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How can I become a dance and musical theater choreographer?
I have choreogrpahed on myself and others in the past, but I how do I make a career in this. I have heard from different people that you have to become a performer before becoming a choreographer. To what extent is that true? I do not know how much that is in the cards for me.
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Paige’s Answer
Hi Karrah! I think it’s super cool that I stumbled upon your question because I am registered on this site with my full time job, but I also am a dance teacher and choreographer on the side. I am also the dance team coach at Mount St Mary’s University.
In regards to your question, making a career out of choreography can be difficult depending on the level at which you want to choreograph. For instance, being a choreographer of a Broadway Show or LA Music Video is something that is very difficult to do and may require you to have a substantial list of credits to your name in both performance and choreography. But, being a choreographer at a children’s dance studio or local theatre may be something easier to do. That being said, performance ability and choreography ability don’t always go together. Just because someone is a great dancer does not mean they will be a great choreographer. In the same way, great choreographers don’t necessarily have to be the most amazing dancer. I never considered myself to be an incredible dancer, but I have found huge success in choreography, winning top awards at almost every competition I take my pieces to. So, it can be done.
That being said, if you are wanting to choreograph on Broadway or something equally as big without performing first, you will really need to build your choreography resume. Start with a children’s dance studio, or volunteer to choreograph a local high school musical. Then once you get more credibility, go bigger, and keep going until you reach your goal! Once you get good experience, put a reel together of your best work that you can send to employers.
It might be a difficult road to get there, but with talent, hard work, and persistance, you can achieve it!
In regards to your question, making a career out of choreography can be difficult depending on the level at which you want to choreograph. For instance, being a choreographer of a Broadway Show or LA Music Video is something that is very difficult to do and may require you to have a substantial list of credits to your name in both performance and choreography. But, being a choreographer at a children’s dance studio or local theatre may be something easier to do. That being said, performance ability and choreography ability don’t always go together. Just because someone is a great dancer does not mean they will be a great choreographer. In the same way, great choreographers don’t necessarily have to be the most amazing dancer. I never considered myself to be an incredible dancer, but I have found huge success in choreography, winning top awards at almost every competition I take my pieces to. So, it can be done.
That being said, if you are wanting to choreograph on Broadway or something equally as big without performing first, you will really need to build your choreography resume. Start with a children’s dance studio, or volunteer to choreograph a local high school musical. Then once you get more credibility, go bigger, and keep going until you reach your goal! Once you get good experience, put a reel together of your best work that you can send to employers.
It might be a difficult road to get there, but with talent, hard work, and persistance, you can achieve it!
Thank you so much! I have continued creating and will make sure to build up my resume!
Karah-Mercy
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Christian’s Answer
There are a number of dance companies out there that were created and operated by people just like you. Someone who is creative in dance and wanted to continue creating work.
My advice... continue creating, dancing and choreographing. Your work will get noticed and if it doesn't, create your own dance company.
I see that you are in NY. In January, there is a conference there called Association of Performing Arts Professionals. If you go, you would have the opportunity to meet with a large number of dance companies.
Here is the website: https://apap365.org/
Make sure that whenever you create work that you get it on video. Post it on line. Share it. Let people know what you do.
Hope this helps
My advice... continue creating, dancing and choreographing. Your work will get noticed and if it doesn't, create your own dance company.
I see that you are in NY. In January, there is a conference there called Association of Performing Arts Professionals. If you go, you would have the opportunity to meet with a large number of dance companies.
Here is the website: https://apap365.org/
Make sure that whenever you create work that you get it on video. Post it on line. Share it. Let people know what you do.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for the advice! I will look for the next time this conference is in session.
Karah-Mercy