Do you think you have a great sense of rhythm and movement? Do you wish to become a dance choreographer? Well, to become a choreographer, apart from being able to dance, you must also have patience and good communication skills. Even though you do not require high educational qualification, you must have thorough knowledge of human movements and a good understanding of Indian and international dance forms to become a successful choreographer.

You can begin working with local productions to gain experience. This shall help you to express your ideas and thoughts through your movements, body language and different compositional forms. Read on to learn more about how you can become a professional dance choreographer.

Career as a Choreographer

This is a very competitive field. A degree in dance shall help you stand above the rest. Once you have received your certification, you may look for work in the advertisement industry, film industry, TV channels or open your own dance school.

The good thing is, there is no age bar to become a choreographer and you can always take up this role. You can also work with the big names like Saroj Khan, Shanti, Shiamak Davar and Shennon to begin with.

Some of the well known recruiters in the market are listed below:

• Yash Raj Films


• Balaji Telefilms


• UTV Motion Pictures


• Eros International


• T-Series


• Rajshri Productions


• Trimurti Films


• R.K. Films

You can keep a track on their requirements from time to time and apply for the required positions.

Job Description for a Dance Choregrapher

As a dance choreographer you have plenty of roles to play. Here are listed some of your responsibilities:

• Generate new dance styles.


• Put the choreography together.


• Teach the steps to a group.


• Alter the choreography if any problems arise.


• Design costume for the dancers.


• Select the right music.

Dance Institutes in India

If you wish to make dancing your career, it is advisable to start getting formal training since the age of 10. This shall help you develop the required flexibility and you shall be able to perform every act with precision.

The best dance colleges in India boats of the best faculty. Some of the recognized dance institutes in India are:

• Darpana Academy of Performing Arts


• Gandhi Seva Sadan


• Indira Kala Sangeet University


• Gandharva Mahavidyalaya


• Jaipur Kathak Kendra


• Kerala Kalamandalam


• Kalakshetra


• Kalidas Rangalaya


• Nav Sadhana Kala Kendra


• Kathak Kendra


• National Ballet Academy and Trust of India


• Triveni Kala Sangam


• National Institute of Kathak Dance


• Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts


• Nrityagram


• Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra


• Prachin Kamrupi Nritya Sangha


• Shambhavi School of Dance

Courses Offered to Become a Dance Choregrapher

There are no such specific courses offered to become a choreographer. You can opt for the diploma or short term certificate courses offered by different dancing schools in India.

Well known choreographers of Bollywood like Shiamak Davar, Ganesh Acharya, Geeta Kapoor have been offering certification or diploma courses to those interested.

• The short term certificate courses shall take around 6 months.


• Diploma courses are of 1 to 2 years


• A bachelor degree in dance would be for 3 years.

Career and Income of a Dance Choreographer

To become a choreographer you need to begin as a dancer first. Once you become a choreographer, you need to work with communities and groups.

You can seek employment in different sectors like ballrooms, cruise ships, studios, live concerts, TV and prove your abilities. You may also take up the role of a dance instructor in a dancing school. Median income of a well known professional choreographer is around 20 lakhs per month. Your income shall however depend on your experience, quality and projects that you are able to get.

So, if you have decided to take it up as your profession, make sure to be aware of the challenges as well.