Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Choreographer
What choreographers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a choreographer?
Warm up. From there, the day usually includes create dances, teach routines, and run rehearsals. Irregular, with evening and weekend rehearsals.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a choreographer working full time.
- Warm up.
- Create new phrases in the studio.
- Teach the company.
- Meet the director.
- Clean a section.
- Teach a class.
- Attend a performance.
Where choreographers work
Choreographers work in studios, theaters and on sets.
Hours and schedule
Irregular, with evening and weekend rehearsals.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Create dances
- Teach routines
- Run rehearsals
- Audition dancers
- Work with directors
- Select music
- Adjust choreography
Tools you’ll use every day
- Studios
- Sound systems
- Video cameras
- Music software
- Mirrors
- Notation tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative leadership
- Physical artistry
- Varied projects
- Teach and inspire
What’s hard
- Unstable income
- Physical strain
- Competitive
- Long rehearsal hours
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love dance
- I can teach movement
- I’m creative
- I can lead dancers
- I can handle irregular work
- I’m physically fit
Not sure? Take the free Choreographer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Warm up dancers
- Check floor surfaces
- Plan lifts safely
- Watch for fatigue