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choreography

kor-ee-OG-ruh-fee /ˌkɒr.iˈɒɡ.rə.fi/

nounB2TOEFLGRESAT

arts

The sequence of steps and movements in dance or stage combat, or the art of designing such sequences.

Implies deliberate, highly structured, and rhythmically planned physical movement.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'khoreia' (dance in a ring) combined with '-graphia' (writing). Originally coining the notation system used to write dance steps down on paper, it evolved to mean the art of composing dance itself.

Word relationships

dance composition: Dance composition is a formal technical term, whereas choreography is the widely used standard word.
staging: Staging covers general theatrical positioning, whereas choreography focuses specifically on physical movement sequences.

improvised movement: Improvised movement is spontaneous, whereas choreography is strictly pre-planned.

Commonly confused with

calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting, whereas choreography is the art of dance arrangement.

Word family

choreographer (noun): A person who designs dance or movement sequences.
choreograph (verb): To plan and sequence dance steps or complex movements.

Collocations

intricate choreography
stage choreography
fight choreography
original choreography

Idioms & expressions

carefully choreograph a response

Example sentences

"The intricate choreography required the dancers to synchronize complex leaps with high-speed tempo." Musical theater review
"The fight choreography was so realistic that the audience gasped during the sword duel." Stage action

Memory hook

CHOREO (chorus of dancers) + GRAPH (written diagram) = Writing the steps for dancers. Designing the dance map.

When not to use

Do not use for completely random, unorganized, or chaotic physical fights.

Fun facts

Fight scenes in action movies are designed by 'fight choreographers' using dance notation to prevent injuries during filming.