In Choreopolice and Choreopolitics: or, the task of the dancer André Lepecki defines choreopolice as “movement that, while moving, veers away from freedom” (p.20). It is a method of surveillance done by an individual on their own accord. Instead of having rules and laws explicitly stating what kind of movement is expected for specific spaces, an individual is already aware of what is appropriate to do or not do. Lepecki’s understanding of societies is that of “control societies” which “[precondition] freedom from within by subtly providing pathways for circulation that are introjected as the only ones imaginable, the only ones deemed appropriate” and “under strict control thanks to constant surveillance” (p.15). Choreopolicing is then enforced by the individual because they feel as if there is no other choice, there is the threat of being reprimanded for acting otherwise as they are constantly being surveilled and regulated.
The concept of being choreopoliced is depicted through the actions of black men in William Cheng’s Loving Music Till It Hurts. An example Cheng uses is an informal survey conducted by Alisha Lola Jones about “strategies for appearing nonthreatening.” Their mannerisms are methodical to send “subtle alarms to let people know [they] are approaching” (p.190). The survey is in regard to their movement in public spaces, also known as places with prescribed circulation routes by Lepecki. Cheng presents the ways in which black people have to constantly police their own actions as a means of protection and survival. They are not only under surveillance of society, but also themselves. For Lepecki this would be considered living under continuous choreopolicing therefore lacking the ability to exist and move freely (or politically).
Works Cited
Cheng, William. “Jordan Russell Davis.” Oxford University Press, Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2020, pp. 173–226.
Lepecki, André. “Choreopolice and Choreopolitics: Or, the Task of the Dancer.” MIT Press, MIT Press Direct, 2013; 57: 4 (220), 13–27.www.researchgate.net/publication/265717475_Choreopolice_and_Choreopolitics_Or_the_task_of_the_dancer.
