How to become a ballroom dance choreographer

How to become a Ballroom Dance Choreographer

There are no strict educational prerequisites to becoming a ballroom dance choreographer, as the field primarily values a passion for dance, skill, experience, and creativity. However, most successful ballroom dance choreographers have pursued a combination of formal education and training and artistic exploration in dance and choreography. Here are some educational pathways and qualifications that can benefit aspiring ballroom dance choreographers:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Many choreographers begin their training by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Dance from a reputable college, university, or conservatory. These programs typically provide comprehensive training in various dance styles, including ballroom styles; movement analysis and choreographic techniques; composition and improvisation; dance history and dance theory; as well as performance skills and staging.

Some aspiring ballroom dance choreographers may opt to complete a double major in dance and theater arts. Other possible combinations include dance and music, dance and music theory and composition, or dance and visual and performing arts.

Look for programs at universities, colleges, or conservatories with reputable performing arts departments.

Master's Degree
Some choreographers choose to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Choreography, Dance, Theater Arts, or a related field to further deepen their artistic practice, develop advanced choreographic abilities, and engage in scholarly research or pedagogical studies. Studying the works of renowned choreographers and analyzing choreographic techniques is frequently an aspect of these graduate programs.

Performance Experience and Mentorship
Throughout your education and training, attend dance classes, workshops, and intensives, and participate in dance performances to gain on-stage experience. Focus on mastering a variety of dance styles and developing storytelling techniques, musicality, and performance skills.

Seek opportunities to choreograph for school or community ballroom dance competitions and showcases. Expand your repertoire through volunteer or work experience with dance schools, dance companies, summer stock theaters, or other amateur and professional venues. Look for opportunities to work as an assistant choreographer or intern with established professionals, ideally in a ballroom dance environment. Assistants often play a crucial role in rehearsals, production meetings, and behind-the-scenes work.

Create Your Own Work and Build a Portfolio
Begin creating your own ballroom dance choreography works, whether as part of student showcases, independent projects, or collaborative ventures. Experiment with different styles, themes, music, and concepts to develop your unique choreographic voice and style.

Document your choreography works through videos, photos, and written descriptions to create a portfolio showcasing your creative vision and process, technical proficiency, and ability to choreography compelling dance routines. Use your portfolio to apply for opportunities, share your work with collaborators, and promote yourself as a ballroom dance choreographer.

Continuing Education and Professional Development
Even after completing formal education, ballroom dance choreographers often continue to pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities. This includes seeking out choreography workshops, masterclasses, residencies, grants, and certifications, to further refine their skills, stay current with industry trends, and expand their artistic networks with choreographers, dancers, and other industry professionals.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there are no specific certifications exclusively for ballroom dance choreographers, there are various certifications and credentials related to dance and choreography that may be relevant or beneficial for choreographers pursuing professional opportunities. Here are some examples:

• Dance Teaching Certifications – Choreographers who also teach dance may pursue certifications offered by dance organizations or institutions specializing in dance education, such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA). These certification programs typically cover pedagogical principles, teaching methods, curriculum development, and classroom management techniques.
• Dance Therapy Certifications – Choreographers interested in the therapeutic aspects of dance may pursue certification as dance movement therapists from programs accredited by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). Dance therapy certifications typically require completion of specific coursework, supervised clinical experience, and passing a certification exam.
• Dance Fitness Certifications – Choreographers interested in fitness and wellness may pursue certifications as dance fitness instructors, such as Zumba, Barre, or Pilates certifications. These credentials can be relevant for ballroom dance choreographers who incorporate movement training and conditioning into their practice. Organizations like the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) and Yoga Alliance (YA) offer certification programs in these areas.
• Choreography Competitions and Awards – While not certifications in the traditional sense, winning or placing in choreography competitions, such as the World Choreography Awards, or receiving awards for choreographic excellence can provide recognition and validation of a choreographer's skills and artistic achievements.
• First Aid and CPR Certification – Choreographers working in educational or community settings may benefit from obtaining certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants during rehearsals, workshops, or performances.

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations also support the ballroom dance choreography community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

• National Dance Council of America (NDCA)
• Dance Resource Center (DRC)
• Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
• Choreographers Guild
• Dance/USA
• National Dance Alliance (NDA)
• American Dance Guild (ADG)
• Regional Dance America (RDA)
• National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
• Dance ICONS, Inc. – International Consortium for Advancement in Choreography, Inc.
• International Dance Council / Conseil International de la Danse (CID)
• International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)