How To Become a Professional Choreographer
By Debra Gilbert
Dancing To The Beat Of Your Own Drummer: How To Become a Professional Choreographer
So you think you can dance? Right on, you know you do! Now, do you think you have what it takes to choreograph a dance piece? Think about that for a second. Not only would you be performing your own stylistic approach, but also having other dancers perform it as well with your own ideas coming to life right before your eyes. Intriguing, is it not?
With that said, how does one begin in this field of choreography? Well, to set it in motion, dance training usually should start at a young age with taking dance lessons. From early on, you ought to develop a passion for a certain type of dance, whether it be Jazz, Tap, Ballet, or any other form of dance that catches your fancy. From there, you study by dancing your heart out well into your teenage years and develop even more of a fervor for the style of your choice. A good way to expand your knowledge in dance and to create something completely original is to study different areas of dance. Have your main core dance form, but branching out into other forms can help you produce something rather special and unique. However, not all dance choreography takes place on the theatre stages. There are many other types of choreography involved in other areas such as the film business with movie stunts and action sequences, as well as for cheerleading. It is all about what you desire to learn and create and where you want to show it off!
Once you have your dance experience in motion, it is time to get noticed. How do you do this you ask? Get involved in your community! Whether you are taking dance classes or getting involved in school and/or community productions, this is where your light will shine for others to take notice. It is key to get your name and ideas out there, not to mention, knowing your own piece of work backwards and forwards. Submit your work into showcases and productions as much as possible. Ideally, focus on working in production and dance companies where you can study under an admirable choreographer or many different choreographers. Once you have mastered your own dance techniques and have relative work experience, you will be on the road to becoming an apprentice. A job in choreography is something that you will have to work for and not expect the opportunities to fall into your lap.
This may all sound easy, but do not forget about your education and neglect other areas of study. Topics such as history and music are known to inspire choreographers in their work. Getting to know your body, as well as music and literature will help your ideas explode. Keep studying dance all through high school and look into colleges that provide a spectacular dance program. You do not have to study at a top-notch, expensive school either. Many colleges and universities provide excellent dance programs that will fit your budget. If you are worried about expenses, be on the lookout for scholarships and grants to help you along the way. Although some companies do not require a degree in dance to become a choreographer, having the educational background can certainly benefit your chances in the long run.
So now back to that pivotal question: do you have what it takes to be a professional choreographer? If you have the moves, the ideas, the education, the experience and the connections, producing your dream come true is only a few steps away. Now get out there and start dancing!
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