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Choreographer

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What They Do

Choreographers Career Video

Insider Info

Any time you enjoy the graceful and seemingly effortless talents of dancers in live performances or on shows like Dancing With the Stars, you can bet that a lot of time, hard work and creative energy have been spent to make it the art that it is. This is the job of choreographers.

Choreographers may create new dances, or they might make new interpretations of classic dances. There are choreographers for every type of dance -- including ballet, modern, jazz and flamenco.

The role of choreographer carries many responsibilities. According to choreographer Deborah Lundmark, one of them is "to create work and to be able to teach it to your dancers." They are also responsible for casting, music selection, costume approval, lighting, props, and blocking on the stage.

Roxanne Claire, a choreographer working with the Houston, Texas, dance community, says it takes a lot of organization to work on a dance project. "As the choreographer, you're the manager of the whole thing."

Rob Johnson is the associate director of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation in New York. "Choreographers can work in several areas: dance, opera, theater, television, film and music videos. Some choreographers work in all areas, others do not."

Choreographers work in small community theaters and Broadway theaters. Some are in new, comfortable studios, while others work in older, uncomfortable environments.

"The practice over the last 10 years has been for the larger companies to hire a resident choreographer," says choreographer Wayne Burritt. "It's good for the choreographer because it gives them steady work. It's good for the company because they don't have to bear the expense to commission the work."

How do freelancers find jobs? "Most choreographers are hired for jobs through networking contacts, recommendations and by folks who have worked with them in the past," says Johnson.

In keeping with technology, some choreographers map out dances on computers to get a feel for how the dance will look.

Choreographers put in long, challenging days and must be in excellent shape. (Ankle problems are not uncommon in this profession.) Not only do they spend their days creating dances, but they often teach or take dance classes as well.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Create and teach dance routines

  • Choreographers put in long days and must be in excellent shape
  • A love for music helps
  • A professional background in dancing is important

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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