Dancer or choreographer - overview

What does a dancer or choreographer do?

As a dancer and choreographer, you’ll work in one or more genres such as ballet, contemporary, street, tap, Asian and African dance.

You’ll enjoy learning and creating new routines and will pick up steps and styles quickly. When performing you’ll usually interpret moves and take direction from a choreographer, although sometimes you’ll get to improvise.

When choreographing, you’ll oversee the whole dance show, developing routines and providing ideas for music, costumes, and other visuals.

Working environments vary depending on where a piece is rehearsed and performed. You could be based in a creative studio, a theatre, television, or film studio, in a community centre or even a cruise ship.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Designing dance routines for yourself or others
• Performing in dance shows
• Attending auditions
• Rehearsing routines to develop and practice for performances
• Exercising and dancing to maintain stamina and build physical strength, agility and general health
• Eating healthily to support your fitness
• Contacting potential employers to promote your abilities and secure work

FAQs

How much can you earn as a dancer or choreographer?

The average salary for a dancer or choreographer in the UK is £44,200. Graduates start at around £20,000.

Does a dancer or choreographer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Dancers and choreographers may travel within the UK and overseas for competitions, tours or when joining a dance school.

Can you work from home as a dancer or choreographer?

Dancers and choreographers don’t usually work from home except when training or rehearsing. Otherwise they will be on stage, in a studio or performing in a venue.