Can You Own Copyrights to Dance Moves or Choreography?

Exploring the intricate world of dance, we often ask: can we own copyrights to dance moves or choreography? While the concept of owning intellectual property extends to various fields, the intricacies of dance present a unique challenge. Let's delve into the nuances of securing and protecting dance copyrights.

Dance as a Creative Work and Copyright Protection

A dance, when composed as a coherent whole, can indeed be copyrighted. However, individual dance moves, being mere sequences of body movements, do not have the necessary substance to justify copyright protection. For a dance routine to be eligible for copyright, it must constitute a creative work that is sufficiently expressive and original. Choreographed dance routines are protected as a whole, but the individual steps are not.

The Crucial Role of Fixing a Work

In order for an original work to be copyrighted, it must be 'fixed' in a tangible medium of expression. This means that the dance must be recorded or presented in a form that can be perceived, copied, or communicated in some form. For example, a video recording of a choreographed routine or a recognized notation of the choreography can be copyrighted.

However, single dance moves, being singular and not forming part of a larger, cohesive whole, do not meet the standard of being 'fixed.' Therefore, although a single move can be recognized and appreciated, it lacks the requisite 'fixing' to be protected by copyright law.

Dance Moves vs. Choreography: A Closer Look

Individual dance steps are difficult to claim copyrights over. Each step, while expressive to a certain degree, is a small piece of the larger puzzle. On the other hand, a sequence of multiple dance moves that form a choreographed dance routine can be copyrighted. Think of it as the difference between a single musical note and a song. A song is a complex arrangement of multiple musical notes that create a cohesive and original piece, whereas a single note stands alone and does not carry the same legal protection.

Key Points to Remember:

Choreographed dance routines are protected as a whole, but individual dance steps are not. A fix in a tangible medium, such as a video or notation, is necessary for copyright protection. Copyright law protects the overall expression and originality of a dance, not the isolated elements within it.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of dance copyrights is crucial for dancers, choreographers, and copyright practitioners. While individual dance moves may not be protected, the broader choreography and the works that embody it can certainly be safeguarded under copyright law. By recognizing the distinction and the importance of fixing a work, creators can better protect their unique and creative expressions in the world of dance.