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Choreographers as a Career


Choreographer There is a high demand of dance choreographers at global level. Musicians and entertainers are always in search for top performer in order to produce high quality music. The basic task of a choreographer is to compose musical and other rhythmic performances, which are mostly dances. Today the nature of job is widening. Several choreographers are engaged in many other tasks besides choreographing dance performances. Choreographers generate and arrange original dances, combining steps and movements to form an artistic whole. They also develop innovative interpretations of customary dances.

Choreographers generally audition performers and teach people a dance at rehearsals. They often direct presentations of their original works. Choreographers work in all forms of dance which include classical ballet, modern, tap, jazz, folk, ethnic, and ballroom and other classical dances. There is a need to gain knowledge not only about dance techniques but also about music, costumes, lighting, and drama. Numerous professional dance companies employ choreographers under contract. These companies also invite visiting choreographers on demand. Some choreographers are employed in small, local dance companies. Others may work with opera companies and in musical theater, television, movies, music videos, and commercials. The work of dance choreographers is not only to create moves for entertainers but many companies like movie producers, directors and dance companies also invite them for the assistance.

Educational qualification The minimum qualification to complete the course in Choreography is 10+2 in any subject. The basic requirement to join a course in Choreography is an aptitude in dancing. Many institutes select candidates on the basis of these criteria only. Since choreographers are generally dancers with experience of working in the theater and with dance companies, a college degree is not essential for professional choreographers, but high school courses in speech, drama, music, and the visual arts are highly suggested to enter in this line. Choreographers must develop their sense of rhythm and their understanding of music to choose career and get success. They must have basic talent such as strength, flexibility, grace, and coordination. Other attributes imperative for winning choreographer are self-discipline, patience, commitment, and perseverance. Candidate should have a profound knowledge of music and dance and an capability to infer them.

Candidate must keep in mind some important points before choosing career as a dance choreographer. These are as follows. First of all candidate must have a dance background. There are diverse dance categories; classical, jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet, pop-locking. He must choose carefully a dance class that he feels good for him and he can perform excellent job in chosen area. Many dance trainers offer the alternative of paying per class instead of seasonal which is preferable if there is some financial problems. Candidate must know how to mix up his styles.

Courses in India:

  1. Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhawan, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-110001 Tel. : 011-23387246, 23387247. Fax : 011-23385715. E-Mail : Sangeetnatak@bol.net.in Website : www.sangeetnatak.com
  2. Shiamak Davar Institute for Performing Art {New Delhi}
  3. Tagore International School, East of Kailash, New Delhi
  4. Danceworx Performing Arts Academy {Ashley Lobo}
    5. East of Kailash New Delhi, Tel. : 011-26440291, 26405605
  5. Government College of Dance and Music, Bhubaneswar, Orissa
  6. Shiamak Davar Institute for Performing Art {Mumbai}, C/19 Everest J. Dadajee Road, Tardeo, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Tel. : 022-24949346, 24962481. Fax : 022-24950618
  7. Danceworx Performing Arts Academy {Ashley Lobo}, Mumbai, Maharashtra
  8. University of Mysore, Faculty of Arts, Mysore,Karnataka, Tel. : 0821-2419361
    9. E-Mail : registrar@uni-mysore.ac.in Website : www.uni-mysore.ac.in
  9. The Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreogrphy, 37, 17th Cross, Malleswaram West, Bangalore-560055, Karanataka, Tel. : 080-23348645 Website : www.natyamaya.org
  10. University of Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu School of Performing Arts & Communication, PO Central University, Hyderabad-500134 Andhra Pradesh
  11. Kathak Kendra, Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi-110002
  12. Kalakshetra Foundation, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-600041
  13. Visva-Bharati, Sangita Bhavana (Institute of Indian Music & Dance), PO Santiniketan-731235
  14. Nalanda Dance Research Center's Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, (University of Mumbai) Sai Prasad Plot A-7/1, N.S. Road No. 10, J.V.P.D Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-400049
  15. Rabindra Bharati University, Emerald Bower Campus, 56/A, BT Road, Kolkata-700050

International Institutes

1) New York Choreographic Institute, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York NY 10023 Telephone: 212-870-4060. NYChoreoInst@nycballet.com

Candidate must apply for a dance company or agency which is suitable to him. This is one of the most indispensable rules for making it as a dance choreographer. Dance agencies can provide desired work in the field. Most dance companies hold auditions to either be accepted in their company, or to choreograph a certain dance piece.

Choreographers start out as dancers. Potential choreographers should grab every opportunity to gain experience and perfect their dancing skills by performing regularly. They can start their career through performing or creating dances for local groups. This is the best way to start career as a Choreographer. There are many trade magazines which contain announcements for auditions. This is known fact that with recognition by performing frequently in Dance Company will make better choreographic commissions and generate good income for choreographers. Some choreographers open their own dance companies. Others become directors, as well as choreographers, for the musical theater and film industries. Many choreographers choose job of college teachers, usually after obtaining a degree.


The field of choreographers is growing rapidly and there will be flood of employment opportunities through the year 2014. At the same time job is highly competitive. Another important aspect of this job is that a choreographic career does not necessarily provide long-term security. The best job opportunities are expected to be with national dance companies and in the field of music videos. Almost all choreographers begin their careers as dancers and typically start choreographing while still performing, especially in smaller companies. Choreographers habitually absorb artistic influences from other art forms, such as theatre, the visual arts and architecture.

Career as a choreographer is quite challenging. He must be educated about all facets of a production, including dance, music, costumes, lighting, and drama. Choreographers must have physical strength to tolerate long hours of dance creation and the succeeding rehearsals required to perfect a new work. Although employment may be irregular, choreographers have to work seven days and holidays, when staging a new work. In this job, candidates have to travel often. The nature of job is such that candidates have to spend many hours and the stress rate is high and creativity is expected on demand. If the candidate is talented and pick up fast what is required by companies, then he can build up excellent career and get good reputation. Earnings of choreographers differ greatly depending on experience and job type. Basically, there is hidden talent of a person which comes out when opportunities are provided.