20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by running or creating movement phrases in the studio: warming up, teaching the company, and refining sequences. That can take 3–6 hours depending on rehearsal length.
Afternoons often involve coordinating with music directors, selecting music, meeting producers or directors, and using a web browser or DanceForms software to document steps. Evenings can be teaching class, attending auditions, or updating social media to promote upcoming shows.
Choreographers use notation or video. Tools named in the field include DanceForms (Credo Interactive) and Chorel Technology Dance Designer, plus simple video on YouTube or a phone camera to capture sequences.
You should also keep written notes in Microsoft Word or Excel for counts, formation maps, and cast lists. Save versions and back them up online so your work survives cast changes.
Some people use software to experiment with patterns, but AI-generated movement can be a starting idea only. Always test every movement on real bodies because safety, spacing, and musicality must be checked in the studio.
Never let a program replace rehearsals. Use AI or choreography software as a creative assistant, then teach, adapt, and vet everything for injury risk and artistic fit.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for this occupation (SOC 27-2032.00), about 2,860 were employed; the median wage was $55,310 per year. The lowest tenth earned $34,090, and the top tenth earned $138,630.
Pay varies a lot by company, location, and whether you run a school, freelance for theatre, or work on commercial projects. BLS is the source for these figures.
Most choreographers train in dance technique, take regular classes, and often get degrees in dance, theatre, or related arts. Practical experience—teaching classes, assistant choreographing, and attending auditions—is crucial.
Learn to use music-editing tools and a web browser for research; practice notation with DanceForms or similar. Manage your career by building a showreel (YouTube), social media presence, and teaching credits.
A dance instructor teaches technique and runs regular classes to train dancers. A choreographer creates original sequences and designs dances for performance. A movement coach focuses on actors’ character-based movement rather than concert dance.
Choreographers also coordinate production music, audition dancers, and manage artistic direction. Movement coaches may work more with blocking and character physicality than with musical phrasing and stage formations.
Develop the ability to create clear, teachable phrases: sequences that can be broken into counts, formations, and cues. That skill helps you teach dancers, audition performers, and preserve choreography for future use.
Pair that with regular training to maintain your own technique and fitness, and learn basic tools—video, Microsoft Word/Excel, and a social media platform—to document and promote your work.