7 Best-Selling Choreography Books Millions Love

Susan Leigh Foster, a dance historian known for her deep dives into ballet's evolution, explores how ballet emerged as an independent art during 18th-century French societal upheaval. You’ll gain insight into how narrative and desire are physically expressed through choreography, guided by Foster's inventive method that appeals directly to your kinesthetic imagination. The book breaks down ballet's separation from opera, revealing the culturally constructed body in performance and its historical context. If you’re intrigued by how dance tells stories beyond words, this study offers a layered perspective that benefits scholars, dancers, and anyone curious about ballet's narrative power.

This volume stands as a definitive archive of George Balanchine's choreographic genius, compiled through years of meticulous research by esteemed dance scholars. You gain access to detailed documentation of over four hundred ballets, including production notes and directorial insights, offering a rare window into Balanchine's creative process. The book appeals especially to dancers, choreographers, and dance historians seeking a thorough understanding of his influential works. For instance, the deluxe edition’s presentation by Martino Mardersteig adds a tangible artistic value that complements the scholarly content, making it both a reference and a collector’s piece.

This tailored book explores proven choreography methods designed to address your unique creative challenges. It covers a range of approaches that have resonated with millions of dancers and choreographers, blending widely validated techniques with your personal interests and background. By focusing on your specific goals, this personalized guide reveals how to unlock lasting impact through effective movement creation and storytelling. Readers encounter insights that span foundational choreography principles to advanced expressions, all tailored to match their current skill level and creative aspirations. This focused approach ensures a rich learning experience that celebrates both shared expertise and individual artistry.

What started as Lynn M. Hayden's personal journey as a dance major and church dancer became a guide tailored for worshippers aiming to enhance their presentation dances. Drawing from college-level techniques and years of practical experience, Hayden offers you clear steps on choreographing from the initial spark to a captivating finale, with chapters like "Where Do I Start?" and "Fantastic Finale!". This book is especially useful if you want to blend spiritual expression with dance, emphasizing how your personal relationship with the Lord fuels inspiration. You’ll find practical staging tips and creative activations that help you communicate effectively through movement in a worship setting.

Unlike many choreography books that emphasize strict techniques or styles, Jonathan Burrows’ "A Choreographer's Handbook" offers an insightful exploration into the creative negotiation between body movement and artistic intention. Drawing on five years of workshop discussions, Burrows shares stories, principles, and exercises that invite you to discover your own unique approach to making dance performances. The book is both a personal reflection and practical guide, addressing how to navigate the complexities of choreography beyond conventional rules. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, it encourages you to question norms and develop a distinct aesthetic process.

Drawing from her expertise in dance and film studies, Erin Brannigan explores how choreography influences cinematic expression in "Dancefilm." You gain insights into the history and evolution of dancefilm, from silent movies to avant-garde and music videos, and how movement reshapes filmic storytelling. The book delves into interdisciplinary concepts like somatic intelligence and gestural phrasing, challenging traditional ideas about dance and cinema. If you’re involved in choreography, filmmaking, or dance studies, you’ll find Brannigan’s analysis offers fresh perspectives on how body and motion interact on screen.

This tailored choreography book offers a focused journey through the essentials of developing choreography skills rapidly. It explores step-by-step actions designed to accelerate your creative process, emphasizing movement creation, spatial design, and performance integration. By tailoring the content to your background and interests, it ensures that you engage deeply with techniques that resonate personally and professionally. The book reveals how to combine foundational choreographic principles with your unique artistic voice, helping you craft compelling sequences efficiently. Through this personalized approach, you gain practical knowledge and inspiration that align closely with your specific goals, making your learning both relevant and invigorating.

Taaj Taaj brings a fresh angle to belly dance instruction by shifting focus from mere moves and choreographies to cultivating creativity and personal expression. In this book, you explore 82 lesson plans, games, and exercises designed to make classes more engaging and productive, with an emphasis on building confidence and critical thinking. For instance, the games aim to reduce self-consciousness and enhance muscle memory, while exercises isolate essential concepts applicable across dance styles. Whether you're a dedicated student seeking deeper mastery or a teacher striving for lively, profitable sessions, this book offers practical tools to elevate your belly dance practice beyond the basics.

What started as Christine Alexander's extensive experience teaching water fitness evolved into a detailed guide that bridges the gap between beginner and seasoned instructors. You gain concrete skills in organizing classes effectively, including how to tailor lesson plans for both shallow and deep water settings. The book’s 72 lesson plans provide structure while the choreography and exercise modifications keep classes dynamic and adaptable. Whether you're looking to understand the nuances of cueing or want to master choreography styles that keep participants engaged, this book offers practical insights for sustaining enthusiasm and meeting varied fitness goals. It's especially helpful if you’re aiming to build confidence and versatility in your water fitness instruction.