Choreographie

Choreography refers to the art of designing sequences of body movement, arrangement in space, and timing for performance. It encompasses the planning of movements, formations, transitions, and their musical or dramatic alignment. While most commonly associated with dance, choreography also appears in theatre, film, and stage combat, where movement is integral to expression and storytelling. A choreographer develops a movement vocabulary, decides the order of events, and works with performers, designers, and composers to realize a concept. The process typically includes concept development, method of movement, rehearsal, and refinement, often using sketches, scores, or notation to guide performers.

Historically, choreographic practice arises in many cultures through ritual and court entertainments. In the Western tradition, professional choreography matured in ballet and later modern dance, with figures such as George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham expanding vocabulary and form. Contemporary choreographers may combine dance with theatre, multimedia, or site-specific staging, creating works that emphasize process, collaboration, or conceptual frameworks.

Notational systems exist to document choreography for study or revival. Labanotation and Benesh Movement Notation are among the best known, while modern software and video documentation facilitate preservation and reproduction. The role of the choreographer can be distinct from that of the director, and may include duties such as translating a composer’s score into movement, coaching dancers, and adjusting choreography for different performers or spaces.

Choreography continues to evolve with trends in dance styles, performance technologies, and intercultural collaboration, reflecting evolving ideas about movement, space, and audience engagement.