Choreographer

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.

You could set up your own dance school.

With additional training and qualifications, you could teach dance or move into community arts or dance therapy work.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of the fine arts
• persistence and determination
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• leadership skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to use your initiative
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Dance - Choreographers draw on deep knowledge of dance techniques, styles, and movement vocabulary to create routines and performances. Their entire work revolves around understanding how the body moves and how different dance forms can be combined to express ideas and emotions.
• Music - Choreographers select and interpret music to create dance routines, matching movement to rhythm, tempo, and mood. Understanding musical structure – such as phrasing, beats, and dynamics – is essential for timing choreography effectively and creating a powerful connection between sound and movement.
• Drama - Choreographers use storytelling, emotion, and performance techniques to bring their work to life on stage or screen. Understanding how to build narrative, convey character, and hold an audience's attention helps them create choreography that communicates meaning beyond just the steps.
• Physical Education - Choreographers need a strong understanding of how the body works during physical activity, including fitness, flexibility, coordination, and injury prevention. This knowledge helps them design routines that push dancers while keeping them safe and performing at their best.

Also relevant

• Art and Design - Choreographers think visually when arranging dancers in space, choosing costumes, and working with set designers to create the overall look of a performance. An eye for composition, colour, and visual impact helps them shape performances that are striking to watch.
• Film Studies - Choreographers who create work for film, TV, or music videos need to understand how movement translates to the screen. Film Studies helps them see how camera angles, shot composition, and editing rhythms shape the way an audience experiences dance – so they can design routines that work within specific framings.
• Business - Choreographers frequently work freelance or run their own dance companies, which means promoting themselves, managing finances, applying for funding, and hiring staff. Understanding how to run a small business is important for building a sustainable career in this field.
• English Language - Choreographers need to communicate their creative vision clearly to dancers, producers, and costume designers. They also write funding applications, pitch ideas for projects, and may need to articulate the themes and intentions behind their work in interviews or programme notes.