Choreographed

Choreographed is the past participle of choreograph and an adjective describing movements or sequences that have been planned and arranged for a dance or other performance. A choreographed routine is designed in advance by a choreographer and specifies timing, spacing, transitions, and counts, guiding performers through the piece.

The term derives from Greek roots in chorea (dance) and graphein (to write); the noun choreography and the verb choreograph appeared in English in the 19th and 20th centuries, with choreographed acting as the past participle from these forms.

Choreography is used in dance, theatre, film, television, music videos, and related performance arts. It also applies to non-dance contexts such as marching bands, figure skating programs, and Olympic opening sequences, where a sequence of movements is planned and rehearsed.

The practice involves selecting or composing music, designing movements that fit the rhythm and mood, mapping positions and transitions on stage, and rehearsing with performers. A choreographer collaborates with dancers, actors, designers, and directors to align movement with lighting, costumes, and storytelling. Safety, accessibility, and the performers’ skill levels are considered, and routines are refined through repetition.

In everyday usage, choreographed can describe any plan or sequence that is highly organized or staged, not necessarily artistic, as in a “choreographed” response or event.