choreograph

1 compose a sequence of dance steps, often to music; "Balanchine choreographed many pieces to Stravinsky's music"

2 plan and oversee the development and details of; "The meeting between the two Presidents had been carefully choreographed"

English

Verb

1. To design and record the choreography for a dramatic work such as a ballet
2. To direct the development of a project; to orchestrate

Related terms

• choreographer

Choreography (literally "dance-writing" from the Greek words "χορεία" (circular dance, see chorea) and "γραφή" (writing), also known as "dance composition"), is the art of making structures in which movement occurs. The term composition may also refer to the navigation or connection of these movement structures. The resulting movement structure may also be referred to as the choreography. People who create choreographies are called choreographers.

Origin

The term choreography first appeared in the American English dictionary in the 1950s. Prior to this, movie credits normally stated "Ensembles Staged by", "Dances", "Dance Director", "Dances Staged by", "Musical Numbers Directed by", or "Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by". Choreographers often improvise to find what works best musically.

Settings

Although used mainly for dance, choreography is also used in:

• Stage combat (action or fight choreography)
• Gymnastics
• Ice skating
• Cheerleading
• Show Choirs
• Marching bands
• Cinematography
• Synchronized swimming
• Synchronized skating

And many other activities involving human movement.

Language and notation

Choreographic techniques

One choreographic technique is improvisation.

Improvisation

• Dance improvisation
• Contact improvisation
• Body mapping

See also

• Ballet
• Ballet master
• Contemporary Dance
• Dance notation
• improvisation
• List of choreographers
• Modern Dance
• Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers
• Synchronized Swimming
• Synchronized Skating

References

Further reading

• Blom, L, A. and Tarin Chaplin, L. (1989) The Intimate Act of Choreography. Dance Books. ISBN 0-8229-5342-0
• Ellfeldt, L. (1998) A Primer for Choreographers . Waveland Press. ISBN 0-88133-350-6
• Minton, S, C. (1997) Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation. Human Kinetics . ISBN 0-88011-529-7
• Tufnell, M. and Vaughan, D. (1999) Body Space Image : Notes Toward Improvisation and Performance. Princeton Book Co. ISBN 1-85273-041-2
• Smith-Autard, J, M. (2000) Dance Composition. Routledge. ISBN 0-87830-118-6

External links

• Choreography a dance web site about choreography and the performing arts
• BBC Blast Find out how to become a choreographer with BBC Blast.
• Choreograph.net is an online forum about the emerging aesthetics of choreography
• Bryan Mattox Website International dancer and choreographer, Christopher Bryan Mattox, website (London,St.Petersburg,Los Angeles)
• choreography Website
• About-creativity.com An interview with choreographer Natalie Marrone, 4/6/07
• Latin American Dance blog
• McDonald Selznick AssociatesThe Worst Choreography Agency

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