Choreographies

Choreography is the art and discipline of designing sequences of movements for dances and related performances. It involves the selection of steps, shapes, rhythms, spatial patterns, and interactions among performers, as well as the coordination with music, costumes, lighting, and stage space. The term choreography derives from Greek choreia (dance) and graphein (to write). The scope includes stage, screen, or other performances; forms range from classical ballet to modern dance, site-specific, and multimedia works.

Process and notation: A choreographer develops a concept, motifs, and structure; arranges sections, counts, and transitions; and guides the performance through rehearsals. Notation and documentation help preserve the work: systems such as Labanotation (Kinetography Laban) or Benesh Movement Notation record movement vocabulary, while video and annotated scores capture timing and staging.

Contexts and styles: Choreography is central to ballet, contemporary dance, musical theatre, film, and cultural performance. Choreographies of different scales and genres reflect diverse artistic aims. Notable choreographers include George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Bob Fosse, and Pina Bausch, each associated with different techniques and aesthetic philosophies. Increasingly, choreographers explore improvisation, collaboration with designers, site-specific settings, and computational or algorithmic methods.

Impact and education: The practice influences interpretation, accessibility, and preservation of dance works. Education programs in dance theory and choreography exist worldwide, ranging from conservatories to university departments, often emphasizing technique, composition, and kinesthetic analysis.