How to become a dance company artistic director

How to become a Dance Company Artistic Director

There are no strict educational prerequisites to becoming a dance company artistic director, as the field often values passion for dance, creativity, and artistic vision more than formal credentials. However, most successful dance company artistic directors have pursued a combination of formal training, practical experience, and artistic exploration in dance and choreography. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

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 dance company artistic directors may opt to complete a double major in dance and theater arts or dance and visual and performing arts. As the role of the artistic director calls for knowledge of arts leadership, management principles, and organizational dynamics, another possible double major combination is dance and business administration. Additional options include dance and music or dance and music theory and composition.

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 and directing 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 conceptualizing and staging dance sequences. Consider serving on boards or committees within the arts sector, as these roles can expose you to topics such as strategic planning, marketing, budgeting, fundraising and non-profit leadership, cultural administration, and board governance.

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. Look for opportunities to work as an assistant choreographer, dance captain, rehearsal director, or ballet master / mistress. 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 dance company artistic director.

Continuing Education and Professional Development
Even after completing formal education, dance company artistic directors 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 dance company artistic directors, 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:

• Certified Movement Analyst (CMA) – Offered by the Laban / Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS), this certification focuses on the analysis and interpretation of movement patterns, which can be valuable for dance company artistic directors interested in exploring movement vocabularies and improvisation.
• Certificate in Dance Education (CiDE) – Offered by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), this certification is designed for experienced dance educators who have demonstrated proficiency in teaching, choreography, and professional practice. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria and pass a comprehensive assessment process to earn the CiDE credential.
• Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certification – The Royal Academy of Dance offers certification programs for dance educators who teach the RAD syllabus, which is a structured and progressive curriculum for ballet education. RAD certification programs include training in teaching methodology, syllabus content, and assessment procedures for dancers of all ages and levels.
• Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) – The ISTD is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. It maintains training syllabi in thirteen different dance genres: Cecchetti Classical Ballet, Classical Greek, Classical Indian, Contemporary, Disco Freestyle / Rock ‘n’ Roll, Imperial Classical Ballet, Latin American, Modern Ballroom, Modern Theatre, National, Sequence, Tap Dance, Street Dance.
• 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 workshops, rehearsals, or performances.

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

• Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
• 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)
• 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)
• International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)