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Choreographers

The occupation Choreographers covers people who create new dance routines. O*NET rates it as medium preparation, which usually means one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. It leans on instructing, speaking, and coordination. You may also need to direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects. Interest ratings put Artistic on top at 7.0 out of 7 and Social second, so the code is ASE and the day leans toward creative work with room for original expression. A regular part of the work is to advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries. People who want creative work with room for original expression usually fit better here than those who need orderly work with data, records and clear procedures.

What they do

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Main tasks

  • Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
  • Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
  • Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
  • Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
  • Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.
  • Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.

Skills

  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Social Perceptiveness

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You want room to make something in your own way.
  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on instructing and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
  • You want your day to run on clear systems and exact records. Conventional rates 2.1 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ASE takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Ballet Director
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Director
  • Dance Maker
  • Musical Choreographer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.