Choreopoem

A choreopoem is a form of dramatic expression that combines poetry, dance, music, and song.^[1] The term was first coined in 1975^[2] by American writer Ntozake Shange in a description of her work, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Shange's attempt to depart from traditional western poetry and storytelling resulted in a new art form that doesn't contain specific plot elements or characters, but instead focuses on creating an emotional response from the audience.^[3] In Shange's work, nontraditional spelling and African American Vernacular English are aspects of this genre that differ from traditional American literature.^[4] She emphasizes the importance of movement and nonverbal communication throughout the choreopoem so that it is able to function as a theatrical piece rather than being limited to poetry or dance.^[5]

The "XX Chromosome Genome Project" by S. Ann Johnson is a contemporary example of a choreopoem. It combines poetry, song and dance to illuminate the commonalities and differences between women of various cultures.^[6] In this choreopoem, Johnson writes about eight women in search of self-acceptance and liberation. These colorfully dressed women, who are named after flavors of foods, represent international cultures around the world through music, spoken word, and movement.^[7]

Another contemporary artist championing the choreopoem is Monica Prince,^[8] author of How to Exterminate the Black Woman ([PANK], 2020)^[9], and the forthcoming Roadmap (SFWP 2023). Prince teaches the art of the choreopoem at Susquehanna University.^[10]