Choreographer

Choreographers create dance routines and movement sequences for dancers and other performers.

They choreograph stage, TV/film performances, music videos, fashion shows or corporate events. They also act as a movement coach for actors.

Choreographers normally specialise in one style of dance such as ballet, modern, jazz and musical theatre, non-western or disability dance. They either create their own dance pieces or interpret a director’s instructions.

The work involves: developing ideas and turning them into a finished performance; planning movements to fit the music; meeting producers, costume designers, and musical and artistic directors; choosing music; auditioning dancers; teaching and rehearsing the dancers; and recording the steps using a notation system, such as Labanotation or Benesh.

Those working freelance or running their own dance company also spend time applying for funding, writing project proposals and marketing themselves.

Starting salaries for dancers moving into choreography are around £20,000 a year.

Once established, earnings can reach £40,000 or more.

Freelance rates can depend on your track record and the budget available for the production.

Contact Equity, the performers' trade union, for information on recommended minimum daily and weekly rates.

You will need a high level of dance training and experience.

Most choreographers start as professional dancers and often begin choreographing whilst still working as dancers, especially in smaller companies.

You would often start as a dancer by training at a vocational dance school, with a three-year degree/diploma or one-year postgraduate diploma in professional dance or musical theatre. Contact the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) for information on accredited dance courses.

Several universities also offer degrees in dance, and some courses specialise in choreography. To find a suitable course, use the course search on this site and check with course providers for exact entry requirements.

See the Dancer profile for more details about dance training.

As an experienced dancer, you could become an assistant choreographer after being a dance captain (who leads and rehearses other dancers but does not create steps), or through work experience with an established choreographer.