What is meant by 'improvisation' in dance?

Improvisation in dance refers to the spontaneous creation of movement without any prior planning or choreography. Dancers who engage in improvisation rely on their instincts, emotions, and the moment to guide their movements, allowing for a highly personal and unique expression that can change with each performance. This form of dance encourages creativity and responsiveness to music, space, and the presence of other dancers or performers.

In contrast, planned choreography entails a predetermined set of movements that dancers have learned and rehearsed. Similarly, a rehearsed performance involves executing a carefully prepared sequence of movements, which is the opposite of improvisational spontaneity. Therefore, the essence of improvisation lies in its unstructured and unpredictable nature, making it a distinct and dynamic form of artistic expression.