Choreographer
What is the work like?
As a choreographer, you would create dance routines and movement sequences for dancers and other performers. You could choreograph stage, TV or film performances, music videos, and even fashion shows or corporate events. You may also act as a movement coach for actors.
You would normally 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.
You may create your own dance pieces, or interpret a director’s instructions. Your work could involve:
- developing ideas and turning them into a finished performance
- planning movements 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.
If you work freelance or run your own dance company, you may also spend time applying for funding, writing project proposals and marketing yourself.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a high level of dance training and experience. Most choreographers start as professional dancers and often begin choreographing whilst still working as dancers, especially in smaller companies.
You would often start as a dancer by training at a vocational dance school, with a three-year degree/diploma or one-year postgraduate diploma in professional dance or musical theatre. Contact the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) for information on accredited dance courses.
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.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new choreographer, you would develop your skills by shadowing or assisting an experienced choreographer.
You could choose to take a postgraduate course in choreography at a professional dance school or university. These courses 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.
If you choose to form your own dance company, you may be able to get training and financial support through your local Arts Council. Contact the Arts Councils for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for information.
Where can I go for more information?
Guild HouseUpper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
17-19 Neal Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9UY
Tel: 020 7240 5703
Rosebery Avenue
London
EC1R 4QT
Tel: 020 7713 0730
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for dancers moving into choreography are around £20,000 a year.
- Once established, earnings can reach £40,000 or more.
Freelance rates can depend on your track record and the budget available for the production. Contact Equity, the perfomers' trade union, for information on recommended minimum daily and weekly rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours could vary greatly. Generally, you would 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 would mainly work in dance studios and rehearsal rooms, but also in theatres, film and TV studios, nightclubs, halls and holiday centres. There may be a lot of travel involved, possibly including overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of 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.
What opportunities are there?
You are most likely to work as a freelance choreographer on fixed-term contracts, although there are some full-time permanent opportunities with dance companies. Many dance jobs are based in London, but you could also work for regional dance organisations, touring productions, or abroad.
Competition for work is strong and success depends on talent, experience and determination. You may need to continue to perform or teach dance, or do other types of work alongside choreography to earn a living.
Jobs may be advertised in The Stage, and specialist dance publications and websites. As an experienced freelance choreographer, you could list yourself for work on Dance UK’s Choreographers' Directory. You will also need to network and promote yourself to get work.
You may find the following links useful for job/audition notices and general reading (links open new window):
The Stage
Dance Europe
Article 19
Dancing Times
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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