What is Dance & Choreography?
Dance is one of the most ancient forms of art, running through every civilization of the earth. It is described as the movement of the body in different postures with music. The dancers give expression to different moods and emotions like joy, sorrow, anger, love, laughter etc. through body movements and facial expression. Dancing is an inherent quality of man. He loves to dance either to express his emotion or simply out of delight in the rhythmic movement of the body. A dance performer skilfully designs, arranges and synchronises the body movements to express human emotions which please and overwhelm the spectators. Therefore, Choreography is the skilfully and artistically designed body movements and steps to express human emotions.Â
Choreography is widely used in cinema, theatre, musicals, fashion shows, dance shows etc. In India, there are several institutions which conduct undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Dance Choreography. In this article, we have tried to provide you with information about the Dance Choreography course.
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Dance Choreography
Dancing is a performing art needs years of training and practice. To pursue the undergraduate course in Dance Choreography, the candidates must have completed their 10+2 Board examination with 45% marks in aggregate (40% marks for reserved category candidate). Those who have appeared for their class 12 Board examination may also apply for the course, but they have to submit the final mark sheet of the Board examination at the time of admission.Â
Again to pursue a postgraduate programme in Dance Choreography, the candidates must finish their undergraduate course in Dance Choreography.
Besides, there is a certificate course for six months and Diploma course for 1 or 2 years. Â
Skills required to be a Dance Choreographer
To be a Dance Choreographer the aspirant must have a special inclination towards dancing. He/she must know all the steps and forms of dancing. Besides, he/she must possess a creative mind to innovate new style and movements for dancing. Here, we have listed down the skills required to be a Dance Choreographer in the form of a table:
| Knowledge of Dancing |
Must know the steps and different forms of dancing |
| Creativity and Innovation |
Should have a creative mind and can innovate new dance steps and style |
| Hard Working Skill |
Ability to work hard and for hours |
| Discipline and Punctuality |
Should be disciplined and punctual |
| Patience and Concentration |
Must possess immense patience and concentration to watch others performing |
| Team working Skill |
Ability to work with others and in a team |
Admission Procedure and Fees
The admission to the three years undergraduate course in Dance Choreography is done based on merit in the Class XII Board examination. But some institutes arrange for Personal Interview to test the candidates’ basic knowledge in dancing. The candidates have to apply to the respective colleges for admission. Similarly, the admission to the two years postgraduate course is done based on the marks obtained at the undergraduate level.Â
Dance Choreography Course Structure and Syllabus
The Dance Choreography undergraduate course has been structured to provide in-depth knowledge of different dance forms and hands-on training. The three years’ course has been divided into six semesters. Each semester follows a different curriculum. Dance Choreography being a performing art, the candidates have to undergo rigorous training and practice to master the art. In the dance institutes, they receive training and guidance from the expert faculties. We have put down the syllabus contents for the benefits of the students below:
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Choreography 1: Constructing the Body
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Movement Techniques: Codified practice level 1
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Movement Technique and Improvisation: Somatic Practice
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New Media and Performance Practice
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Collaborative Practice 1
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Choreography 2: Body as a conscious site
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Movement techniques: Codified practice level 2
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Movement Techniques: Contact Improvisation
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Dance on camera: Practice of Screen Dance
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Collaborative Practice 2: Sound and Site
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Choreography 3: Final Independent Project
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Movement Techniques: Codified Practice Level 3
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Movement Technique and Improvisation: Further Development of Somatic Skills
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Formation of a company to work with a professional Choreographer
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Professional Portfolio: The Enterprising Artist
Job and Career Scope in Dance Choreography
The candidates who have pursued the Dance Choreography course always find a plethora of job opportunities at the end of their course. Since the vista of the entertainment world is ever increasing there is no dearth of jobs for the choreographers. They may join film studios, theatre groups, classical dance training centres, and educational institutes etc. After sustaining for a few years in the industry, they will accumulate experience and can start working as a freelancer. They may set up their dance academy and teach students online also.
The salary of the choreographer remains low at the beginning of their career. But over the years their salary increases and they can earn lakhs of rupees in a month even. In the table below, we are providing some idea about the average income of the choreographers:
Job Profile |
Average Income per Annum |
| Dance Director |
Rs. 9-10 lakhs |
| Assistant Dance Director |
Rs. 5-6 lakhs |
| Dancer |
Rs. 3-4 lakhs |
| Dance Teacher |
Rs. 3-4lakhs |
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Popular Dance & Choreography Colleges in India
Rabindra Bharati University - RBU
B.T. Road, KolkataActor Prepares
Andheri West, MumbaiReva University
Yelahanaka, BangalorePopular Private Dance & Choreography Colleges in India
Rabindra Bharati University - RBU
B.T. Road, KolkataActor Prepares
Andheri West, MumbaiReva University
Yelahanaka, BangaloreTop Rated Courses
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