We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Requires advanced dancing ability, as well as good teaching and communication skills
- Salaries vary depending on experience, reputation and the production you're working on
- You might be based in dance studios and rehearsal rooms, or theatres, film and TV studios, night clubs and holiday centres
Choreographers create dance routines and movement sequences for dancers and other performers in a broad range of settings. A successful choreographer demonstrates a keen passion and talent for dance partnered with persistence, determination and excellent teaching and leadership skills.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Turn ideas into steps
- Fit movements to music
- Work with producers, costume designers and musical directors
- Choose music, costume styles and props
- Audition and rehearse dancers
- Record dance steps using a notation system
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
If you're self-employed, you'll spend time marketing yourself and dealing with your own tax and accounts. Running your own dance company can involve hiring staff and applying for funding.
You could work at a film studio, in a theatre, in a creative studio or at a tv studio.
Salaries vary depending on experience, reputation and the production you're working on. Freelance choreographers set their own rates.
You may work long hours teaching and rehearsing during the day. You may attend evening performances. You may often work on more than one production at a time. You may need to travel and spend periods of time away from home.
You'll need
You'll need a high level of dance training and experience.
Most choreographers start as professional dancers and combine this with choreography.
You can often become an assistant choreographer after being a dance captain who leads and rehearses other dancers but does not create the steps.
You may find it useful to get work experience with an established choreographer. You can find professional choreographers in the UK Directory of Choreographers.
You could also develop your skills by volunteering to choreograph amateur dance club performances.
Another route you could develop your skills is by doing a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in a relevant subject such as professional dance, musical theatre, and dance and choreography. These are offered by dance schools and universities.
It would be helpful to join One Dance UK for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You're likely to work freelance on a fixed-term contract. You may be able to find full-time permanent opportunities with dance companies. Other career options include working as a dancer or actor or taking on a director or management role within the film, TV or theatre industry.