The Requirements for a Dance Choreographer
Most choreographers go into the field out of a love for dance. As a dance choreographer, you plan dance recitals or performances, making sure that every dancer knows her part. You plan routines, audition dancers, cast roles and participate in dance practices. Preparing for a performance will take long hours, but choreographers love the work. To become a dance choreographer, you need a combination of training and skill.
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Education
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Most dance choreographer jobs do not require a college degree. However, some dance conservatories offer specific courses related to choreography, where you will learn the fundamental aspects of dance through classical dance and specialized courses. You can also benefit from taking dance or related coursework in high school or college. For example, classes in modern dance will help you to design dance routines. Speech and communication classes can teach you how to communicate with your dancers or with an audience.
Training
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Most choreographers start off as professional dancers, and many dance schools prefer to hire teachers and choreographers with professional dance experience. Obtaining this experience requires years of training. Many professional dancers start taking courses at a young age and continue to study through adulthood. Taking courses in dance composition, classical techniques, dance history or modern dance will help your career. You will also need to practice regularly. Many dancers practice for hours every day.
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Skills
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Primarily, you will need an understanding of different types of dance and how to perform specific dance movements. As a choreographer, you will also need excellent communication skills. This includes the ability to speak in public and act as an instructor to others. At times, you may need to speak with authority. You will also need the ability to listen well. Listening to your dancers will help you build a solid relationship with your dance team. The dancers may also point out flaws in the routine or make suggestions that can improve the performance.
Other Considerations
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You must have a creative nature as creativity is essential to developing new dance routines. As a choreographer, you will work with classical and modern dance to create original routines for the dancers, and having the ability to think of new ideas and adapt your work as you progress is vital. You should also continue a disciplined practice of your dancing skills throughout your career. Staying in good physical condition and having the ability to perform new routines in front of new dancers will help you communicate your ideas.
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References
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