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Choreograph Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

In collaboration with their students, faculty in this program conduct research in choreography, performance and related interdisciplinary and somatic arts. Opportunities to work within theatre ...

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Choreograph information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Choreographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Choreographer, you need extensive dance technique, creativity, and experience in various dance styles, often supported by formal dance training or a degree in dance. Familiarity with music editing software, stage production tools, and sometimes certification from dance organizations is beneficial. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills help you guide dancers and work effectively with directors and production teams. These skills ensure the creation of innovative and cohesive performances while fostering a productive and inspiring environment.

How to get a job as a choreographer?

To become a choreographer, develop strong dance skills through training or performance experience, build a diverse portfolio of choreography work, and network within the dance and entertainment industries. Gaining experience by working with dance companies, theater productions, or teaching can also improve job prospects. Many choreographers also benefit from knowledge of different dance styles and proficiency with relevant tools like music editing software.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving employer expectations for digital skills. Many entry-level positions require adaptability, technical proficiency, and soft skills, which can be barriers for new job seekers in this age group.

What does a choreographer do?

A choreographer is responsible for creating and arranging dance movements and routines for performances such as ballets, musicals, music videos, theater productions, and television shows. They work closely with dancers, directors, and producers to interpret music and stories through movement. Choreographers may also teach and rehearse dance routines, select music, and ensure that performances meet artistic and technical standards. Their work involves creativity, collaboration, and an understanding of various dance styles.

What are some common challenges choreographers face when working with diverse groups of dancers?

Choreographers often work with dancers who have varying skill levels, backgrounds, and learning styles. One common challenge is adapting choreography to suit the strengths and limitations of each dancer while still achieving the artistic vision for the piece. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as choreographers must provide clear instructions and sometimes revise routines on the spot. Building a collaborative and supportive environment helps foster creativity and ensures that the final performance is cohesive and expressive.

What is the difference between Choreograph vs Dance Instructor?

AspectChoreographDance Instructor
CredentialsOften requires dance training, choreography experience, sometimes certifications in dance or performing artsRequires dance training, teaching certifications, and sometimes specific dance style certifications
Work EnvironmentCreates routines for performances, music videos, theater, or competitionsTeaches dance classes in studios, schools, or community centers
Industry UsageUsed in entertainment, theater, and performance artsUsed in education, fitness, and community programs

While both roles involve dance expertise, a choreograph designs dance routines for performances, whereas a dance instructor teaches dance techniques and skills to students. The roles often overlap in dance training and industry settings, but their primary focus differs: creation versus instruction.

How much do choreographers get paid?

Choreographers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000, with wages varying based on experience, location, and the type of productions they work on. Top earners in the field can make over $100,000 annually, especially those working on high-profile projects or in major markets. Many choreographers also supplement income through teaching, workshops, or freelance work.
What are popular job titles related to Choreograph jobs in Indiana? For Choreograph jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Choreograph job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Lecturer, Dance

Lecturer, Dance

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Lecturer, Dance
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Purdue University seeks a highly-motivated individual for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer in Dance to begin August 17, 2026.
The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach a full-time load each semester, participate in departmental service, demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, advise students, and contribute original choreography to the program's dance concerts. The successful candidate may be asked to develop curricula in her or his area of specialization for undergraduate dance courses within an evolving Dance program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Candidates should be prepared to teach a variety of movement courses which may include beginning to advanced levels of decolonized jazz technique, beginning to advanced levels of hip-hop/street dance including styles such as House, Popping, and Waackin'. Candidates should be knowledgeable of Afro-Diasporic dance forms, street dance lineage, and culture. They should demonstrate scholarly, creative, or professional contributions to hip hop dance and culture; expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy and interdisciplinary teaching; and evidence of curriculum development in dance studies or hip hop-related courses.
The ideal candidate will also have expertise in at least two additional technique areas including but not limited to African Diasporic forms, somatic movement practices, modern, ballet, tap, and/or musical theatre.
A teaching load may include teaching courses from the program curriculum including history, choreography, and improvisation.
The person in this position:
• Works closely with the Dance program faculty assisting with administrative duties and recruitment activities.
• Evaluates instruction and learning by means of written, verbal, practical, and/or performance tests.
• Creates and executes original choreography for selected department productions.
• Mentors students as performers, choreographers, and designers, in assigned productions.
Qualifications
• Minimum of B.F.A. in Dance, but M.F.A. in Dance preferred.
• Three years of experience teaching students in a collegiate/university setting is preferred.
• Expertise and ability to teach all levels of decolonized jazz technique and hip hop.
• Expertise in at least two other areas including but not limited to African Diasporic forms, somatic movement practices, modern, ballet, tap, and/or musical theatre.
Program/Department/School
Our mission in the Dance Program within the Department of Theatre and Dance is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art of dance, develop their individual expressive voice within this form, and be prepared to utilize this training to support their future efforts in the field of dance and beyond after graduation. In collaboration with their students, faculty in this program conduct research in choreography, performance and related interdisciplinary and somatic arts. Opportunities to work within theatre contexts is also readily available. Students can major in Interdisciplinary Performance or minor in Dance.
The Dance Program offers courses in multiple dance techniques, choreography, history, dance film making, intermedia technology, improvisation, performance and production. Classes are taught in two 2400 sq. ft. dance studios with sprung wood floors, and all modern technique classes feature live musical accompaniment. One studio converts into a 100-seat black box theater, which houses a variety of performances, including the student-produced XSeries concerts as well as choreography, intermedia technology, and film final projects each semester. The Dance Program presents numerous exhibits and performances, including the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company biannual concerts, as well as periodic experimental dance concerts featuring our faculty's research. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool/theatre-and-dance/dance/index.html
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers courses across the performance and technical aspects of theatre and presents multiple main stage theatre performances each semester. Costume design, technical direction, lighting design and sound design are just some of the possible areas of study. Students in the Interdisciplinary Performance major can take courses across the department. Choreographers collaborate with students and faculty in lighting and sound design to create stunning and unique performances. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool/theatre-and-dance/index.html
The Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, one of ten departments/schools in the College of Liberal Arts, includes the Departments of Art and Design, Theatre and Dance, Music, and Film and Video. To learn more, go to: https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool
Procedure
Candidates should submit application materials electronically via https://careers.purdue.edu/. The job requisition ID number for this position is 42718.
A complete application includes letter of application, video teaching a full advanced jazz or hip-hop dance technique class, video of three different choreographed group works created in the last three years, resume/CV, and three references including email and contact information.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship from Purdue University.
A background check is required for employment in this position.
Equal Opportunity
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

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