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Choreographer

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A choreographer is a creative professional who designs and arranges dance routines and movement sequences for performances, including stage shows, TV, film, music videos, and live events. In the UK, choreographers often work with dance companies, theatres, or as freelancers, collaborating with directors, dancers, and musicians to bring artistic visions to life. The role involves not only creating innovative movements but also teaching and rehearsing routines with performers to ensure a polished final product. Choreographers need a strong background in dance, excellent communication skills, creativity, and the ability to lead and inspire others. The career can be competitive, with many choreographers combining their work with teaching or performing.

Choreographer

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Choreographers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £40,000 per year, though highly experienced professionals can earn upwards of £50,000.

Employment Numbers

There are an estimated 2,500 professional choreographers working in the UK, with many more working part-time or on a freelance basis.

Job Outlook

The UK's creative industries, including dance and theatre, contributed over £115 billion to the UK economy in 2022, indicating a strong demand for creative professionals such as choreographers.

🚀 Careers in this path

Develop Dance Skills

Take Dance Classes

Join regular dance classes in a range of styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, and street dance.

Starting from a young age is helpful, but it is never too late to begin. Look for local dance schools or community centres offering classes suitable for your age and skill level. Learning different styles will give you a strong foundation and versatility as a choreographer.

Participate in Performances

Perform in school, community, or youth dance productions to gain stage experience.

Taking part in performances helps you understand how choreography is presented to an audience and allows you to work as part of a team. It also builds your confidence and stage presence, both of which are essential for choreographers.

Gain Choreography Experience

Create Your Own Choreography

Start making your own dance routines for yourself or for small groups.

Experiment with creating movement sequences to music you enjoy. Share your work with friends, family, or on social media platforms to get feedback and develop your style. Try choreographing for school performances or youth shows if possible.

Assist Experienced Choreographers

Look for opportunities to shadow or assist established choreographers.

Many theatres, dance companies, and local arts organisations offer volunteering or internship opportunities. Assisting professionals will teach you about planning rehearsals, working with dancers, and the creative process behind professional productions.

Pursue Qualifications and Professional Development

Study Relevant Subjects

Consider taking GCSEs or A-levels in dance, performing arts, or physical education.

Formal study can improve your understanding of dance theory, anatomy, and creative processes. Many colleges and sixth forms offer courses in dance or performing arts, which can prepare you for further education or apprenticeships in the field.

Complete Specialist Training or a Degree

Apply for a diploma or degree course in dance, choreography, or performing arts.

Universities and specialist dance schools, such as Trinity Laban or the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, offer courses focused on choreography. These programmes provide technical training, creative opportunities, and industry contacts.

Build a Portfolio and Network

Document your work and connect with others in the industry.

Keep videos of your choreography and details of any productions you have worked on. Use social media and attend dance events to meet performers, directors, and other choreographers. Networking is key to finding work and building a reputation in the performing arts.

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.

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 25 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 7 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 6 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 5 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 12 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

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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