Do you love to dance? Are you creative, artistic, and disciplined? 
Do you like to teach, and do you work well with others? If you have what it takes, and you don't mind working in a competitive field that takes hours of effort and practice, then you may have a future as a professional dance choreographer. 


Nature of the Work

For thousands of years, dancers have expressed ideas,
stories, and rhythm with their bodies. Professional dance choreographers have to be knowledgeable in a variety of dance forms, including classical ballet, modern dance, and culturally specific dance styles. Many dance choreographers are former dancers themselves, and they combine performance work with teaching. In addition, choreographers often are involved in auditioning performers.
Dance choreographers work in a variety of settings, such as musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz, and other popular styles of dance. They also work in opera, musical theater, movies, television, music videos, and commercials. Dance choreographers are also involved in creating their own original dances, and in developing new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. 



Working Conditions

Because dance is so strenuous, and takes its toll on the human body, most professional dancers are forced to stop performing by their late thirties. However, some continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or artistic directors. Others move into administrative positions, such as company managers. 

Daily rehearsals require very long hours. Many dance companies
tour for part of the year to supplement a limited performance
schedule at home. Dance choreographers who work in musical
productions and other family entertainment spend much of their
time on the road. Generally, dance performances occur in the evening, while rehearsals and practices take place during the day. As a result, dance choreographers often work very long and late hours. Generally, dancers and choreographers work in modern and temperature-controlled facilities; however, some studios may be older and less comfortable.


Employment

Professional dancers and choreographers held about 37,000 jobs
in 2002. Dance choreographers worked in a variety of industries, such as private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities. They also worked in performing arts companies, which includes dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks. Almost one fifth of dance choreographers are self-employed.

New York City is home to many major dance companies;
however, full-time professional dance companies operate in most
major cities.


Training, and necessary qualifications

Most dance choreographers start out as dancers themselves. Many choreographers and and dance instructors believe that dancers should start with a good foundation in classical dance before selecting a particular dance style. 

Most dance students begin at an early age. Students who demonstrate potential in their early teens receive more intensive and advanced professional training. At about this time, students should begin to focus their training on a particular dance style and decide whether to pursue additional training through a dance company’s school or a college dance program.
Many dance choreographers and dance instructors work for dance school companies that offer summer training programs, from which they select candidates for admission to their regular full-time training programs. 

A career in dance and dance choreography doesn't require a college degree. However, it is beneficial for someone working in this industry to have a broad education, including music, literature, the visual arts, and history. These topics help in the interpretation of dramatic episodes, feelings, and ideas, and help the choreographer to create their own original dance routines.
Many colleges and universities award bachelor’s or master’s
degrees in dance, typically through departments of music, theater, or fine arts. Many programs focus on modern dance, but some also offer courses in ballet, jazz, or classical techniques. Other areas of study are dance composition, dance history, movement analysis, and criticism.

Some dancers and dance choreographers obtain degrees in unrelated fields to prepare themselves for careers
after dance. The completion of a college program in dance and
education is essential in order to qualify to teach dance in college,
high school, or elementary school. Colleges and conservatories
sometimes require graduate degrees, but may accept
performance experience. A college background is not necessary,
however, for teaching dance or choreography in local recreational
programs. Studio schools usually require teachers to
have experience as performers.

Dance choreographers need to be able to function as part of a larger team. Choreographers typically are older dancers with years of experience in the theater. Through their performance as dancers, they have developed reputations that often lead to opportunities in dance schools and universities, and with dance and ballet companies .


Employment Outlook

Dance choreographers often face intense competition for jobs, and only the most skilled find regular employment.
Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to
grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through
2012. 
The public’s continued interest in dance will sustain
larger dance companies; however, funding from public and private organizations is not expected to keep pace with rising production costs. For many small and midsize organizations, the
result will be fewer performances and more limited employment
opportunities. Although job openings will arise each year because
dancers and choreographers retire or leave the occupation
for other reasons, the number of applicants will continue to
vastly exceed the number of job openings.

National dance companies should continue to provide jobs
in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with
colleges and universities and with television and motion pictures
also will offer some opportunities. Moreover, the growing
popularity of dance in recent years has resulted in increased
opportunities to teach dance. Finally, music video channels
will provide some opportunities for both dancers and
choreographers.


Earnings

Median annual earnings of salaried choreographers were around $30,000 in 2003. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,590 and $43,720. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,590. Median annual earnings were $29,820 in other schools and instruction, which includes dance studios and schools.

Dance choreographers who go on tour normally receive an additional allowance for room and board, as well as extra compensation for overtime. Many choreographers supplement their income by performing as dancers with other dance companies, teaching dance on the side, or taking part-time jobs in unrelated fields.

Dance choreographers covered by union contracts are
entitled to some paid sick leave, paid vacations, and various
health and pension benefits, including extended sick pay and
family-leave benefits provided by their unions. Employers contribute toward these benefits. Those not covered by union contracts usually do not enjoy such benefits.

So if you have the necessary drive and talent, and you enjoy teaching the art of dance to others, you just might have a long and satisfying career as a dance choreographer.


 

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