Choreographies

Drawing, Dancing (17^th-21^st centuries)

How does one transcribe a dance gesture or movement onto paper ? Beyond the depiction of dance by painters and sculptors, drawing plays a major role in choreographic composition and transmission. Coined in 1700, the term « choreography » originally referred to the art of describing dance and setting it down on paper. The current use of the term has moved away from the notion of « graphy, » but drawing and writing remain common practices amongst choreographers. They often reveal ways of working with the performers, of conceiving of movement and of envisioning the preservation of a choreographic memory. Thanks to a collection of previously unpublished works and texts, this book provides a long-term, guided exploration of these drawings to dance by.