choreodrama: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Artistic
Quick answer
What does “choreodrama” mean?
A theatrical work that combines dance (choreography) with dramatic narrative or storytelling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theatrical work that combines dance (choreography) with dramatic narrative or storytelling.
A hybrid performance genre where the primary means of conveying plot, character, and emotion is through movement and dance, often with minimal or no dialogue, blending the expressive qualities of ballet or modern dance with the structural elements of drama.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes high art, experimental theatre, or specific historical dance-theatre movements (e.g., the work of Kurt Jooss).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora, limited to academic papers, dance criticism, and programme notes for contemporary dance or physical theatre.
Grammar
How to Use “choreodrama” in a Sentence
[Choreographer]'s choreodrama [Title]The choreodrama explores [theme]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choreodrama” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company aims to choreodramatise the classic novel.
- She choreodramatises historical events.
American English
- The ensemble will choreodramatize the epic poem.
- He choreodramatizes social issues.
adverb
British English
- The story was conveyed choreodramatically.
- He works choreodramatically.
American English
- The narrative unfolded choreodramatically.
- She thinks choreodramatically.
adjective
British English
- The choreodramatic elements were particularly striking.
- Her choreodramatic approach is unique.
American English
- The piece has a strong choreodramatic structure.
- His choreodramatic style is influential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in dance studies, theatre studies, and performance theory to categorise and analyse specific works.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
The primary context. Used by choreographers, directors, dancers, and critics to describe a genre or a specific production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choreodrama”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “choreodrama”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choreodrama”
- Using it to describe any ballet with a plot (many story ballets are not termed choreodramas).
- Confusing it with 'musical' or 'physical theatre', which may incorporate more speech or different performance styles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A musical primarily uses song and spoken dialogue. A choreodrama primarily uses dance and movement to tell the story, with little to no dialogue.
Kurt Jooss's 'The Green Table' (1932) is often cited as a seminal choreodrama, using dance to powerfully critique war and diplomacy.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively within dance, theatre, and academic circles.
Physical theatre is a broader category that may include speech, acrobatics, and various performance techniques. Choreodrama is a more specific subset focused on dance-based narrative.
A theatrical work that combines dance (choreography) with dramatic narrative or storytelling.
Choreodrama is usually technical/artistic in register.
Choreodrama: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒrɪəʊˈdrɑːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrioʊˈdrɑːmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CHOREOgraphy (dance) + DRAMA (story). It's a drama told through choreography.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANCE IS NARRATION; MOVEMENT IS SPEECH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a choreodrama?