Choreographer

A career as a choreographer may allow you to follow a passion for the arts. Not only is the field a creative one, but it also has global reach, meaning that it can be pursued in many different locations. Here is a guide to help you understand the career of a choreographer.

Choreographer: A Career Overview

Choreographers are movement directors who create, plan, and execute routines for dancers. They may also teach dancers how to perform the routines and sometimes design the costumes of dancers. Their routines can be used in a variety of different places, including theater, film, and television.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a choreographer can vary depending on the setting of employment. For example, a choreographer who works in theater will have different day-to-day responsibilities than one who works on a film set.

Some common responsibilities of choreographers include:

• Creating and teaching dance routines
• Collaborating with dancers, stage managers, and other creatives
• Developing new ideas for dance movements
• Rehearsing with dancers
• Assisting with costume design
• Supervising performances

Education and Training

The most common path to becoming a choreographer is to obtain a college degree in dance or a related field, although not all choreographers have college degrees. Graduates may choose to pursue a master's degree in choreography or dance to improve their chances at career advancement. Choreographers who work in theater may also attend a drama school to gain a better understanding of theater and drama.

Skills

Choreographers need a number of skills to be successful. These include:

• Exceptional dance and movement skills
• Creativity and imagination
• Strong communication skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Experience with different choreographic styles

Personal Qualities

In addition to skills, choreographers also need certain personal qualities to be successful. These include:

• A passion for dance
• A strong work ethic
• The ability to work well under pressure
• The ability to take criticism

Growth

Choreographers may advance to roles such as a dance director or artistic director. Some choreographers may also transition into teaching positions at dance schools or universities.

Challenges

Choreographers face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to constantly create new and original work
• The pressure to meet deadlines
• The need to work with a variety of different people
• The physical demands of the job

Projects

Choreographers may work on a variety of different projects. These include:

• Creating new dances for theater, film, and television
• Restoring and preserving historical dances
• Teaching dance classes
• Choreographing for special events, such as weddings and corporate events

Personal Growth

Choreographers can experience a great deal of personal growth through their work. They can develop their creativity, leadership skills, and communication skills. They can also learn a great deal about themselves and about human movement.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a choreographer. These include:

• Taking dance classes in a variety of styles
• Creating your own dance routines
• Volunteering to choreograph for local dance companies or schools
• Attending dance workshops and conferences
• Reading books and articles about dance and choreography

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about choreography. These courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experienced choreographers and to develop their own choreographic skills.

Some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses include:

• The basics of choreography
• Different choreographic styles
• How to create and teach dance routines
• How to work with dancers
• The business of choreography

Conclusion

A career as a choreographer can be a rewarding and challenging one. It is a career that requires creativity, passion, and dedication. If you are interested in a career in choreography, there are a number of resources available to help you get started.