Occupation AtlasChoreographers

O*NET · 27-2032.00

Choreographers

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Also called Ballet Director · Choreographer · Choreography Director · Dance Choreographer · Dance Director · Dance Instructor · Dance Maker · Dance Master
4 more

Dancing Master · Musical Choreographer · Opera Choreographer · Teaching Choreographer

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code ASE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ASEArtistic · Social · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic7.00
  • S Social3.96
  • E Enterprising3.77
  • R Realistic3.63
  • I Investigative2.22
  • C Conventional2.13

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma10%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent33%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate19%
  • Some College Courses5%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
  • Bachelor's Degree19%
  • Master's Degree5%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (29%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (33%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • InstructingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
Show the other 23

Tasks

17 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.Importance 4.7
  2. Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.Importance 4.6
  3. Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.Importance 4.4
  4. Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.Importance 4.3
  5. Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.Importance 4.3
  6. Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.Importance 4.1
  7. Experiment with different types of dancers, steps, dances, and placements, testing ideas informally to get feedback from dancers.Importance 4.0
  8. Seek influences from other art forms, such as theatre, the visual arts, and architecture.Importance 4.0
  9. Coordinate production music with music directors.Importance 3.9
  10. Develop ideas for creating dances, keeping notes and sketches to record influences.Importance 3.9
  11. Design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.Importance 3.8
  12. Audition performers for one or more dance parts.Importance 3.8
Show the other 6
  1. Assess students' dancing abilities to determine where improvement or change is needed.Importance 3.7
  2. Read and study story lines and musical scores to determine how to translate ideas and moods into dance movements.Importance 3.6
  3. Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.Importance 3.6
  4. Design sets, lighting, costumes, and other artistic elements of productions, in collaboration with cast members.Importance 3.6
  5. Manage dance schools, or assist in their management.Importance 3.3
  6. Restage traditional dances and works in dance companies' repertoires, developing new interpretations.Importance 2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Fine ArtsImportance 4.5Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Design an exhibit for a major art show
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • DesignImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • English LanguageImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • PsychologyImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
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  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.2Level 2.6
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • MathematicsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • PhysicsImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • GeographyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Perform a ballet dance
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Walk on ice across a pond
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • OriginalityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 3.8Level 3.8
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
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  • StaminaImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • VisualizationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.6
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.9Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 5.9
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.5Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Climb up and down poles to install electricity
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.3Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Coach a college athletic team
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.7
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.6
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
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  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Physical Proximity5.0
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Level of Competition4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Spend Time Standing4.4
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2

Technology

13 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Salesforce software
Other tools (7)
  • Chorel Technology Dance Designer
  • Credo Interactive DanceForms
  • Email software
  • Salesforce Visualforce
  • Social media sites
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.