Want to be a dance choreographer?

Question

I just don't know where to start... I've looked up colleges... and yes, i will start young... next year is my first year of highschool, but i've been dancing since i was 2. i know every kind of dancing, and i'm hoping to become a dance choreographer. it's my dream. I make up dances for our cheerleading squad because one highschooler (who's in college now) used to but my coach liked my dances so much she used mine.colleges? places?

Answer 1

The start of high school is actually the ideal time to start thinking about college dance programs. That's because many of those programs offer summer intensives for high school students, and this would allow you to sample several of them before you have to apply in 12th grade.

You say you know every kind of dancing, but if you're so serious about dance that you want to be a choreographer, I'm a bit confused about why you're investing time in a cheerleading squad. The kind of dancing that cheerleaders do is not what gets you into the best college dance programs. Have you run out of advanced dance classes that you can take where you live? May I suggest that you try to invest more time in taking dance classes? This will help you in working towards your goal.

How you become a choreographer depends, in part, on what style of dance you think you want to work in. If you're mostly interested in pop (the stuff you see in music videos, dance teams, etc), then the college route for dance isn't for you, except to join their extracurricular dance groups. College dance programs are about the serious study of the craft - and sometimes the art - of dance.

One place that I strongly recommend you check out is Point Park University in Pittsburgh. They have a really wonderful summer dance program called "International Summer Dance."
http://www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=533
If you attend for the full 6 weeks, you get to participate in the final performance that tends to feature some really stunning choreography. They offer intermediate and advanced levels of ballet, jazz, modern and tap that are sure to challenge you.

As for Point Park's college program, they put on shows that feature their top student choreographers that are absolutely amazing. The quality is something that you'd be willing to pay much more to see on Broadway or elsewhere. And, again, in all the major dance styles.

If you're very serious about choreography as a high art form, then I recommend you also look into the University of Michigan's dance department. I consider all of the faculty, there, to be serious dance artists who really know how to teach choreography. They also offer a summer program for high school students:
http://www.music.umich.edu/special_programs/youth/mpulse/sdi.htm

For dance as a craft (crowd-pleasing entertainment) in lots of styles, check out the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Their summer program information is here:
http://www.uarts.edu/precollege/sum_inst/index.cfm
and
http://www.uarts.edu/precollege/sum_inst/si_dance.htm

I mostly recommended those colleges because they also have summer programs. Depending on what you want out of dance, other colleges might be better for you (if you're mostly interested in ballet or musical theatre, etc). The more you clarify what you're looking for, the more people can guide you.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have to agree with sara f9 and janine_rs......first start in your local area and begin assisting classes and then possibly taking on classes of your own to study the "experts" style of choreographing. (Each choreographer will have a different approach and motivation, however, emulating them for a time isn't bad until you find your own dance "voice").

Then I suggest finding the style that suits you the most. There are many colleges out there with degrees in Dance Choreography, the trick is finding the one that suits your style. I know here in AZ, there are two state colleges that offer dance degrees, however one university is geared toward modern, while the other is more geared toward jazz.

Good luck finding your own style!

Answer 3

Take your time, though I know that in the dance world you need to start early to do anything. There are quite a few very good dance schools... You should look into them early.
Good luck. &hearts

Answer 4

Go to a local dancing school and ask if they need help teaching the younger kids. You can work your choreography into your teaching.

Answer 5

Go to this link for a little bit of insight. Good luck.

http://www.schoolsindelaware.com/usa/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carid=1022

Answer 6

are you creative and inovative? ask your soul to be indulge...