How to Become a Hip Hop Dance Choreographer

Hip Hop choreographers design new dance moves for stage and screen.

Hip Hop choreographers create original dance moves, train new dancers and collaborate with directors and dancers. Many Hip Hop choreographers embark on their career at a young age by studying Hip Hop dance as well as other varying styles of dance. The Occupational Outlook Handbook suggests that many choreographers begin formal training as dancers and progress into choreography after they cease performing, typically in their late thirties.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a formal dance class that teaches classical techniques such as ballet. Many students begin training as early as five years old.

2. Focus on Hip Hop dance as you progress through your formal training.

3. Audition for placement in professional dance troupes, performances and schools of dance to gain experience in the field.

4. Apply to a university with a baccalaureate degree program in dance. Some universities will offer dancing degrees as part of a theater or performing arts degree.

Tips & Warnings

• Build your reputation by auditioning and performing in several venues before pursuing a career as a choreographer.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dancers And Choreographers
• Schools In The USA: Choreographer
• Ascending Star Dance; How To Become A Professional Choreographer; Debra Gilbert