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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:
| Starting | $27.59 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $33.86 |
| Top | $35.56 |
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
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 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.
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.
Choreographers need:
They should enjoy creating innovative dances, taking charge of situations, and teaching others.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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.
Choreographers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be 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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $36.80 | $27.59 | $26.87 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $45.67 | $33.86 | $34.70 |
| Top | $17.00 | $47.40 | $35.56 | $37.14 |
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.
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,171 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $76,035 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $67,553 |
| Educational Services | $31,975 |
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.