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Dance Designer, Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Choreographers translate stories, ideas, and moods into movements for performance by professional dancers or to provide physical activity for untrained individuals. This may involve:
To communicate creatively through the human form, choreographers must consider the limits to which dancers can push their bodies. At the same time, they must build a safe and trusting environment for creative risk-taking.
Choreographers may use recording equipment or choreographic methods to record dance movements and patterns.
In small dance companies, choreographers may have additional artistic or managerial responsibilities. For example, they may:
Freelance choreographers must also be able to promote and market themselves to find work.
Choreographers work long hours, including weekends and holidays. They may work on more than one show at a time. Rehearsals are particularly busy times, when choreographers must work with artistic directors, theatre designers, and technical crews. Rehearsals may take place during the day or in the evening to accommodate dancers who work at other jobs. Performances are usually in the evening.
Teaching and other contract work may add significantly to a choreographer’s daily working hours.
There may be a lot of travel, which may include overseas travel. The likelihood of travel increases with success, as popular shows often tour nationally or internationally.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to create dances that convey stories, ideas and moods and harmonize with musical scores
Interest in planning and arranging movements of dancers and other performers, evaluating performances during rehearsals and directing dancers during rehearsals to achieve desired interpretations
Interest in instructing dancers in their performances and artistic interpretations, and by demonstrating movements required to convey themes
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Choreographers need:
They should enjoy creating innovative dances, taking charge of situations, and teaching others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 26 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2022 and Apr 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 16 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Organize and co-ordinate production | 16 |
| Tasks: Interpret scripts, select the cast and advise in the interpretation and delivery of the performance | 15 |
| Tasks: Edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences | 15 |
| Work under pressure | 14 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Determine treatment, scope and scheduling of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff or team | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 12 |
Most choreographers come from a dance background and specialize in one style of dance. However, they are often trained in various styles, from classical ballet to modern dance. They may draw on these traditions in their interpretive creations. It is helpful for choreographers to understand:
A background in production design and the ability to read music are definite assets.
Dance training is available through colleges, universities, private dance schools, and professional dance companies. For more information, see the Dancer occupational profile.
Most dance companies provide opportunities for experienced dancers to learn by working under the direction of skilled choreographers. Classes in choreography are part of most dance programs.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Choreographers usually work with professional dance companies. Full-time (resident) positions for choreographers are rare. In fact, dance companies often ask members of their dance troupes to create new works rather than contract a choreographer. Each job may lead to more recognition and bigger opportunities for choreographers. Choreographers need to showcase their work whenever possible.
Professional choreographers often work part time in their profession while also working in related occupations such as dancer, dance teacher, or movement coach. Some are the artistic directors of their own dance companies or run their own dance schools.
Choreographers may also be hired by organizers of events such as:
Opera and theatre companies may hire choreographers to train actors in dance movements or to design dance sequences.
Many choreographers progress into teaching in either the private or the public sector. Other career options include working as dancers, actors, or directors, or becoming managers in the film, TV, or theatre industries. Some find work as movement coaches (dramaturgy) for actors.
Some choreographers become dance movement psychotherapists, helping clients achieve personal development through dance and movement. For more information, see the Creative Arts Therapist occupational profile.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Earnings for choreographers vary depending on factors such as:
Choreographers may receive royalties every time one of their choreographed pieces is performed, or they may charge one-time fees to choreograph works for special events.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.44 | $37.96 | $31.41 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $20.89 | $46.61 | $39.29 | $43.14 |
| Top | $26.84 | $50.35 | $42.21 | $44.77 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,713 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,493 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,424 |
| Public Administration | $91,850 |
Cultural Human Resources Council website: culturalhrc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
