It could be Balanchine, but as a former dancer of his, as exalted as his place was in dance history, in Broadway it was a mere blip. Yes, he did insist that the word choreography be used, but I would nominate Robert Alton to be the more important figure of the two. I also danced in Robert Alton shows, and while his choroegrphy was never as inventive as Balanchine's, it was fun and witty. Or it could be Jerome Robbins. depends on your point of view!
Every movement has a meaning--but what the hell does it mean!