Choreographers

Ballet Director
Choreographer
Dance Director
Dance Maker
Musical Choreographer
Opera Choreographer

What is a Choreographer?

A choreographer is a creative professional who designs and directs dance movements and sequences for performance in various settings such as theater, film, television, and live shows. They work closely with dancers to bring their artistic vision to life, crafting intricate routines that align with music, narrative, or the theme of the production. Choreographers draw on various dance styles, techniques, and cultural influences, infusing their work with originality and expression. They may create choreography for different genres including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and folk dance, adapting movements to suit the capabilities and styles of individual performers or ensembles. Choreographers often participate in auditions, rehearsals, and casting, ensuring that the right dancers are selected and trained to execute their vision effectively. Additionally, they collaborate with composers, directors, and production teams to ensure that the choreography complements other elements of the performance. As artists, choreographers must possess a strong understanding of rhythm, spatial awareness, and body mechanics, as well as the ability to communicate and inspire dancers. Their work not only entertains audiences but also conveys emotions, tells stories, and explores themes through the medium of dance.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
  • Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
  • Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
  • Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
  • Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.

Technology Skills

  • Web page creation and editing software
    • Facebook
    • Social media sites
  • Video creation and editing software
    • YouTube
  • Graphics or photo imaging software
    • Chorel Technology Dance Designer
    • Credo Interactive DanceForms
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Electronic mail software
    • Email software

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • Fine Arts

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Education and Training

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Skills

  • Instructing

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Coordination

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Abilities

  • Gross Body Coordination

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Originality

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Fluency of Ideas

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    33 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Post-secondary certificate
    19 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

  • Bachelor's degree
    19 %

Work Activities

  • Thinking Creatively

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Performing General Physical Activities

    Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Coaching and Developing Others

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Train others on performance techniques.
  • Choreograph dances.
  • Coordinate artistic activities.
  • Determine presentation subjects or content.
  • Monitor current trends.

Work Interests

  • Artistic

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Social

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Advertisement

Get a Well-Paying Job Fast

Start Your Career

Get Started
Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$30040.0 - $91140.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.