Choreographer

Your Fit

Income

$56K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Choreographer?

A Choreographer is a creative professional who designs and directs dance routines and movements for dancers in performances, including theater productions, TV shows, movies, and dance recitals. They blend artistic vision with physical movement to tell stories and convey emotions through dance.

Sample job titles:

Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Maker, Opera Choreographer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Choreographer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Choreographer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$40K per year	$56K per year	$71K per year	$94K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.1K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Choreographer do?

Work environment

Choreographers work in dance studios, theaters, film and TV sets, and at schools or universities. Their environment is highly active and collaborative, often requiring long hours of rehearsal and preparation. They may travel frequently for performances or to work with different dance companies and artists.

Quick task list

Creates and conceptualizes dance routines and sequences.
Teaches and directs dancers during rehearsals.
Collaborates with directors, producers, and costume designers.
Selects music and integrates it with dance movements.
Auditions dancers for performances and productions.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Theater Choreography: Focusing on dance routines for stage performances, including musical theater.
Film and Television Choreography: Creating dance sequences for movies and TV shows.
Ballet Choreography: Specializing in classical and contemporary ballet productions.
Commercial Choreography: Designing dance for commercials, music videos, and pop concerts.
Contemporary Dance Choreography: Focusing on modern dance styles and innovative movement.

Description

Choreography is a blend of artistry and physical expression, requiring a deep understanding of movement, rhythm, and the human body. Choreographers not only create dance sequences but also often play a role in telling a story or conveying emotions through movement. This career requires creativity, as well as the ability to work with dancers of varying skill levels, from professionals to beginners.

The role of a choreographer extends beyond creating dance routines; they are involved in rehearsals, choosing appropriate music, and often collaborating with other production staff to ensure a cohesive performance. The job demands patience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate performers.

Choreographers often have a background as dancers themselves, which provides them with insight into designing routines that are both challenging and achievable for performers. It's a career that offers the opportunity to impact the world of dance and entertainment significantly.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative fulfillment of bringing artistic visions to life through dance.
The joy of collaborating with dancers and other creative professionals.
The excitement of live performances and audience appreciation.

You might make a good Choreographer if you are...

Passionate about dance and artistic expression.
Creative, with a strong sense of rhythm and an understanding of storytelling through movement.
A good communicator and teacher, able to convey ideas and instructions clearly.
Patient and adaptable, able to work with different skill levels and styles.
A team player, open to collaboration and feedback.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work in a field you are passionate about.
Opportunities to work with diverse groups of people and in various settings.
The thrill of live performances and public recognition.

Cons:

Potentially irregular work hours and the need for extensive rehearsal time.
Highly competitive field with possible periods of inconsistent work.
Physical demands and the need to maintain personal fitness and stamina.

How to become a Choreographer

Typical education

While some choreographers are self-taught, many have formal training in dance, often obtaining a bachelor's degree in dance or a related field, which typically involves 4 years of post-secondary education. Extensive dance experience and knowledge of various dance styles are crucial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Dance classes to develop foundational skills in various styles.
Drama or theater arts for understanding stage performance.
Physical education for overall fitness and understanding of body mechanics.
Music classes to develop a strong sense of rhythm and musicality.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or forming a dance club or team at school.
Participating in school theater productions, particularly in dance roles.
Attending dance workshops and summer camps to broaden skills and styles.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a dance conservatory or a university program focused on dance or performing arts.
Gain experience through internships or apprenticeships with dance companies or theater groups.
Build a portfolio of choreographic work, including recordings of routines and performances.
Network within the dance community by attending performances, workshops, and industry events.

More resources

Dance/USA - The national service organization for professional dance, offering resources and advocacy.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) - Provides professional development, networking, and educational resources for dance educators.
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) - Offers resources and support for black dancers and choreographers.
Choreographers' Guild - A network for professional choreographers to share opportunities and experiences.
Dance Magazine - Features articles, interviews, and insights on the world of professional dance and choreography.

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