Job Description

Choreographers design sequences of steps and movements, usually accompanied by music, for dancers and other artists to perform.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

University

You'll need a high level of dance training and experience. You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award to develop your skills.

Relevant subjects include:

• professional dance
• musical theatre
• dance and choreography

These are offered by dance schools and universities.

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

You could start out as a professional dancer and combine this with an assistant choreographer role, especially in a smaller company.

With further training and experience you could work your way up to become a choreographer.

Direct application

You may be able to apply for work if you're an experienced professional dancer or dance teacher.

Career Tips

You may find it useful to get work experience with an established choreographer. You could also develop your skills by volunteering to choreograph amateur dance club performances.

You can find professional choreographers in the UK Directory of Choreographers.

You can join One Dance UK for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Career Path and Progression

You're likely to work freelance on a fixed-term contract. You may be able to find full-time permanent opportunities with dance companies.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Dancer
• Dance teacher

Required Skills

• knowledge of the fine arts
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• persistence and determination
• ability to work well with others
• a thorough knowledge of dance and movement
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• leadership skills

Salary Range

Variable