choreography

[ kawr-ee-og-ruh-fee, kohr- ]

noun

1. the art of composing ballets and other dances and planning and arranging the movements, steps, and patterns of dancers.
2. the technique of representing the various movements in dancing by a system of notation.
3. the arrangement or manipulation of actions leading up to an event:

   the choreography of a surprise birthday party.

choreography

/ ˌkɒrɪəˈɡræfɪk; ˌkɒrɪˈɒɡrəfɪ; kɒˈrɛɡrəfɪ; ˌkɒrəˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. the composition of dance steps and sequences for ballet and stage dancing
2. the steps and sequences of a ballet or dance
3. the notation representing such steps
4. the art of dancing

choreography

1. The art of arranging dance movements for performance.

Derived Forms

• ˌchoreˈographer, noun
• ˌchoreoˈgraphically, adverb
• choreographic, adjective

Other Words From

• cho·re·o·graph·ic [kawr-ee-, uh, -, graf, -ik, kohr-], adjective
• chore·o·graphi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of choreography¹

1780–90; < Greek chore- (stem of choreía chorea ) + -o- + -graphy

Word History and Origins

Origin of choreography¹

C18: from Greek khoreia dance + -graphy

Example Sentences

The highs are most frequently supplied by the film’s magnificent musical numbers, which boast the stellar choreography typical of Chu’s work while highlighting the movie’s meticulous production design and practical set pieces.

From Salon

Set in motion by Ani Taj’s choreography, these performers flaunt their individuality like nothing could be more magnificent.

From Los Angeles Times

The usual sober pageantry with which prior artists told the grim story is replaced by a brilliant choreography of chaotic harmonies.

From Los Angeles Times

There were costume changes, each get-up sparklier than the last, and there was a troupe of male and female dancers executing athletic choreography.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s most widely known for his experimental choreography, and the exhibition’s curators are smart to start off with this rousing, engulfing example of it.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dance