How to become a contemporary choreographer

Is becoming a contemporary choreographer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do contemporary choreographers do?

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How to become a Contemporary Choreographer

While there are no strict educational prerequisites to becoming a choreographer, pursuing formal training and education in dance and related fields can provide valuable skills, knowledge, and opportunities for professional development. Here are some educational pathways commonly pursued by contemporary 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 contemporary, as well as techniques, choreography, composition, improvisation, dance history, dance theory, and performance skills.

Master's Degree
Some choreographers choose to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Choreography, Dance, or a related field to further deepen their artistic practice, develop advanced choreographic skills, 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.

Dance Conservatory Training
Many aspiring choreographers receive intensive training through dance conservatories, professional training programs, or pre-professional dance academies that focus on rigorous technical training, artistic development, and performance opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Studies
Some choreographers pursue interdisciplinary studies that complement their dance and choreography credentials with education in fields such as theatre arts, music, music theory and composition, or visual and performing arts. They may enroll in interdisciplinary arts programs or pursue dual degrees to expand their artistic horizons and explore new creative possibilities.

As digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into the creation and presentation of dance works, training in areas such as digital media production, audio visual editing, motion capture, or interactive design can be valuable for choreographers interested in exploring multimedia or technology-enhanced choreography. Studying film production or film and photographic technology is therefore another educational consideration for contemporary choreographers.

Performance Experience and Mentorship
Throughout your education and training, gain performance experience by participating in dance productions, showcases, festivals, and competitions. Performing in a variety of contexts will help you develop stage presence, artistic interpretation, and collaborative skills essential for choreography.

Seek mentorship from experienced choreographers, teachers, or industry professionals who can provide feedback, guidance, and support as you develop your choreographic skills and artistic vision.

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

Document your choreographic works through videos, photos, and written descriptions to create a portfolio 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 choreographer.

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

Certifications and Professional Organizations
While there are no specific certifications exclusively for contemporary 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) 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 contemporary 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 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 choreography community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

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