Choreographer

Choreographers create dance or movement routines for performance, which might include ballet, musical theatre, television, film, music videos, ice dance and fashion shows or corporate events. They may have complete creative control or work closely with a director, interpreting their instructions and contributing ideas.

Choreographers use a wide knowledge and experience of different dance techniques, including both historical and contemporary styles. They usually specialise in a particular form, such as classical ballet, contemporary dance, ballroom dancing and folk dancing, jazz or non-western (such as Indian or African).

Choreographers:

discuss the brief and come up with ideas
work with the director to audition and cast the dance roles
choose music and sound or work with a composer to create a score
design routines to fit the music
carry out research and experiment with new ideas
teach steps and routines to dancers and other performers
rehearse with the performers
help to set up shots and check for continuity when working in recorded media such as film, tv, and music videos.

Choreographers may also work as movement directors, demonstrating correct period (historical) etiquette, robotic movements or movements for fight sequences, or helping male actors to play female characters and vice versa.

They might use a form of dance notation to record the movements, such as Benesh movement notation or Labanotation. Steps can also be recorded on video.

Choreography is a collaborative job. In addition to directors, dancers and other performers, choreographers may work with producers, composers, artistic directors, costume designers and other production staff.

Choreographers who work freelance or run their own companies may have to spend a great deal of time applying for funding and writing proposals for projects. They also have to do administration and market themselves or their businesses.

Hours and environment

Working hours can be long and unpredictable. Choreographers usually work out routines and rehearse dancers or actors during the day and attend evening performances. They may be working on more than one production at a time. They may also continue to perform or teach dance.

Part-time work is possible, usually for freelance choreographers.

Choreographers work mainly in dance studios and rehearsal rooms, but they also work in film and tv studios, theatres, nightclubs, hotels, cruise liners and holiday resorts. There may be a lot of travel involved, possibly overseas.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Entry level salaries start from approximately €28,000 rising to €45,000 after a number of years experience.

Some choreographers are employed by dance companies, but many choreographers work on fixed-term contracts and negotiate a fee, which may depend on their track record and experience, the location and the production budget available. Equity, the performing arts union, can give advice on rates.

Skills and personal qualities

Choreographers need:

a thorough knowledge of dance
dance experience and ability
teaching and communication skills
the ability to visualise new work and translate ideas into movement
creative and problem-solving abilities
stamina and concentration
the ability to work well in a team
a knowledge of health and safety requirements
business and organisational skills.

Interests

Choreographers need to be interested in:

dance, movement and music
other art forms.

Entry routes

Choreographers are almost always trained dancers. Most dancers start training at a very early age and often take graded examinations before going on to vocational training or higher education.