He or she makes decisions about how people will move on stage, when they enter and leave and how many will dance at a particular moment. Some choreographers start with a piece of music and set the dance patterns to it. Others start with images and dance patterns, then fit music to that. Dances are created in many ways and for many reasons. They often help people feel more connected together.
Some dances are just for soloists to dance themselves as an act of meditation.
By reading about each of the dances in the show, you can learn some of the meanings before you watch. We think it will help your students to be engaged in finding meaning as well as being entertained. Many of these dances were first done in villages and cities far away, in celebrations, as part of a religious ceremony, or in royal courts. When dances go on a journey over time and geography, they can change and grow. Many dancers learn a great deal about how the dances were done long ago, and sometimes they bring in new and creative ideas that reflect new cultural experiences.