How to become a choreographer?

In this Shiksha article, we will learn some of the most important ways to become a professional choreographer. We will also discuss the salary range of a dance choreographer. Go through the entire article to find out some of the interesting ways to pursue a career in dancing as a professional choreographer and how to become a successful choreographer. 

Ask any choreographer or dancer, one of the best ways to find inner joy is possible through dancing. One of the most creative, physically challenging careers one can pursue. However, many succeed in the entertainment industry and the rest succeed in their way. Not everyone who is not popular is successful because the meaning of success is different for each individual. Even our gods are known for using dance as their way of overcoming their emotions such as ‘Tandav’. This dance form, ‘Tandav,’ is a classical Indian dance form. The roots of the tandava dance form are said to have originated in the cosmic dance of the Hindi god Shiva. The dance involves intense facial expressions, fast footwork, and dynamic movements. 

It takes years of practice, consistency, hard work and dedication to master any one dance form to become a dance choreographer. It is not easy to develop a dance routine which is also used in stage performances, the entertainment industry and stage production, the answer to how to become a choreographer is years of practice and dedication. Once, a choreographer touches a certain level of expertise they can use their unique style and various movements to tell a story, idea and mood. That is why one needs to use their dance background and expertise to create new dance routines, choreographies, and styles to do justice to their dance performance and leave a mark on their professional career as a dancer. 

Nowadays when everyone has access to social media getting an answer to how to become a choreographer? Is not an easy take, if you are hardworking, keep a check on your fitness, practise daily and gain expertise in your dance form then it is possible to share your talent through social media. Once, you are established you can approach brands, other choreographers, dancers, actors and even singers to spread the word and to do networking and collaboration with other artists. In this Shiksha Article, we will discuss some of the best ways to help dancers who want to become a dance choreographer. 

How to become a Choreographer?

A professional choreographer's work is to develop and create his/her dance routines and then instruct others on how to learn those dance routines. Before becoming a choreographer, a person needs to become a fine dancer by enhancing the physical strength, needed for that particular dance form and they also need to work on their skill sets. There are various industries where a professional dancer can start their career as a choreographer such as dance productions, music videos, YouTube videos, Television shows, films, commercials, and musicals. Also, there are various dance forms to specialised and to choose from like ballet, kathak, Bharatnatyam, hip-hop, musical theatre, and modern dance.

Explain the work of a professional dance choreographer

One of the major responsibilities of a choreographer is to teach a dance choreography that they create themselves. Also, the work responsibilities differ based on their work profile and whether they work for a dance company, or organisation or are self-employed. Some of the major responsibilities are mentioned in the following points. 

• Teaching dance routine steps to professional and non-professional dancers. 
• Getting feedback from other dancers and creating new and unique dance styles and dance routines. 
• Be in charge of various audition processes for dance companies or shows. 
• Developing skills to choose the most suitable music for their dance routines. 
• To ensure that the cast members and dancers can understand the dance routines they need to attend rehearsals. 
• To give useful and smart input to enhance the creative aspect of their dance performance that includes, music, lighting, costumes, tools and unique dance routines.
• Learning and reading about emerging dance styles and dance trends to stay updated with innovations and new dance forms and techniques. 
• Attending events and industry shows to learn, get inspired and build networks to grow their professional career as a choreographer. 

How do you become a choreographer?

If you have a strong background in dance, years of experience are necessary to become a choreographer. Also, those who want to pursue dance choreography as a professional career should go through the following points. 

1. Start early: Those who want to make a professional career in dancing or want to become a professional choreographer should start from a young age to gain that level of agility, strength and flexibility. Starting early helps to develop a muscle memory that can naturally learn and remember tough dance routines. There are various dance forms that a person should start learning from a very young age such as modern dance style, jazz, hip-hop, kathak, Bharatnatyam, ballet and more. 

2. Consistency: The key to being good at anything is to be consistent. Once you start learning make sure you do not leave a chance it stay in touch with your practice. To stay consistent one can also join various dance classes, summer camps, workshops, dance community programs and even dance schools, colleges and universities. 

3. Formal Training is important: If you are serious about making dancing into a professional career then it is better to pursue formal training in your favourite dance form. Taking advanced-level training helps you develop skills that will help you set a benchmark in your professional journey. 

4. Getting a Degree: To pursue a post-secondary degree to use your skills and knowledge more opportunities especially if you want to become a dance teacher in a school, university or even if you want to open your own dance school or dance studio. It will also help you to gain improvisation, teaching methods, movement analysis, and dance composition.

Also Read: Best Dance & Choreography colleges in Ghaziabad - Courses, Fees, Admissions 2024

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Salary Range for a Choreographer

According to the sources, the average salary range of a professional choreographer in India ranges between INR 9 Lakh to INR 11 Lakh annually. Although, the monthly salary can vary based on whether the person is self-employed or working for some other company. In today’s age popularity also varies the earnings of a choreographer. If a choreographer is a renowned artist in television, movies, or dance reality shows then their salary range would be much higher compared to a person who is working in a dance studio or dance school. 

In the end, we would like to suggest artists who want to become professional choreographers need to stay physically and mentally fit to achieve their criteria for success. Do not look for short-term ways to succeed rather work on your skills, showcase your talent, offline or online, make networking and become the best version of yourself. 

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