NCERT Class 9 Arts Madhurima: Chapter 13 — Dance Choreography
This chapter introduces Dance Choreography as the art of creating and arranging dance movements to form visual patterns. It highlights Sage Bhārata and the Nāṭyaśhāstra as early Indian thinkers on choreography, mentioning concepts like 'Piṇḍībandhas' which influenced group formations. The chapter explains that 'nṛitya-saṁrachanā' is the Indian term for dance creation. Choreography involves imagination, planning, teamwork, and utilizing dance elements. A choreographer collaborates with dancers, considering concept, style, movement vocabulary, time, space, and choreographic tools like repetition and canon. Practice and refinement are crucial for clarity and expressive impact. The chapter concludes by stating an exploration of movement patterns and the use of space in choreography. This foundational understanding is vital for students learning about dance composition and performance within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Madhurima |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — Dance Choreography |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 390 |
Learning outcomes
- Define dance choreography and its significance.
- Identify historical contributions to choreography in India.
- Understand the collaborative process between a choreographer and dancers.
- Recognize the key components of choreography: concept, style, movement vocabulary, time, space, and tools.
- Appreciate the importance of practice and refinement in dance creation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Choreography | The art of creating and arranging dance movements. |
| Nāṭyaśhāstra | An ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, attributed to Sage Bhārata. |
| Piṇḍībandhas | Group formations in ancient Indian dance characterized by clustering, weaving, linking, and coordinated shapes. |
| nṛitya-saṁrachanā | The Indian term for dance creation or choreography. |
| Soundscape | The auditory elements of a performance, including music, sound effects, or silence. |
| Canon | A choreographic device where movements are performed in succession by different dancers, creating a ripple effect. |
| Mirroring | A choreographic tool where dancers perform movements as if they are reflections of each other. |
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Practice questions
- What is choreography? Answer: Choreography is the art of creating and arranging dance movements to form a visual pattern or spectacle.
- Who is considered the first known thinker on choreography in India? Answer: Sage Bhārata, the author of the Nāṭyaśhāstra, is considered the first known thinker on choreography in India.
- What does the term 'nṛitya-saṁrachanā' refer to? Answer: 'Nṛitya-saṁrachanā' refers to dance creation or dance choreography in the context of Indian dance.
- Name three elements that a choreographer considers when creating a dance. Answer: A choreographer considers elements such as concept, style, movement vocabulary, time, space, and choreographic tools.
- What is the role of practice and refinement in choreography? Answer: Practice and refinement are crucial for rehearsing, editing, and polishing movement sequences to create clarity, synchronisation, and expressive impact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary definition of dance choreography?
Dance choreography is the art of creating and arranging dance movements to form a visual pattern or spectacle.
Who is considered a foundational figure for choreography in India?
Sage Bhārata, author of the Nāṭyaśhāstra, is considered a foundational figure for choreography in India, describing concepts like 'Piṇḍībandhas'.
What are the essential components of a choreography?
A choreography includes concept, style, movement vocabulary, decisions about time and space, and the use of choreographic tools.
How does a choreographer work with dancers?
A choreographer works collaboratively with dancers to shape ideas, experiment with movement, and refine them for the final presentation.
What is the role of 'practice and refinement' in choreography?
Practice and refinement involve rehearsing, editing, and polishing movement sequences to achieve clarity, synchronisation, and expressive impact.
What are some examples of choreographic tools?
Examples of choreographic tools include repetition, contrast, canon, unison, variation, formation changes, and mirroring.
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NCERT Class 9 Arts — Madhurima — Chapter 13 — Dance Choreography. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.