Choreologist

About this occupation

Choreologists are specialised creators of dance in specific styles or traditions, such as ethnic dance, early dance or baroque dance. Their work is contextualised historically and sociologically as an expression of the human group that developed it. Choreologists analyse dance from intrinsic aspects: theory, practice and epistemology of movements in itself. They also study dance from the extrinsic perspective: the social, ethnological, etnographical and sociological context in which dance is developed.

A specialisation of choreographer.

• 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.
• Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Artistic, Social, Enterprising

Top skills: Instructing, Active Listening, Speaking, Coordination, Monitoring, Learning Strategies

US median pay: US$55,310 a year (2025), 2,860 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsExtremely important (4.5)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.1)
• Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.0)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.