Introduction
Choreography is the art of creating movement for dancers to perform. Much like how a composer writes music, choreographers develop a sequence of movements (also known as choreography) for dancers to perform. When developing choreography, a choreographer will choose movements that express specific emotions or a storyline, and pair them with music that matches the emotional expression of those movements. Choreography is used in a wide range of artistic disciplines, such as dance, theater, and opera, as well as cheerleading, synchronized swimming, and marching band.
Terminology
- B.A.S.T.E.: An acronym for Body, Action, Space, Time, and Energy; a system for breaking down the elements of dance.
- Laban: a movement technique to develop character and a notation system for movement.
- Choreographer: A person who creates a sequence of movements for the performance of a dance.
- Choreography: A sequence of movements used in dance and other staged performances.
- Non-locomotor movement: Any movement that occurs in one spot.
- Locomotor movement: Any movement that travels through space.
Context & Analysis
Before thinking about choreography, it is important to think about how bodies move to communicate a story. B.A.S.T.E. is an acronym which stands for Body, Action, Space, Time, and Energy. These are the five components which create the foundation of dance. Through choreography, a choreographer will use these five elements to compose dynamic and
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Guides
Practitioners:
- Bob Fosse
- Twyla Tharp
- Savion Glover
- George Faison
- Agnes de Mille
- Jerome Robbins
- Robert Wilson
- Camille A. Brown
- Marlies Yearby
- Arlene Phillips
- Michael Bennett
Performing Skills:
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Quizzes
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