How to become a commercial choreographer

How to become a Commercial Choreographer

There are no strict educational prerequisites to becoming a commercial choreographer, as creativity and artistic vision are often more important than formal credentials. However, most successful commercial choreographers have pursued a combination of formal training, practical experience, and artistic exploration in dance and choreography. Here are some educational pathways and qualifications that can benefit aspiring commercial 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 jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and hip-hop; techniques, choreography, composition, and improvisation; dance history and dance theory; as well as performance skills.

Some aspiring commercial choreographers may opt to complete a double major in dance and theater arts or dance and film production. 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 and course offerings that cover topics such as camera techniques, storytelling through movement, working with actors, and choreographing for different genres and formats.

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, take dance classes in various styles and participate in dance performances, musicals, or theater productions to gain on-stage experience. Understanding the performer's perspective is valuable when creating choreography that enhances storytelling, character development, and artistic interpretation. It also provides valuable insights into the creative process, teamwork, and stagecraft.

Seek opportunities to choreograph for school productions and competitions, community theaters, dance companies, summer stock theaters, or other amateur and professional venues. Develop your skills in creating and staging dance sequences.

Seek mentorship from experienced choreographers, teachers, or industry professionals who can provide feedback, guidance, and support as you develop your artistic vision and your skills in staging dance routines for commercial productions. Look for opportunities to work as an assistant choreographer, dance captain, or rehearsal director. Assistants and interns 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 choreography works, whether as part of student showcases, independent projects, or collaborative ventures. Experiment with different movement styles, themes, music, and concepts to develop your unique choreographic voice and style.

Start small with solo or duet pieces, and gradually expand to larger group works as you gain confidence and experience.

Document your choreography works through videos, photos, and written descriptions to create a portfolio and an online presence showcasing your creative process, artistic accomplishments, and choreographic style. Use your portfolio to apply for opportunities, share your work with collaborators, and promote yourself as a commercial choreographer.

Continuing Education and Professional Development
Even after completing formal education, commercial choreographers often 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 directors, producers, casting directors, choreographers, dancers, and other industry professionals.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there are no specific certifications exclusively for commercial 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:

• Stunt Coordination and Stage Combat Certifications – The International Stunt Academy (ISA) and the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) offer professional certifications that may be applicable to the work of some commercial choreographers.
• 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) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). 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 commercial 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 commercial choreography community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

• Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
• Choreographers Guild
• Dance/USA
• National Dance Alliance (NDA)
• American Dance Guild (ADG)
• Regional Dance America (RDA)
• Theatre Communications Group (TCG)
• 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)
• National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT)
• American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)