Artistic coach
Also known as: dance coach, dancer, actor, actress, acting coach, dance teacher
About this occupation
Artistic coaches research, plan, organise and lead arts activities for sport practitioners in order to provide them with artistic abilities such as dance, acting, expression and transmission that are important for their sport performance. Artistic coaches make technical, performatic or artistic abilities accessible to sports practitioners with the goal of improving their sport performance.
Essential skills and knowledge
- collaborate with coaching team
- work with respect for own safety
- work with broad variety of personalities
- manage participants' expectations
- manage artistic career
- define artistic approach
- maintain safe working conditions in performing arts
- provide arts coaching sessions
- assess your competences for artistic coaching
- manage personal professional development
- be in touch with your body
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Choreographers (O*NET 27-2032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Dancers
- Music Directors and Composers
- Musicians and Singers
- Actors
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Talent Directors
- Art Directors
- Producers and Directors
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Music Therapists
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.