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choreography

kor-ee-OG-ruh-fee /ˌkɔːriˈɒɡrəfi/

nounB2TOEFLIELTS

neutral

The sequence of steps and movements in dance or physical performance, or the art of designing these sequences.

Implies deliberate, structured, and artistic design of physical movement, often synchronized with music.

The story behind the word. The word is a literal translation of its Greek roots: 'khoreia' (which means 'dance' and gives us the word 'choir') and 'graphein' (which means 'to write'). It originally referred to the literal notation of dance steps on paper.

Word relationships

dance notation: 'Dance notation' is the literal system of writing down dance steps, while 'choreography' is the creative design of the movements.
blocking: 'Blocking' refers to the precise staging of actors to facilitate the story, whereas 'choreography' focuses on rhythmic, expressive dance movements.

Commonly confused with

improvisation: 'Improvisation' is spontaneous movement, while 'choreography' is strictly planned and rehearsed.

Word family

choreographer (noun): A person who designs dance sequences.
choreograph (verb): To design and plan dance movements.

Collocations

complex choreography
dance choreography
stunning choreography

Example sentences

"Choreography is the writing of dance, a silent language of physical grace." The literal definition of the craft.
"The fight scenes in the action movie featured choreography as precise as any classical ballet." Describing a complex action sequence in a film.

Memory hook

Think of a 'choir' of dancers whose movements are written down ('graph') in perfect harmony. Writing down the steps of the dance.

When not to use

Do not use for random, unstructured movement or simple walking patterns.

Fun facts

In modern copyright law, choreography can be legally registered and protected just like a written book or a musical composition.