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Choreographer

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Choreographers are creative professionals who design and direct dance routines for performances, including theatre productions, music videos, television, films, and live events. They work closely with dancers and other performers to develop movements that fit the theme, mood, and music of the production. Choreographers often collaborate with directors, costume designers, and lighting technicians to bring their vision to life on stage or screen. The career requires a strong background in dance, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of music and rhythm. Many choreographers start as dancers themselves before moving into this creative and leadership role.

Choreographer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Choreographers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £40,000 per year, with highly experienced professionals earning more.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 3,000 to 4,000 professional choreographers working in the UK, though many work freelance or on short-term contracts.

Employment Type

Around 60 percent of choreographers in the UK are self-employed or work freelance, often combining this with teaching or performing.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Ballet Choreographer

Creates and arranges dance routines specifically for ballet performances, working with professional dancers and ballet companies.

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Musical Theatre Choreographer

Designs dance routines for musicals and stage productions, collaborating with directors and performers.

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Street Dance Choreographer

Specialises in choreographing street dance or hip hop routines, often for competitions, music videos, or live events.

Develop Dance Skills

Take Dance Classes

Join local or online dance classes to learn different styles such as ballet, contemporary, street, and jazz.

Starting young is beneficial, but it is never too late to begin. Local dance schools, community centres, and online platforms offer a range of classes for all abilities. Trying different styles helps you become a versatile dancer and broadens your creative potential.

Practice Regularly

Dedicate time each week to practising routines, improving technique, and building physical fitness.

Consistent practice is essential for mastering movement and building stamina. Many choreographers keep personal practice schedules and participate in workshops or summer schools to stay sharp.

Perform in Shows

Participate in school productions, dance competitions, or local performances to gain experience on stage.

Performing in front of audiences boosts confidence, teaches stage presence, and helps you understand how to engage viewers. Networking at events also introduces you to other dancers and choreographers.

Gain Choreography Experience

Create Your Own Routines

Choreograph short pieces for friends, school groups, or community events.

Start small by experimenting with music and movement. Record your work and ask for feedback. The more you create, the better you will become at structuring routines and developing your unique style.

Assist Professional Choreographers

Look for opportunities to shadow or assist established choreographers in dance schools or local theatres.

Assisting gives you insight into the creative process, rehearsal management, and how to communicate ideas to dancers. It also helps you build professional connections that could lead to future work.

Choreograph for Projects

Volunteer or apply to choreograph for school musicals, amateur theatre, or student films.

Taking on small projects allows you to build a portfolio, gain leadership skills, and demonstrate your ability to work with different groups and settings.

Professional Development

Pursue Formal Qualifications

Consider studying dance, choreography, or performing arts at college or university.

Many choreographers study at specialist dance schools or universities offering degrees in dance or choreography. Courses cover dance theory, teaching methods, and creative practice, and often include placements or industry links.

Build a Portfolio

Document your choreography work with videos, photos, and testimonials.

A strong portfolio showcases your style and range. Include recordings of your routines, feedback from dancers or directors, and any awards or reviews you have received. This will help you apply for jobs, auditions, or funding.

Network and Promote Yourself

Attend dance events, join professional organisations, and use social media to share your work.

Networking can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Professional groups such as One Dance UK offer resources and events for choreographers. Sharing your work online helps you reach a wider audience and attract new projects.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Production Assistant Apprentice

BIG HEAD CONTENT LIMITED

( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

This role is integral to the production process, requiring a proactive individual who can handle various administrative and logistical tasks. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the industry, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 01 Dec 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

LONDON VESTA COLLEGE LTD

( Added 12 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Are you a creative, ambitious, and driven individual? Looking to launch your career in Digital Content Production? Then this role is PERFECT for you! London Vesta College are looking to recruit a Content Creator Apprentice to join their team and assist with duties such as developing written and audiovisual content, plus much more.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Audio visual apprentice

DISPLAY MANAGER LTD

( Added 18 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Northern Skills is recruiting on behalf of Display Manager Ltd for an audiovisual technician apprentice. You would primarily be working on site as part of a team delivering high-quality corporate AV solutions in both first fix (construction site) and second fix (finished premises) environments.

Closing date: in 23 days

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

ART CLASSES GROUP LIMITED

( Added 18 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

An opportunity to work as a Content Creator. Working in our art organisation will provide a real-world experience in a dynamic and creative environment. Apprentice will work alongside experienced staff, can gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to various roles.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 08 Dec 2025

Level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship

EXCELLENCE-SOLUTIONS LIMITED

( Added 22 Sep 2025 - 5 positions available )

This Content Creator Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working with businesses to build their online presence. As an apprentice, you will learn how to plan, create, and distribute digital content across various platforms, including social media, websites, and email marketing.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

STATESIDE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED

( Added 24 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

As a Content Creator Apprentice at Stateside Distribution, you’ll play a key role in showcasing our product range and building our online community. Collaborating with various teams, you’ll focus on creating engaging TikTok content, hosting live streams, and developing marketing strategies to boost brand visibility.

Closing date: in 4 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Audio-visual apprentice

LIVE WIRE EVENT SOLUTIONS LTD

( Added 25 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Northern Skills is recruiting on behalf of Live Wire event Solutions for an audiovisual apprentice. As an apprentice Live Wire Technician, you’ll work your technical magic in an environment that rewards your dedication with challenge and fulfilment. If you’ve got the skillset, mindset and you’re ready for a rewarding time, apply!

Closing date: in 3 days

Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025

Content Creator Apprentice

SPECTRUM BRANDS (UK) LIMITED

( Added 26 Sep 2025 - 2 positions available )

Do you live and breathe TikTok, Insta Reels, and YouTube Shorts? Always filming, editing, and posting? Happy both behind the camera and in front of it? If you’re the friend who’s always making “scroll-stopping” content, we want YOU on our team!

Closing date: in 10 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

Cultural, learning participation officer apprenticeship

MRS L LUMLEY THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM

( Added 26 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Cultural Learning and Participation Apprentice to support with the behind the scenes set up, planning and monitoring of the National Football Museum’s Learning and Participation Offers. Furthermore, we are looking for someone who will work with colleagues to embed equity and inclusion at the heart of our community work.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 10 Dec 2025

Communications Apprentice

SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY LIMITED

( Added 29 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

The apprenticeship develops HR knowledge and skills while supporting Community Rail. The apprentice will work with the Community Rail Manager to grow engagement across SWR, including producing clear, concise content for case studies and social media to promote roles and partnerships.

Closing date: in 11 days

Possible start date: 14 Sep 2026

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You'll need a high level of dance training and experience. You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award to develop your skills.

Relevant subjects include:

  • professional dance
  • musical theatre
  • dance and choreography

These are offered by dance schools and universities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • to pass an audition

More Information

Work

You could start out as a professional dancer and combine this with an assistant choreographer role.

With further training and experience you could work your way up to become a choreographer.

Volunteering

You may find it useful to get work experience with an established choreographer.

You could also develop your skills by volunteering to choreograph amateur dance club performances.

Direct Application

You may be able to apply for work if you're an experienced professional dancer or dance teacher.

More Information

Career tips

When you're starting out it's good to have a mentor, perhaps someone whose work you admire, to guide you and give you advice.

You can find professional choreographers in the UK Directory of Choreographers.

Observing as many different types of dance to increase your knowledge of dance styles is also useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join One Dance UK for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a choreographer from One Dance UK.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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