What does a ballroom dance choreographer do?

What is a Ballroom Dance Choreographer?

Ballroom dance choreographers are artists who design and create routines for ballroom dance performances or competitions. With their in-depth understanding of various ballroom dance styles, such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Cha-Cha, they craft sequences of steps, movements, and patterns that flow seamlessly together, showcasing the dancers' skills, enhancing the overall presentation, and engaging audiences.

What does a Ballroom Dance Choreographer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Ballroom dance choreographers play a pivotal role in crafting compelling dance routines. Among their responsibilities and tasks are:

• Conceptualizing Routines – Ballroom dance choreographers conceive the overall theme, mood, and style of the routine, considering factors such as music choice, costumes, and performance venue.
• Designing Steps and Movements – They create sequences of steps, movements, and patterns that fit the chosen dance style, and ensure that the routine flows smoothly, with seamless transitions between figures. Examples of dance styles include Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Jive, and Quickstep.
• Teaching and Rehearsing – Ballroom dance choreographers work closely with dancers, teaching them the choreographed routine and providing instruction on technique, timing, and expression. Rehearsals are essential for refining the routine and ensuring that dancers perform it with precision and grace.
• Adapting to Dancers' Abilities – Choreographers tailor routines to suit the skill level, strengths, and style preferences of individual dancers or dance couples. They may modify choreography or provide alternative steps to accommodate different levels of experience.
• Collaborating with Music and Costume Designers – Choreographers coordinate with music directors to select appropriate songs and ensure that the music complements the choreography. They may also collaborate with costume designers to create costumes that enhance the visual impact of the routine.
• Providing Feedback and Guidance – Throughout the choreography process, ballroom dance choreographers offer constructive feedback to dancers, helping them improve their performance and interpretation of the routine. They provide guidance on posture, expression, and connection with dance partners.
• Preparing for Performances and Competitions – Ballroom dance choreographers oversee final rehearsals and preparations leading up to performances or competitions, ensuring that dancers are confident and well-prepared to deliver their best on stage.

Types of Ballroom Dance Choreographers
Now that we have a sense of the scope of the ballroom dance choreographer’s work, let’s look at some different types of ballroom dance choreographers, each with their own specialization and focus:

• Ballroom Dance Choreography Educators – Some ballroom dance choreographers teach and coach students who aspire to work in the ballroom dance choreography field.
• Ballroom Dance Competition Choreographers – These choreographers specialize in creating routines for competitive ballroom dancers. They are particularly familiar with the specific requirements and judging criteria for various dance competitions and design routines that maximize scores while showcasing the dancers' technical proficiency, musicality, and performance skills.
• Social Ballroom Dance Instructors – Some choreographers specialize in teaching ballroom dance routines to recreational dancers or couples who want to learn for fun or social purposes. They focus on creating routines that are enjoyable, easy to learn, and suitable for social dancing settings such as weddings, parties, or dance clubs.
• Ballroom Dance Performance Choreographers – Performance choreographers focus on creating ballroom dance routines for stage productions, showcases, and entertainment events. They often work with professional dancers or performance groups to develop routines that are visually stunning, engaging, and suitable for the performance venue.
• Ballroom Dance Show Choreographers – Show dance choreographers create elaborate and theatrical routines for dance shows, exhibitions, or themed events. They often incorporate elements of storytelling, dramatic choreography, and visual effects to create memorable and entertaining performances.
• Cross-Genre Choreographers – These choreographers blend elements of different dance styles, such as ballroom, contemporary, jazz, or hip-hop, to create innovative and eclectic routines. They may work with dancers from diverse backgrounds to explore new artistic possibilities and push the boundaries of traditional ballroom dance.

It’s important to note that these specializations can overlap, and choreographers may have expertise in multiple areas.

What is the workplace of a Ballroom Dance Choreographer like?

Ballroom dance choreographers can work for various individuals, organizations, and institutions within the dance industry. These are among their most common employers:

• Dance Studios / Dance Schools – Many ballroom dance choreographers work as independent contractors or staff members at dance studios. They may conduct group classes, private lessons, or workshops, as well as choreograph routines for students and performance groups associated with the studio.
• Dance Companies – Professional dance companies, especially those specializing in ballroom dance or dance entertainment, may hire choreographers to create routines for their performances, tours, and special events. These choreographers collaborate with artistic directors and dancers to develop choreography that aligns with the company's artistic vision.
• Competitive Dance Teams – Choreographers may be employed by competitive dance teams, including university or college dance teams, amateur ballroom dance teams, or professional dance troupes. They create routines for competitions, train dancers, and provide ongoing coaching and support to help teams achieve their competitive goals.
• Event Planners and Production Companies – Event planners and production companies often hire choreographers to create dance entertainment for various events, such as weddings, corporate galas, fashion shows, and themed parties. The primary objective of these choreographers is to design routines that fit the event's theme and atmosphere.
• Television and Film Productions – Choreographers may work in the entertainment industry, collaborating with television and film production companies to choreograph dance sequences for movies, TV shows, commercials, or music videos.
• Freelance Work – Many ballroom dance choreographers work as freelancers, offering their services independently to clients seeking custom choreography for special occasions, performances, or projects.

Based on the nature of their work and focus, ballroom dance choreographers may find themselves transitioning between different settings. While they work primarily in dance studios or rehearsal spaces equipped with dance floors, mirrors, and sound systems, they may also work in performance venues such as theaters, auditoriums, or concert halls. These venues offer larger spaces for dancers to rehearse and perform, with professional lighting, sound, and staging equipment to enhance the production quality.

Ballroom dance choreographers working in the entertainment industry may spend time in film and television studios, which are equipped with sound stages, green screens, and camera rigs. Some choreographers may work remotely or from home, especially if they offer freelance choreography services or conduct online dance lessons and consultations. They may use video conferencing software, choreography software, and other digital tools to communicate with clients, create choreography, and manage administrative tasks.