Choreographer

You would create dance routines to entertain people at live shows, events or for TV and films.

You could plan the whole performance from teaching the steps to the dancers to working with costume designers and directors to get the right look.

You could choreograph stage, TV or film performances, music videos, and even fashion shows or corporate events.

You would normally specialise in a particular style of dance such as:

• Classical ballet

• Modern dance

• Jazz dance and musical theatre

• Ballroom

• Street dance, hip hop and break-dancing

• Scottish country (ceilidh), Highland or Irish dancing

• Non-western (such as Indian, African or belly-dancing)

• Disability dance

You might create your own dance pieces, or interpret a director’s instructions.

You would:

• Develop ideas and turn them into a finished performance

• Plan movements to fit the music

• Discuss ideas and plans with producers, costume designers, and musical and artistic directors

• Choose music

• Audition dancers

• Teach and rehearse the dancers

• Record the steps using a notation system, such as Labanotation or Benesh

You might also work a movement coach for actors.

If you are freelance, you’d need to promote and marketing yourself, find new work and deal with your own tax and accounts.

If you ran your own dance company you’d also audition dancers, hire staff and do administrative tasks, such as apply for funding.

• Creative Scotland - enabling people to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland

• Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work

• Dance UK - Dance training and careers information from national organistion for people working in dance

• Creative Choices - Help and advice for a career in the creative industry from Creative and Cultural Skills

• Council for Dance, Drame and Musical Theatre