The 19th century saw the rise of romantic ballet, which placed a strong emphasis on elaborate choreography, with choreographers such as Jean-Georges Noverre, Marius Petipa, and Lev Ivanov creating iconic ballets that showcased the technical prowess of dancers. In the early 20th century, modern dance emerged as a reaction against the rigid structures of classical ballet, with choreographers such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Martha Graham developing new forms of dance that emphasized individual expression and freedom of movement.
Over the course of the 20th century, dance choreography continued to evolve and diversify, incorporating influences from various cultural traditions and artistic movements. Today, dance choreography encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from classical ballet and contemporary dance to hip-hop and street dance, with choreographers working in a variety of settings including theater, film, music videos, and live performances.