How to become an experimental choreographer

How to become an Experimental Choreographer

There are no strict educational prerequisites to becoming an experimental choreographer, as the field often values creativity and artistic vision more than formal credentials. However, most successful experimental choreographers have pursued a combination of 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 experimental 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 that offer opportunities to explore the intersection of dance with other art forms and disciplines.

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 experiment with new techniques and develop your artistic vision and skills in staging innovative dance routines. 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 an experimental choreographer.

Continuing Education and Professional Development
Even after completing formal education, experimental 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 experimental choreographers, there are various certifications and credentials within the broader field of 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 experimental choreographers interested in exploring movement vocabularies and improvisation.
• Dance / Movement Therapy Certification – Offered by the American Dance Therapy Association, this credential qualifies candidates in the use of dance and movement as therapeutic interventions to promote physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. To earn board certification, candidates must undertake graduate-level training in dance / movement therapy and complete a rigorous examination process.
• 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 experimental 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.
• 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 experimental 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
• Dance Films Association
• 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)