Choreography, the art of composing dances; also, the movements and patterns of a dance composition. Choreography can refer to the anonymously created patterns of folk dance and non-Western classical dance; most typically the term refers to specially composed theatrical dance.

A choreographer must accommodate the requirements of music, costume, decor, and sometimes the choice of dancers. Sometimes pre-existing music is used; sometimes music is newly commissioned, in which case the choreographer may choose to work closely with the composer. Similarly, choreographers may become deeply involved with creating the story, designing decor and costumes, and planning lighting.

Choreographers vary widely in their specific procedures. Some formulate the dance fairly completely before working with the dancers; others create most of the dance by guiding and observing dancers' improvisations while trying out ideas; still others develop a general structure and then decide on specific combinations of steps by working them out using the dancers' bodies. Some use extensive notes, drawings, and dance notation (for example, a system known as Labanotation). Some have a mental plan; others work by instinct and improvisation. Some study musical scores; others simply listen to the music. Often the physique and skills of a particular dancer suggest certain movements. Once the dance composition has been formulated, the choreographer must then teach it to the dancers, demonstrating and then watching as the dancers imitate.

Choreographers must know the technique and movements of their dance idiom. Familiarity with other dance styles is useful; for example, a ballet choreographer is aided by having a knowledge of various folk dances, historical dance, and elements of modern dance and jazz dance. Knowing other kinds of body movement is also helpful, such as acrobatics, mime and gesture, motions of fighting, and athletics. Historically, choreographers learned their art through long apprenticeship. In the 20th century such apprenticeship is sometimes supplemented by the formal study of dance composition.

See also Ballet; Dance Notation.