Choreography

Definition

Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements in dance, often crafted to convey a story, emotion, or theme. This practice involves not only the arrangement of dance steps but also the integration of music, space, and expression, allowing dancers to bring their roles to life. Through choreography, artists create a visual language that resonates with audiences and enhances the cultural significance of dance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Choreography gained significant prominence during the 20th century as dance became more integrated into popular culture, showcasing styles like jazz, swing, and hip-hop.
2. Alvin Ailey is known for his groundbreaking choreography that celebrated African American culture through powerful storytelling and innovative movement.
3. Jazz dance, especially in vaudeville and Broadway, heavily relied on choreography to create vibrant and engaging performances that captivated audiences.
4. The development of choreography has evolved with technology, with video documentation allowing choreographers to refine and share their work widely.
5. Collaboration between choreographers and composers is crucial; the synergy between movement and music can elevate a performance to new artistic heights.

Review Questions

• How does choreography contribute to the storytelling aspect of popular dances in the 20th century?
  • Choreography plays a vital role in storytelling by crafting movements that reflect emotions and narratives within popular dances of the 20th century. For example, in styles like swing and jazz, choreographers created dynamic sequences that not only showcased technical skill but also conveyed lively stories of joy and celebration. This emphasis on narrative through movement allowed audiences to connect emotionally with the performances, making choreography essential in transforming dance into an expressive art form.
• Discuss the importance of choreography in the evolution of jazz dance during the vaudeville and Broadway eras.
  • Choreography was pivotal in the evolution of jazz dance during the vaudeville and Broadway eras, as it established structured routines that highlighted both individual talent and group dynamics. Choreographers developed intricate patterns and formations that captivated audiences and enhanced the theatrical experience. Iconic performances from this time showcased how choreography could blend various elements of music and movement, creating a unique style that became synonymous with American entertainment.
• Evaluate how Alvin Ailey's choreography reflects and celebrates African American culture, and its impact on contemporary dance.
  • Alvin Ailey's choreography is a powerful reflection of African American culture, incorporating elements from traditional African dance, jazz, blues, and modern styles. His works often tell stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph, resonating deeply with both African American experiences and universal themes. This celebration of cultural identity through innovative movement has had a lasting impact on contemporary dance by inspiring a diverse range of artists to explore their heritage in their own choreographic expressions.

Related terms

Dance Notation: A system for documenting dance movements and sequences, allowing choreographers to preserve and communicate their work effectively.

Improvisation:

The spontaneous creation of movement without premeditated choreography, often used as a tool for inspiration in developing choreographic works.

Formation: The arrangement of dancers in space during a performance, which is an essential aspect of choreography that can enhance visual storytelling.