coregrafie

Coregrafie is the art of designing and arranging sequences of human movement for performance. It encompasses the conception, composition, and staging of dance works, as well as the documentation and transmission of movement-based forms. In Romanian usage, coregrafie refers to the field often called choreography in English.

Etymology and history: The term derives from Greek choreia (dance or chorus) and graphein (to write). The practice of choreographing movements appears in many cultures and was formalized in Western theatre and ballet. In ballet, Pierre Beauchamp helped codify movement and the five positions of the feet in the 17th century, establishing a framework for choreographic design. In the 20th century, modern and contemporary dance broadened practice to include improvisation, collaboration, and site-specific work.

Process and elements: Coregrafie involves developing a movement vocabulary, motifs, and sequences, then organizing them into sections and phrases. It considers space, direction, levels, timing, dynamics, and the relationship of movement to music or sound. The role of the choreographer is often collaborative, guiding dancers, composers, designers, and technicians. Notation systems such as Laban Movement Analysis or Benesh Movement Notation are used to document movement, while many works are preserved through video.

Contexts and reception: Choreography appears in ballet, modern and contemporary dance, musical theatre, film, and installation art. It evolves with changing audiences, technologies, and cultural exchanges, and continues to be taught in dance education and professional training. Preservation and interpretation of coregrafie rely on archives, performances, and new media to maintain the repertoire for future generations.