Whether it’s a school recital or a professional performance, dancers follow a carefully orchestrated sequence of moves. The artists who create those sequences are called Choreographers. Typically, choreographers are experienced dancers themselves. Some may have gone to college to earn fine arts degrees. Whether through education or years of practical experience, it is important to have a good knowledge of musical theory and techniques. Even with formal training, writing down a dance sequence is a difficult process. For this reason, many choreographers prefer to demonstrate the steps themselves. Rehearsals can be grueling, demanding coordination, flexibility and stamina. However, not all choreographers, especially as they get older, are physically capable of fully performing the sequences they design. Therefore they need to be able to express their ideas to other dancers so they can properly execute the choreography. Part of the job involves auditioning dancers. You will be expected to be able to make decisions, even if it means disappointing hopeful candidates. Choreographers find work in dance companies and studios. They are also hired for the theater, movies, music videos and school programs. While these positions are steadily available, competition is intense. But if you have the passion and the talent, as a choreographer, you can help put poetry into the motion of dance.
What they do:
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
On the job, you would:
Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
English language
Business
management
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Communications
multimedia
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
teaching people how to do something
changing what is done based on other people's actions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Endurance
exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Flexibility, Balance, and Coordination
move your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving
keep your balance or stay upright
Ideas and Logic
come up with lots of ideas
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
Persistence
Initiative
Achievement/Effort
Dependability
Innovation
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
Social media sites
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Graphics or photo imaging software
Chorel Technology Dance Designer
Credo Interactive DanceForms
bachelor's degree or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.