Careers in Fashion Choreography

Fashion choreographers (or catwalk choreographers) play a crucial role in the cadence, theme, feel and design of fashion runway shows. Fashion choreographers work closely with fashion designers and stylists to plan and implement fashion shows based on the vision of the designer. Additionally, they often coach models on different runway walks and how to best present the designer's collection.

Function

Fashion choreographers work closely with fashion designers to help create a fashion show that reflects the mood and feel of the collection.

Together with the designer, a fashion choreographer will sometimes choose the music and the models for a particular show. They are generally in charge of coordinating the lighting, the background, and the tempo of the show. Sometimes a choreographer will work with a stylist to determine how the models' hair and makeup should be styled.

It is the role of the fashion choreographer to teach the models how to walk to best display the clothing. Sometimes, models will have to wear long dresses, very high heels or heavy, elaborate accessories, all of which can make walking gracefully difficult. Fashion choreographers will coach the models on how to best walk for the particular collection. A successful fashion choreographer can teach models to display the collection confidently and gracefully without being distracting or too theatrical.

Education

While aspiring fashion choreographers don't need a degree or a specific certification to get a job, most choreographers go to fashion school to learn more about the industry, gain hands-on experience and make connections with designers and other fashion professionals.

If you're interested in a career in fashion choreography, a bachelor's or master's degree in fashion will likely be very helpful. Fashion schools often offer classes in illustration, merchandising, buying, marketing, styling and design. A wide range of courses can help you gain an edge when going into the world of fashion. According to salary.com, fashion professionals in the United States can expect to earn about $44,000 a year.

Benefits

A career in fashion choreography is an excellent choice for those who are creative, flexible and love fashion. Fashion choreographers often work very closely with a team of creative professionals, such as designers, models, stylists and photographers. A successful fashion choreographer will enjoy working closely with a team and making a designer's vision a reality.

Sometimes, fashion choreographers have the opportunity to travel internationally, which for many people is a major draw into the world of fashion.

Expert Insight

When it comes to modeling, there are many types of walk, and a fashion choreographer must be fully familiar with them, teaching models to walk in a certain way based on the aesthetic objective of the show.

In an interview with slate.com, Andrew Weir, a New York casting director and fashion choreographer, claims there are many walking "styles" with which successful models and choreographers should be familiar. "If you say to the girls 'Do a Versace walk,' [models] know what that means---a va-va-voom, shake-it-like-you-might-break-it walk," he says. " 'Street' means no swish. It's strong, like the way people walk down a New York street."

Generally, however, most designers prefer to use a "near-natural street walk," which Weir describes as " 'Street' plus a little bit more"--or a natural walk with a little extra swagger--no hands on hips or posing.

Considerations

While a career in fashion choreography is an exciting option for many, there are some drawbacks to working in this industry. Fashion choreographers often have to work extremely long hours, particularly before shoots, and within strict budgets, according to professional fashion events coordinator and choreographer Lauren Adele Stephens in the book "Fashion: Australia." Stephens claims that her job provides her with little flexibility and calls her work "all-consuming."

References

• Choreography Careers
• Fashion: Australia
• Fashion Week: Your Nagging Questions Answered

Resources

• How to Break Into the Fashion Industry