April 13, 2024
Updated May 26, 2025
17 minute read
A Comprehensive Guide to a Career as a Choreographer
Choreography is the art of designing and arranging sequences of movements, typically for dance or other forms of physical performance. It involves not only the creation of steps but also the shaping of the overall artistic vision of a movement piece. A choreographer is akin to a director and a composer, using the human body as an instrument and movement as a language to tell stories, evoke emotions, or explore abstract concepts. This field offers a dynamic and expressive outlet for creative individuals passionate about movement and its power to communicate.
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Find a path to becoming a Choreographer. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/q4tixh/choreographe
Reading list
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A definitive text on dance anatomy and kinesiology, this book is crucial for understanding the body's mechanics in dance. It is widely used in academic settings and by professionals to improve technique and prevent injuries. The third edition features updated illustrations and online resources.
Offers a unique and challenging perspective on dance, exploring its relationship to time, space, and the body.
Provides a comprehensive overview of choreography, covering topics such as the elements of dance, the creative process, and the different types of choreography. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art of choreography.
Examines how contemporary dance engages with issues of identity, gender, race, and disability. It's highly relevant for understanding current topics and critical perspectives in dance studies.
This reader offers a collection of essential essays in dance scholarship, covering diverse perspectives and methodologies. It's excellent for gaining a broad understanding of key theoretical approaches and contemporary issues in dance studies. The third edition includes expanded global and cultural focus.
Explores the phenomenon of intercultural performance, in which artists from different cultures collaborate to create new and innovative work. It examines the challenges and opportunities of intercultural collaboration and its potential to promote understanding and dialogue.
This collection explores the intersection of dance and cultural studies, examining how dance reflects and shapes social categories, identity, and ideology. It's highly relevant for understanding the cultural context of dance forms.
A detailed and authoritative account of dance in the 20th century, covering a wide range of styles and artists. is valuable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the modern and postmodern dance landscape.
This classic work by Agnes de Mille provides a unique insight into the creative process of choreography. De Mille shares her thoughts on the different elements of dance, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges of creating new work.
Offers a rich exploration of African American dance forms, their histories, and cultural significance. It's a crucial resource for understanding the diversity and impact of African American contributions to dance.
Sally Banes was a key voice in dance criticism and scholarship. offers her insights into postmodern dance, a significant period in dance history. It's valuable for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of postmodern work.
Personal and passionate account of the power of dance, written by a renowned dance educator and choreographer.
Profiles fifty of the most influential choreographers of the twentieth century. Bremser provides detailed information on each choreographer's background, style, and major works. This book valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of choreography.
This companion volume provides a comprehensive overview of the field of performance practice. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of performance to the latest developments in rehearsal and production techniques.
A classic study of the relationship between the mind, body, and movement, this book is foundational for understanding somatic approaches to dance and movement education. It's valuable for deepening one's understanding of alignment and neuromuscular coordination.
Delves into the theoretical and political aspects of contemporary dance practice. It is suitable for graduate students and professionals interested in critical perspectives on current dance making and performance.
Explores the role of dance in education, covering topics such as curriculum development, assessment, and teacher training.
Explores the history and development of somatic practices and their connection to dance and conscious movement. It's valuable for those interested in the mind-body connection and different somatic approaches.
Offers an in-depth look at contact improvisation, its history, and its cultural significance in America. It's particularly useful for those interested in improvisational dance forms and their social contexts.
Provides a critical introduction to the field of Performance Studies. It explores the different theories and methodologies used in the field and examines the ways in which performance can be used to communicate and shape meaning.
Explores the multifaceted nature of dance as a human activity, encompassing its social, cultural, and artistic dimensions. It offers a broad and accessible introduction to the significance of dance in human life.
This practical guide to dance composition provides step-by-step instructions on how to create new dances. Skinner covers topics such as choosing a theme, developing movement material, and structuring a dance. great resource for anyone interested in learning how to choreograph their own dances.
Examines the ephemeral nature of contemporary dance and the concepts of the 'invisible' or 'disappearing' work. It is relevant for those interested in theoretical approaches to contemporary performance practices.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/q4tixh/choreographe
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