choreographs

Choreographs is the third-person singular present form of choreograph, the art of designing and directing the movements of dancers or performers for a dance, theater, film, or other production. To choreograph a work is to plan the sequence of movements, the spacing and formations, and the timing to match music, sound, or narrative intent. The act may include both the broader structure of a piece and the details of specific sections or phrases.

Practically, choreographing involves analyzing the music or score, selecting a movement vocabulary, and mapping out counts, cues, and transitions. The choreographer determines blocking, entrances and exits, and how performers relate to each other and to space. Rehearsals refine the movement, adjust for safety, stamina, and performer ability, and align the physical action with artistic goals. Documentation—through notes, diagrams, or notation systems—helps preserve the work for future staging. In many contexts, choreographing also encompasses aspects of staging, prop use, lighting cues, and even fight or contact choreography.

Choreographs is used across dance, theatre, film, and television, and practitioners may specialize in traditional, contemporary, or multimedia forms. The professional who leads this work is commonly called a choreographer, while those who design the movement for combat scenes or stunts may be described as fight choreographers. The term derives from Greek roots related to dancing and writing, reflecting the weaving of movement with form and sequence.