what is the difference between an artistic director and a choreographer in a dance company?

Question

I choreograph, I design costume, I perform dance. But I have someone who is a friend of mine, who is also a performer and photographer, to support my dance tour. In my performance, she designs lights, she sometimes does anchor person, she tells me to shorten my dance for some occasions. Also while we are travelling, she shares some dance movement with me so that I can use it for my choreography. She also has many music CD to use for my show, not for the dance but for the time when the audience is entering into the theater. She is a really great help, but I do not know what to call her technically and she claims that she is an artistic director, but people very often misunderstand is we say that, they think she is the choreographer. I do not know why. Im from Tokyo and am not familier with English. please help.

Answer 1

The choreographer writes (creates) the dance the same as a composer writes (creates) music. Your friend is correct in stating that she is acting as the artistic director. She is managing and directing the company even though she might be aiding in choreography. The dance mistress, by the way, is one who conducts classes for the company and rehearses them. You both sound as if multi-tasking. You may wish to list yourselves with more than one title. For instance if your friend co-choreographed a dance she should be given credit. If you designed the lighting for a particular number you can list that as your credit with that dance number.

Example:
DANCE OF FLYING PIGS - choreographed by Suzie Wong and GIn Lee, lighting by Suzie Wong

Hope this helps. Good luck and happy dancing!

Answer 2

I think I'd call her the Technical Director.

In my mind, the Artistic Director will sometimes be a Choreographer but is responsible for the big picture ... choosing a season, for example.

The Choreographer is responsible for an individual piece.

Answer 3

Production or Technical Manager works.