Choreographers

Ballet Director

Choreographer

Dance Director

Dance Maker

Musical Choreographer

Opera Choreographer

What is a Choreographer?

A choreographer is a creative professional who designs and directs dance movements and sequences for performance in various settings such as theater, film, television, and live shows. They work closely with dancers to bring their artistic vision to life, crafting intricate routines that align with music, narrative, or the theme of the production. Choreographers draw on various dance styles, techniques, and cultural influences, infusing their work with originality and expression. They may create choreography for different genres including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and folk dance, adapting movements to suit the capabilities and styles of individual performers or ensembles. Choreographers often participate in auditions, rehearsals, and casting, ensuring that the right dancers are selected and trained to execute their vision effectively. Additionally, they collaborate with composers, directors, and production teams to ensure that the choreography complements other elements of the performance. As artists, choreographers must possess a strong understanding of rhythm, spatial awareness, and body mechanics, as well as the ability to communicate and inspire dancers. Their work not only entertains audiences but also conveys emotions, tells stories, and explores themes through the medium of dance.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$30040.0 - $91140.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.

Technology Skills

Web page creation and editing software
- Facebook
- Social media sites
Video creation and editing software
- YouTube
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Chorel Technology Dance Designer
- Credo Interactive DanceForms
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Email software

Tools Used

Metronomes
- Electronic metronomes
Stop watch
- Digital stopwatches
Notebook computers
- Laptop computers
Stage or projection or studio lighting system
- Stage lighting systems
Compact disk players or recorders
- Compact disk CD players

Knowledge

Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

4 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R27,514pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Choreographer in South Africa

The South African performing arts scene is vibrant and expanding, offering a unique landscape for creative visionaries. Currently, there are 5 active jobs in the market, with an average salary of R27,514pm. Market data from 2024 shows a promising upward trajectory for earnings, with monthly averages rising from approximately R24,212 in January to a projected R30,266 by December. This growth reflects a professionalising industry where skilled choreographers are increasingly valued across theatre, film, and corporate events.

Is Choreography Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before stepping into the rehearsal studio as a leader, evaluate whether you possess the core traits required to thrive in this demanding yet rewarding career:

Artistic Vision: Do you have the ability to "see" movement when listening to music or reading a script?
Instructional Leadership: Can you command a room with authority while remaining patient enough to teach complex sequences to diverse skill levels?
Physical Stamina and Resilience: Are you prepared for long hours on your feet and the physical demands of demonstrating movements repeatedly?
Spatial Awareness: Can you effectively organise bodies in a 3D space to create visually compelling patterns and narratives?
Rhythmic Precision: Do you have an innate sense of timing and the ability to deconstruct music into counts for others to follow?
Business Acumen: Are you disciplined enough to manage your own invoices, marketing, and networking within the South African creative economy?

A Day in the Life of a South African Choreographer

A typical day for a choreographer in South Africa is rarely "9-to-5." You might start your morning in a sunlit studio in Woodstock or Maboneng, warming up and experimenting with new motifs for an upcoming Amapiano music video or a contemporary theatre piece. By midday, you are likely leading a high-energy rehearsal, where you must balance your creative goals with the physical safety and morale of your dancers.

In the afternoon, the focus often shifts to the administrative side of the arts. This involves meeting with directors or event organisers to discuss budget constraints, lighting cues, and costume integration. Whether you are working on a large-scale production for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival or a boutique corporate launch in Sandton, your day is a constant blend of creative problem-solving and interpersonal management.

Education & Upskilling

While natural talent is the foundation, formal training provides the technical vocabulary and professional network necessary to sustain a long-term career.

Formal Degrees: South African universities such as UCT, Wits, and UP offer world-class Bachelor of Arts (Performing Arts) or Bachelor of Music in Dance degrees. These programmes provide deep dives into dance theory, anatomy, and historical context.
TVET Colleges and Private Academies: Institutions like the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA) or various TVET colleges offer diplomas focused on the practical application of choreography in commercial media.
Short Courses and Certifications: International bodies like the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or local associations like the Association of Dance Professionals (ADP) offer specialised certifications in specific styles or teaching methodologies.

It is vital to remember that in the arts, continuous learning is non-negotiable. The most successful South African choreographers are those who constantly upskill, attending workshops in new genres—from traditional Zulu dance to global hip-hop trends—and staying updated on the latest stage technology and digital choreography tools.

Next Steps

Transitioning from a dancer to a choreographer is a significant professional leap that requires a shift in mindset from "how do I move?" to "how do they move?". If you feel inspired by the growing market and the creative challenge, it is time to validate your instincts. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to see if you are prepared to lead the next generation of South African performers.

Skills

Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Abilities

Gross Body Coordination
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

High school diploma or equivalent

33 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate

19 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Bachelor's degree

19 %

Work Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

Train others on performance techniques.
Choreograph dances.
Coordinate artistic activities.
Determine presentation subjects or content.
Monitor current trends.

Work Interests

Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.