Monday through Wednesday, I teach open classes. I teach at a company in the city on Thursday. I take a class myself on Friday. On Saturday I teach the studio company—the top level of our school. Rehearsal is in the afternoon. Then I meet with staff, board members, or collaborators. I teach again in the evening. After class, I respond to emails and do admin work. I spend my nights on creative thinking—listening to music for a work I'm choreographing or watching a movie that connects with my work.
CAREER
Choreographers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$43,680
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+14% (faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Choreographers Do
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Other Job Titles Choreographers May Have
Ballet Director, Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Maker, Musical Choreographer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Each gig, so each day, is different. But common threads are: Prepare for rehearsal, be prepared practically so you have the tools you need at hand (music/images/ipad). Work in studio or on set with director, dancers and designer. End the day by evaluating what you did and beginning prep for next one.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in how to use dance steps, and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
- Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
- Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
- Advise dancers on how to stand and move properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
- Design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Choreographers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (38%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
CBC Ballet Mistress & Education Coordinator; UCSD Lecturer in Dance ,
University of California, San Diego and California Ballet School and Company
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Dance, General
Graduate
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management,...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
See as much choreography as you can.
Make as much choreography as you can.
CBC Ballet Mistress & Education Coordinator; UCSD Lecturer in Dance ,
University of California, San Diego and California Ballet School and Company
Start by teaching young children and adults. Observe, listen, learn. Ask to mentor under someone you admire - a teacher or Arts Manager! Love what you do. Work with people you respect and can have a mutually rich relationship with, in terms of learning from each other.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Create work! Hone your skills by doing choreography whenever and wherever you can.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
