Choreographers create dance routines and movement sequences for dancers and other performers. They could choreograph stage, TV or film performances, music videos, and other events such as fashion shows or corporate events. They may also act as movement coaches for actors.

They usually specialise in one style of dance, for example:

• classical ballet
• modern dance
• jazz dance and musical theatre
• ballroom
• non-western (such as Indian or African)
• disability dance.

Choreographers may create their own dance pieces, or interpret a director’s instructions. The work can involve:

• developing ideas and turning them into a finished performance
• planning each separate movement to fit the music
• meeting producers, costume designers, and musical and artistic directors
• choosing music
• auditioning dancers
• teaching and rehearsing the dancers
• recording the steps using a notation system, such as Labanotation or Benesh.

Choreographers who work freelance or run dance companies may also spend time applying for funding, writing project proposals and marketing themselves.

Hours and Environment

As a choreographer your working hours can vary greatly. Generally, you will work long daytime hours whilst you teach and rehearse the dancers, and you may also attend evening performances. You may often work on more than one production at a time.

You will mainly work indoors in dance studios and rehearsal rooms, in theatres, film and TV studios, nightclubs, halls and holiday centres. There may be a lot of travel involved, which may include travel overseas.

Skills and Interests

To be a choreographer you will need:

• dancing ability
• a thorough knowledge of dance and movement
• good teaching and communication skills
• creativity and imagination
• patience, stamina and concentration
• an understanding of dancers' needs
• an understanding of health and safety issues
• the ability to work well with others.

Entry

To become a choreographer you will need a high level of dance training and experience. Most choreographers start as professional dancers and often begin choreographing whilst still performing, especially in smaller companies.

Vocational dance schools offer three-year degrees and diplomas or one-year postgraduate diplomas in professional dance or musical theatre. Contact the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) for information on accredited dance courses (see Further Information section below).

Several universities also offer degrees in dance, and some courses specialise in choreography. You should contact course providers for exact entry requirements. See the Dancer profile for more details about dance training.

As an experienced dancer, you could become an assistant choreographer after being a dance captain (who leads and rehearses other dancers but does not create steps), or through work experience with an established choreographer.

Training

As a new choreographer you may develop your skills by shadowing or assisting an experienced choreographer.

A few universities and dance schools offer postgraduate courses in choreography, which are aimed at dance graduates or experienced dancers who wish to further their careers.

Dance UK offers professional development and networking opportunities for choreographers through the National Choreographers' Forum.

You should maintain and develop your fitness and dance skills throughout your career. Several dance schools and regional dance agencies offer advanced classes and workshops for professional dancers and choreographers.

See the CDET website for information on all levels of dance education and training.

Opportunities

As a choreographer you could work full-time for a dance company, although you are usually more likely to work as a freelance choreographer on short fixed-term contracts.

Many dance jobs are based in London, but there are also opportunities to work for regional dance organisations and touring productions. You could also work abroad.

Jobs may be advertised in The Stage newspaper and on the websites of local and regional dance organisations. If you are an experienced freelance choreographer, you could list yourself for work on Dance UK’s Choreographers' Directory. You will also often find work through networking and making contacts in the industry.

Competition for work is fierce and success depends on talent, experience and determination. You may need to continue to perform or teach dance, or do other types of work to make a living.

Some choreographers choose to form their own dance company. Contact the Arts Councils for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for information about getting funding for arts projects.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Freelance rates can depend on the choreographer's track record and the budget available for the production. Equity, the perfomers' trade union, recommends minimum daily and weekly rates, which range from around £100 a day.

Experienced dancers moving into choreography can expect to earn around £20,000 a year.
Established choreographers in dance companies may earn around £40,000 a year.

Further information

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