Choreographer Careers Information
Are you a natural-born dancer with a knack for teaching people how to move? If so, choreographer careers could be a perfect fit for you. Choreographers use their knowledge of movement and music to create performances that tell stories and express ideas through dance.
Choreographers produce dance sequences and interpret traditional dances for theater, opera, television, movies and other performance venues. Though the day-to-day activities of a choreographer differ depending on the place of employment, it’s safe to say that their days are largely filled with rehearsals.
Choreographer Careers & Degrees
Some may begin their days with regular dance classes, followed by company rehearsals in the afternoon, and performances in the evening. In preparation for performances, choreographers have a close working relationship with their artistic directors, musical accompanists, set designers, and costume designers, who all do their part to ensure the artistic vision of the choreographer is reflected throughout the performance.
The nature of this field is competitive, but, there are a range of places to seek employment. Whether it’s running numbers at the community theater, teaching classes at a studio, or coaching the high school dance team, choreography is definitely a hands-on job, complete with a rigorous schedule and often a lot of travel.
Because this job is physically demanding, most dancers retire from performance in their late thirties. This may seem young; however, most dancers begin their professional careers around the ages of 17 and 18. While some take up administrative positions such as company manager when they retire, many continue on as choreographers or artistic directors.
Though a career in professional dance may not be a requirement, choreographers must have a strong foundation in dance, an understanding of traditional movement, and how a group moves together. However, the amount of experience a choreographer is required to have can differ vastly depending on what type of dance they are teaching; a choreographer for the local show choir is obviously may need less experience than a choreographer for the San Antonio ballet.
Choreographer Careers Path
If you’re considering a career in choreography, chances are pretty good that you’ve been dancing all of your life. A bachelor’s degree may not be a requirement, but long-term training with a company generally is.
With that being said, if you’ve been in tap shoes since you were a tike, there are a few paths to take that could lead you to a career as a choreographer.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dance, and allow for concentrations in specialized fields. Though a degree is not necessary, it may help you stand out in this field.
Some dance companies and schools offer summer training programs with open admissions. Oftentimes, candidates are handpicked from the course and offered admission into their regular training program.
This can lead to a career in a professional dance company, which would then provide more opportunities to pursue your dream of choreographing.
If you picture yourself working on a community or teaching level, set your goal on getting your name out in the community. Whether it’s the recreation department, or a youth dance troupe, pitch your services as a choreographer, and if they don’t already offer dance classes, make it known that you’d love to teach a class or two.
If they already have someone, find out what their requirements are, and how they came to hire that particular employee. Make sure to leave a business card, and ask them to notify you if they are ever in need of a new teacher.
Choreographer Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Patience, self-discipline, self-expression, agility, flexibility. Good problem-solving skills, ability to work with others. Physical stamina, coordination, and sense of rhythm.
Salary Expectations for a Choreographer
In May 2009, roughly 14,700 choreographers were employed and the average annual income was $42,130. The lowest 10 percent earned $18,210 or less, and the highest 10 percent earned $69,070 or more. Choreographers worked in a variety of industries, from dance studios and schools, to amusement parks and performing arts companies.
Choreographers’ salaries can vary depending on the institution they are employed by. A choreographer for a classical ballet company would most likely belong to the American Guild of Musical Arts, whereas one choreographing for film would belong to the Screen Actors Guild.
Choreographer Careers Job Outlook
Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to grow just 6 percent during the 2008-2018 decade. While there will still be a demand in large and mid-size companies and institutions, smaller facilities may be forced to cut back on performances or employees due to a lack of funding.
Luckily, public interest in dance as a form of exercise and recreation has been steadily growing, and is expected to continue this way, allowing for new opportunities for choreographers to teach dance.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Dancer
- Dance Teacher
- Art Director
- Fitness Training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos094.htm (visited November 3, 2011).
