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Professional Dance Choreographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We offer group and private lessons, choreograph wedding dances or just prepare the happy couple and ... Requirements * Successful Dance Professional: * Are self-motivated, enthusiastic and 100 ...

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Professional Dance Choreographer information

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How much do professional dance choreographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dance choreographer in the United States is $21.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a professional dance choreographer do?

A professional dance choreographer is responsible for creating and arranging original dance routines and movements for performances, such as stage shows, music videos, or competitions. They choose music, plan sequences, and teach dancers the choreography, ensuring the performance matches the desired artistic vision. Choreographers often work with dance companies, theaters, schools, or individual artists, and may specialize in particular dance styles like ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary. Their work involves creativity, technical expertise, and strong communication skills to bring movement to life.

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

To thrive as a Professional Dance Choreographer, you need advanced dance technique, creativity in movement composition, and typically formal training in dance or choreography. Familiarity with music editing software, video recording tools, and sometimes dance notation systems is essential. Strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and collaborate with dancers are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of innovative routines, effective rehearsals, and successful performances that engage audiences and meet production goals.

What are some typical challenges a Professional Dance Choreographer faces when working with a diverse group of dancers?

Professional Dance Choreographers often work with dancers who have varying levels of skill, experience, and training backgrounds. One common challenge is creating routines that both showcase the strengths of advanced dancers and are accessible to those who are less experienced. Choreographers must also foster a collaborative and inclusive environment to ensure all performers feel confident and motivated. Effective communication, adaptability, and patience are essential in overcoming these challenges and achieving a cohesive performance.

What is the difference between Professional Dance Choreographer vs Dance Instructor?

AspectProfessional Dance ChoreographerDance Instructor
CredentialsOften requires dance training, choreography experience, and sometimes certifications in dance or arts educationTypically needs dance training and teaching certifications or credentials
Work EnvironmentCreates routines for performances, movies, or competitions; works with dancers and production teamsTeaches dance classes in studios, schools, or community centers to students of all ages
Industry UsageCommonly employed in entertainment, theater, and performance artsFound in educational settings, studios, and recreational programs

While both roles require dance training and a passion for movement, a Professional Dance Choreographer focuses on creating and designing dance routines for performances, whereas a Dance Instructor primarily teaches dance techniques and skills to students. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in scope and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Professional Dance Choreographer jobs? Cities with the most Professional Dance Choreographer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dance Choreographer jobs? The most popular types of Dance Choreographer jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Dance Choreographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Dance Choreographer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Dance Choreographer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 86% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,826 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position / Title: Summer Theatre: Vocal/Pit/Choreographer Bargaining Unit:  NAC Department/Location: HS Activities Calendar Days: N/A Reports To: Summer Theatre: Director/Building Athletic/Activities Director JD Revision Date: 12/11/2023 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

To build and maintain a high-quality, District-wide theatre program, focusing on visual and functional aesthetics and coordinating with the production staff to provide summer enrichment opportunities for students.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with parents, students, administrators, teacher colleagues, and community leaders.

  • Implement researched-based instructional strategies that engage all students, differentiating to accommodate a range of ability levels, and acknowledging a variety of cultural backgrounds in order to support student learning and growth.
  • Communicate effectively with parents, students, administrators, teacher colleagues, and community leaders.
  • Maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior and motivate students to work to their highest potential.
  • Maintain equipment associated with the activity.
  • Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.
  • Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
  • Cultivate a positive, harassment free, instructional culture which motivates students through the use of effective communication and constructive feedback.
  • Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  • Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and appropriate student handbook.


-AND-

VOCAL DIRECTOR

  • Train cast (leads and ensemble) in correct vocal technique.
  • Train cast (leads and ensemble) in the show's vocal pieces.
  • 80 Hours of Rehearsals
  • Collaborate with Production Team.
  • Attend all show performances.


-OR-

PIT DIRECTOR

  • Procure musicians in collaboration with the instrumental music faculty, hiring musicians as needed.
  • Train/instruct pit musicians in the music for the show.
  • Train/instruct cast members in conjunction with the pit musicians.
  • Collaborate with Production Team.
  • Conduct all show performances.
  • Prepare/edit/rewrite parts as needed.
  • 60 hours of rehearsal. 

-OR-

CHOREOGRAPHER

  • Assist Director with creating a design for the musical production.
  • Create choreography for the production's dance numbers.
  • Train cast (leads and ensemble) in proper dance and movement technique.
  • Train cast (leads and ensemble) in the production's dance numbers.
  • Collaborate with Production Team.
  • 60 hours of rehearsals
  • Attend all performances.

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Music or Dance Education preferred
  • Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) preferred

-OR-

  • High School Diploma required
  • Related coursework and/or previous related experience required

Experience / Knowledge

  • Previous musical theatre experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of show production preferred.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback, and to conduct conferences as needed with parents, students, administrators, or other teachers.
  • Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
  • Display courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate a commitment to teamwork.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and refresh job skills through professional development in order to meet the changing needs of this position.
  • Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent unscheduled interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.
  • Spanish language skills preferred.

Physical Demands

  • Occasionally requires working in warm temperatures, including under stage lights.
  • Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, or carry heavy materials or equipment, including set pieces and other related equipment.
  • Must work in noisy and crowded environments.
  • Public contact requiring appropriate business-like apparel.

Terms of Employment

  • This is an Appendix F stipend position in accordance to the school year calendar.
  • For Non-ETA Coaches: this position is for this year only.
  • Terms of employment will be determined in collaboration with the athletic/activity director.