Dancers and Choreographers

Dancers and choreographers create dance movements, direct stage presentations and perform dances to express ideas and concepts. Dancers display many types of movements like ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and contemporary dance.

Choreographers direct stage and live shows and create dance routines. Dancers perform for the stage or for television shows or video and motion pictures.

Role of a Choreographer

Conducts auditions for a role in a show or with a dance company.
Selects music, set and location for dance shows.
Asses students’ dancing abilities and determine the strengths and weaknesses.
Coordinates with costume designers, lighting crew, music directors and other artistic experts of a show.
Choreographs dance movements for shows.
Researches and studies new dance movements.
Studies story lines and musical scores to determine how to translate ideas and moods into dance movements.
Budgets and works on tight deadlines.

Role of a Dancer

Auditions for shows or for a job with a dance company.
Performs various types of dances in productions thereby expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies.
Rehearses for several hours before the actual day of the performance.
Works with choreographers to learn and implement dance movements.
Coordinates dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
Trains and attends dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.

Skills Required for a Dancer or Choreographer

Body coordination: A dancer and a choreographer should have good control over his or her body movements. One should be able to coordinate the movement of arms, legs and hips in a motion.

Flexibility: Body of a dancer is extremely flexible. A dancer or a choreographer should be able to twist, turn, and bend with ease.

Knowledge of dance techniques: A dancer or a choreographer should have adequate knowledge of dance techniques, tools and principles.

Stamina and Energy: Dancing requires lots of stamina and energy. A person should be physically fit and active and must be able to work for long hours without being tired.

Cultural Sensitivity: A dancer should be able to modify his or her choreography keeping the cultural sensitivity in mind.

Originality: A choreographer should come up with new ideas and concepts and create innovative shows.

Pros and Cons of a Dancer and Choreographer

Pros

Opportunity to learn new dance forms.
Exercise that will always keep you fit.
Choreographers get the opportunity to narrate a story through their dance forms and apply their creativity.

Cons