Dance Choreographer Job Description
Dance choreographers create dance routines for shows and other stage productions. They may work with opera or ballet companies, dance groups, television, movies, dance studios and schools, amusement parks and cruise ships. While these positions require formal training and experience as a dancer, there are no formal education requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 16,200 choreographers employed in the United States in 2008. Competition is intense in the field despite continued employment growth.
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Description
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Dance choreographers create original dance routines and reinterpret traditional dances. They may be responsible for auditioning dancers for shows and teaching practice routines at rehearsals. Choreographers must demonstrate dance steps to performers and may adjust the routine as they go if a portion of the dance is not having the desired effect. They may work in any form of dance, such as ballet, jazz, tap, folk, ballroom, modern and ethnic. Some choreographers work with other performers as well and choreograph action sequences, such as fight scenes in movies. Choreographers may help with creative decisions for productions, such as costuming, lighting or music.
Education
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Generally, choreographers are former dancers who received formal dance training and have experience dancing in dance companies, theaters and other stage productions. Dancers usually begin dance classes as children, so they are taught classic technique and learn a variety of dance styles. A college degree is usually not required, but many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees in dance. Students can concentrate in modern dance, jazz, ballet or other forms of dance. They also take courses in history of dance, dance composition and dance criticism.
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Working Conditions
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Work as a choreographer is often physically demanding. They spend most of the day demonstrating dance steps and running through routines with dancers. Because most choreographers are former dancers, they may have residual injuries as well, which can make their work more difficult. Dance companies usually tour for weeks at a time, which means choreographers often need to travel. Rehearsals are typically during the day, but many choreographers attend performances in the evening as well.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for salaried dance choreographers were $38,520 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent earned more than $67,160, while the lowest 10 percent made less than $17,880. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,320 and $55,360. Choreographers who worked in dance studios and schools had median annual wages of $37,570.
Employment Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for dance choreographers will grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a slower rate than the average for all occupations. Competition for choreographer jobs is usually intense and only those with the most talent can make a living in the field. Openings result from the need to replace choreographers who retire or leave the occupation, but there are still usually more applicants than opportunities.
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References
- Photo Credit dancers image by TEA from Fotolia.com
