom, instrument relation, social function, participation, authorship, lineage, or another domain characteristic.

Avoid both extremes. Freezing one manifestation can destroy a living practice; unlimited variation can erase the distinction the project meant to develop. MDPE.12 and MDPE.23 become relevant when the project needs an observation or developed recognition capability to test the boundary.

When preservation, variation, safety, access, visibility, cost, authorship, participation, or cultural continuity cannot all be improved together, name the material conflict or unresolved live choice. State the affected Agents and Systems, which commitments cannot presently coexist, which decision the conflict changes, and what observation or authority is needed before choosing. Do not turn a disputed objective into an agreed requirement.