Dance and Choreography Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Updated on Jan 15, 2025 03:59 IST

Dance is a type of artistic expression that involves rhythmic movement of the body, which is frequently accompanied by music. Choreography is the art and practise of developing and arranging dance movements. Choreographers are the artists who design and organise the dance performance's sequences of steps, patterns, and gestures.

At the entry level, candidates can work as Junior Dancers or Assistant Choreographers and earn an average salary ranging from INR 4 to INR 5 lakh. However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be Professional Dancers or Choreographers with pay ranging from INR 6 lakh to INR 8 lakh.  At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 10 to 15 lakh at job profiles like Principal Dancer or Lead Choreographer.

The colleges that offer the highest placement packages to Dance and Choreography students are Rabindra Bharati University, Parul University, Banaras Hindu University, World University of Design, etc. The top recruiters for Dance and Choreography students include the names of National School of Drama (NSD), Gurukul Dance Academy, SNAP (Symbiosis Nitya and Atyant), Kalakshetra Foundation and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Dancing and Choreography depends on a number of variables, including market growth and industry trends. The compensation given to entry-level employees or newcomers ranges between INR 4- 5 LPA.

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions for Dancing and Choregraphy graduates:

Job Profile Average CTC (Per Annum)
Professional Dancer INR 2 LPA-INR 4 LPA
Dance Instructor or Teacher INR 2.5 LPA-INR 5 LPA
Choreographer INR 6 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Dance Studio Manager INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Dance Therapist INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Dance Fitness Instructor INR 2.5 LPA-INR 4 LPA
Event Choreographer INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Dance Company Manager INR 5 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Dance Journalist or Critic INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Dancing and Choreography

The profession of dancing and choreography offers numerous fascinating and fulfilling job opportunities. Individuals who are passionate about dance and choreography might pursue a variety of occupations in this field. Here are some of the most well-known professions in dancing and choreography:

Job Profile Description Average CTC (Per Annum)
Professional Dancer Performing dance routines in various settings INR 2 LPA - INR 4 LPA
Dance Instructor Teaching dance techniques to students INR 2.5 LPA - INR 6 LPA
Choreographer Creating dance routines for performances and productions INR 6 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Dance Studio Manager Overseeing operations, managing staff, and scheduling INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Dance Therapist Using dance for physical, emotional, or psychological therapy INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Dance Fitness Instructor Conducting dance-based fitness classes INR 2.5 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Event Choreographer Creating dance sequences for events and special occasions INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Dance Company Manager Handling administrative aspects of a dance company INR 5 LPA-INR 10 LPA

Specialisation Wise Salary for Dance and Choreography Graduates in India

The salary offered to Dance and Choreography graduates also varies as per the specialisation chosen during graduation. The salaries shared below reflect not only the specialisation, but also other factors such as company size, experience, industry, and location.

Job Profile Entry Level Mid Level Senior Level
Professional Dancer INR 2 LPA-4 LPA INR 5 LPA-INR 10 LPA INR 15,00,000 - 50,00,000+
Dance Instructor or Teacher INR 2.5 LPA -5 LPA INR 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 Varies
Choreographer INR 6 LPA -12 LPA INR 15,00,000 - 30,00,000 INR 40,00,000 - 1,00,00,000+
Dance Studio Manager INR 4 LPA-8 LPA INR 8,00,000 - 15,00,000 INR 15,00,000 - 25,00,000+
Dance Fitness Instructor INR 2.5 LPA-INR 5 LPA INR 5,00,000 - 8,00,000 INR 8,00,000 - 15,00,000+
Event Choreographer INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA INR 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 INR 12,00,000 - 20,00,000+
Dance Company Manager INR 5 LPA-INR 10 LPA INR 10,00,000 - 20,00,000 INR 20,00,000 - 40,00,000+
Dance Journalist or Critic INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA INR 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 Varies based on media outlet and experience
Dance Researcher or Historian INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA INR 8,00,000 - 15,00,000 INR 15,00,000 - 25,00,000+

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Dance and Choreography Students

Dance companies, entertainment organisations, educational institutions, and event management firms are among the recruiters in the dance and choreography profession. Here are some of the best dance and choreography recruiters:

Top Employment Areas for Dancers and Choregraphers
Shiamak Davar Dance Company Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble Mudra Dance Company
Danceworx Instagram
You Tube Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

Dance and choreography students should actively network, attend industry events, and investigate options in both the traditional dance sector and emergent fields such as digital media and online content development. Building a great portfolio and keeping a professional web presence helps increase visibility and attract potential recruiters' attention. The various recruiters based on specialisation pursued in Dace and Choregraphy includes the following:

Entertainment Industry
Balaji Telefilms NDTV
Zee TV Sony TV
Dance Academies Recruiters
Mudra Dance Company Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company
Srishti – Nina Rajarani Dance Creations ------
Dance Studios Recruiters
Danceworx The Dance Bible
Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA) Nrityagram Dance Education Center
Educational Institute Recruiters
National School of Drama (NSD) Gurukul Dance Academy
Kalakshetra Foundation Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

Top Dance and Choreography College for Placements

A number of Dance and Choreography colleges are popular for their placement opportunities and the high range of domestic and international packages offered to the candidates. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities but also ensure good placements for the students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

Name of Institute Average Annual Salary in 2023

Rabindra Bharati University

INR 5.87 LPA

Parul University

INR 5.5 LPA

Banaras Hindu University

INR 6.03 LPA

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

INR 5.2 LPA

Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University - PSTU

INR 3.6 LPA

University of Mumbai 

INR 3 LPA

University of Madras

INR 5.7 LPA

UNIPUNE - Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)

INR 8.7 LPA

Reva University

INR 9.4 LPA

Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 5 LPA

How to Get a Job After Dance and Choreography?

To secure a job after pursuing dance and choreography, it's crucial to build a strong portfolio showcasing your performances and choreography work. Network actively within the industry by attending events, joining dance communities, and establishing a visible online presence. Seek internships or assistant roles, explore freelance opportunities, and apply to dance companies, studios, and entertainment organizations.

Stay updated on industry trends, continuously evolve your skills, and consider seeking guidance from experienced professionals. Prepare for auditions and interviews, tailor your resume for specific applications, and remain persistent and dedicated in your pursuit, leveraging every opportunity to showcase your talent and passion for dance.

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Dance and Choreograhy

Most top-tier cities offer vibrant job markets for Dance and Choreography graduates. As jobs in India include a wide range of industries and provide extensive learning opportunities, students can find employment and career progression in cities mentioned in the table below:

City Job Opportunities Average CTC (Per Annum)
Mumbai Bollywood choreography, dance studios, events, film industry INR 6 LPA-INR 15 LPA
Delhi Cultural events, weddings, dance schools, entertainment industry INR 4 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Chennai Classical dance performances, film industry, cultural festivals INR 3 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Bangalore Dance schools, cultural events, contemporary dance opportunities INR 4 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Hyderabad Traditional and modern dance opportunities, events, fitness INR 3.5 LPA-INR 9 LPA
Kolkata Classical and folk dance performances, dance festivals INR 3 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Pune Dance schools, events, cultural programs, urban dance scene INR 3.5 LPA-INR 9 LPA
Chandigarh Events, weddings, local festivals, growing cultural scene INR 3 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Jaipur Traditional dance opportunities, cultural events, weddings INR 3 LPA-INR 7 LPA
Ahmedabad Cultural events, weddings, diverse dance opportunities INR 3 LPA-INR 7 LPA

Dance and Choreography Salary Abroad

Dance and Choreography graduates can seek exciting job opportunities in popular job destinations such as UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, New Zealand. etc. The salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location of the country, specialisation, years of experience, industry, etc. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $20,000 to $45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $60,000 to $70,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £25,000 to £35,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £35,000 to £40,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £40,000 to £50,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 45,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 60,000 to CAD 70,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 70,000 to CAD 80,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €35,000 to €45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €45,000 to €55,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €55,000 to €70,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 40,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 65,000 to AUD 90,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Dance and Choreography Career FAQs

Q. Is Dancing a good career?

A. Yes, dancing may be a lucrative job for those who have a genuine passion and talent for the art form. It provides a wide range of opportunities, such as professional performance, choreography, education, and entrepreneurship. Aside from the physical and creative advantages, a career in dance provides for self-expression, cultural contribution, and the opportunity to influence audiences. Dancers can earn an average salary ranging between INR 5 LPA to 20 LPA.

Individuals should, however, be prepared for the obstacles that come with job insecurity and competitiveness, as success in the dynamic world of dance requires perseverance, continuous learning, and adaptation.

Q. How long can a dancer's career realistically last?

A. The length of a dancer's career can vary greatly depending on a variety of criteria such as the dancer's genre, physical condition, and professional decisions. A professional dancer's career can span anywhere from 10 to 20 years, with some going even longer. Because of the emphasis on technique and talent, classical and contemporary dancers may have longer careers.

However, due to the physical demands of the profession, probable injuries, and the competitive nature of the area, active careers can be quite brief. Many dancers migrate into choreography, teaching, or other related positions to stay involved in the dance community after their performance careers expire. Individual choices, health, and continued professional development all play important roles in determining how long a dancer's career will last.

Q. Do background dancers have a promising career?

A. Background dancers' job possibilities can vary depending on their particular goals, opportunities, and the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry. While background dancers do not usually achieve the same amount of attention as main performers, they serve an important part in improving the visual attractiveness of performances in a variety of venues, such as films, music videos, stage shows, and events.

For some background dancers, the role is a stepping stone to more prominent positions in the industry, such as becoming a choreographer, dance instructor, or even moving up to lead roles. Building a strong network, obtaining attention, and constantly refining one's talents are often required for success as a background dancer. Furthermore, the need for dance skill in the entertainment sector can provide constant opportunities for background work.

Q. What is the career path of a Choreographer?

A. A Choreographer's professional path is flexible and can change depending on personal preferences, opportunities, and the ever-changing nature of the dance and entertainment industries. Continuous learning, networking, and keeping up with industry developments are all necessary for a successful and long-lasting career as a choreographer.
A choreographer's career path often includes numerous stages of training, experience, and professional development. Many choreographers receive vital expertise by dancing in various productions such as stage performances, music videos, films, and other ventures. This hands-on experience teaches students about the dynamics of dance and performance.

Q. Do choreographers make good money?

A. Choreographers' earnings might vary greatly depending on criteria such as their amount of expertise, reputation, project size, and industry. While some choreographers can earn a good living, it's crucial to remember that the industry is competitive, and success often necessitates a combination of talent, networking, and perseverance. 

In India, the average income for a Choreographer is 2.5 lakh per year. Salary will be established based on performance, experience, fame, and field of work. A dance teacher makes between 2.5 and 3 lakh rupees per year on average. A well-established and experienced Choreographer's wage is not a constraint. Talented dancers will be richly rewarded with money and fame in the Choreographer sector.

Q. Do dancers get paid for rehearsals?

A. Dancers are often payed for both rehearsals and performances in many professional dance productions. The payment structure may differ, with some projects charging a flat charge for the entire project, including rehearsals, while others may pay for rehearsal and performance hours separately.

Dancers employed by established dance groups are frequently paid on a regular basis or on a per diem basis, which covers both rehearsals and performances. These businesses may have formal contracts defining payment arrangements.

Q. How to become a Dancer?

A. A basic educational qualification, such as 10+2, is sufficient to enrol in a dance school and pursue a bachelor's degree in dance. A bachelor's degree in dance is required to pursue a master's degree. Aside from that, only a few dance colleges hold entrance tests for entry to extremely competitive dance programmes. 

  1. Academy Of Music, Dance, Drama and Fine Arts Entrance Exam

  2. Banaras Hindu University Entrance Exam

  3. Nalanda Dance Research Centre Entrance Exam

  4. Shivaji University- Faculty of Arts & Faculty of Social Sciences Entrance Exam

  5. Osmania University Dance Entrance Exam

  6. Gujarat University Entrance Exam

  7. The Maharaja Sayajirao University Entrance Exam

  8. Film and Television Institute of India – FTII JET 

For becoming a dance teacher in Government dance schools, UGC-NET Exam for Dance and Drama/Theatre, SET, SLET exams in Performing Arts is conducted by central and state governments for the benefit of bachelors and masters degree holders in dance.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Dance & Choreography. Students interested in pursuing a career on Dance & Choreography, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

17 Jan ' 25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Form Filling

13 Feb ' 25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Last Date

28 Jan ' 25 - 5 Feb ' 25

NSD Exam 2025 Workshop cum interview

10 Jan ' 25 - 15 Jan ' 25

NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2025

Feb '25 - Mar '25

PUBDET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

PUBDET 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

Popular Dance & Choreography Specializations

Following are the most popular Dance & Choreography Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Dance & Choreography Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Dance & Choreography Colleges in India. Learn more about these Dance & Choreography colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA
700 - 9 K
80 K - 3.6 L
3 Courses
2.5
5.0
7 Courses
10.28 K - 28.32 K
2.8 - 3 LPA
6 LPA

Popular Private Dance & Choreography Colleges in India

2 Courses
3.42 L - 5.84 L
7.26 LPA

Dance & Choreography Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
80 K - 2.2 L

Dance & Choreography Applications open. Apply Now

80 K - 3.6 L
4 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA

Popular Dance & Choreography UG Courses

Following are the most popular Dance & Choreography UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Dance & Choreography PG Courses

Following are the most popular Dance & Choreography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 2 days ago

Here are some preparation tips for a dance audition that can help you admission into a Dance College:

  • Research: Understand the institution's requirements and the dance style which they focus on
  • Practice: Rehearse a routine that highlights your strengths and versatility
  • Music Selection: Choose a music t

...more

P

Pallavi Rai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

While rewarding, A career in Dance and Choreography has its own challenges. Following are some of the challenges that you may face while pursuing a career in Dance and Choreography:

  • Physical Demands: Long hours of practice can lead to fatigue and injuries.
  • Financial Stability: Initial stages may invol

...more

S

Shruti Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, the dance industry in India is thriving due to increasing opportunities in:

  • Bollywood and regional film industries
  • Reality TV shows like "Dance India Dance" and "India's Got Talent"
  • Corporate events and international tours
  • Cultural festivals promoting traditional dance forms
  • Digital platforms like Y

...more

K

Kritika Tyagi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, Dance Choreographers get paid for dance opportunities in India. The amount of salary one earns as a Choreographer completely depends on one's experience, skills, and reputation. It also depends on your workplace, for example, Choreographers working in the entertainment industry or films get pai

...more

A

Abhishek Arora

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Absolutely, one can easily learn dance steps through YouTube videos. But to be a great dancer, one needs to dance and going to a dance studio or institute is the best choice. Trained dance professionals make your process easier by telling you everything from basic steps to learning different dance s

...more

H

Himanshi Bisht

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, it's going to push you out of your comfort zone. While dancing or practicing a particular dance form for a long time, we completely forget to learn some new movements or do improvisations to it. But when we teach those steps and dance movements to other people our clarity and learning for the s

...more

M

Mohit Mishra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Diploma Dance Courses provide one with advanced level knowledge of Dance. It is an extension of one's knowledge after graduation or postgraduation in performing arts. The duration of such courses usually ranges from 6 months to 3 years. These courses can be pursued online, offline, or in distance mo

...more

A

Aashi Srivastava

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

For ages, Dance has been seen as an expression of self. The relevance of Dance is too much, especially in a country like India where Dance is concerned with the deep-rooted culture and traditions. Based on origination, all the dance forms have been classified into three types- classical, contemporar

...more

P

Piyush Chatterjee

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

There is a promising and long-term career in classical dance, particularly in Kathak. Learning a classical art form is truly a blessing. It is not just about mastering the techniques and eventually opening a dance studio; it's about fully immersing yourself in the art and embracing the joy and welln

...more

A

Abhishek Arora

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The syllabus for a Kathak course includes all the important dance topics such as:
  • Abhinaya: Performing on a given theme
  • Peacock dance: Performing a peacock dance in the Kathak style
  • Chals: Performing different chaos in the Kathak style
  • Gat Bhav and Gat Nikas: Performing Gat Bhav and Gat Nikas
  • Tatkar: Per

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A

Aashi Rai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Here are some institutes in India that offer dance courses:

Rabindra Bharati University: A popular college in Kolkata that offers dance and choreography courses 

Banaras Hindu University: A well-known college in Varanasi that offers dance and choreography courses 

Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University: A

...more

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Sama Supriya

Contributor-Level 8

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