khoreia

Khoreia, Greek khoreía (χορεία), is a term used in ancient Greek contexts to denote both dance in general and the chorus of a dramatic performance. The word shares its root with khoros (χορός), the chorus, and derives from a root meaning to dance or to circle. In early Greece, khoreia referred to ritual and social dances, while in theatre it came to indicate the choral component of tragedy and comedy—the group of singers and dancers who performed in unison and commented on the action through song and movement.

In Greek drama, a khoreía was led by a choregos, who financed the chorus, and a coryphéus or leader who directed entrances and movement. The chorus typically performed with musical accompaniment, using instruments such as the aulos or lyre, and moved in choreographed patterns that aligned with the verse’s meter. The dance and song provided structural and thematic framing for scenes, often participating in the narrative through lament, praise, or ritual invocation.

Choreographic patterns varied by region and period, ranging from simple circle dances to more elaborate formations. The khoreía played a central role in religious festivals, notably the City Dionysia, where the chorus not only entertained but also helped define the dramatic rhythm and collective voice of the performance. In modern scholarship, khoreia is studied as a key aspect of ancient Greek theatre and as a window into broader Greek dance and ceremonial practice.