Choreographers create original dances and develop interpretations of existing dances for theaters, dance schools, dance and movie studios, and for fashion shows. They also create original dances for films, music videos, commercials, and dance troupes. Depending on the venue or environment, choreographers may present tap, jazz, ethnic, folk, hip hop, ballet, modern, experimental, or other types of dance.
Most choreographers begin dance training between the ages of 5 and 15. They begin auditioning at age 17 or 18. Many earn a bachelor’s degree in dance or attend dance school. Some even earn a master’s degree. Choreographers usually spend years in the business dancing and choreographing before getting their big break.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, *many colleges and universities award bachelor’s or master’s degrees in dance, typically through departments of dance, theater, or fine arts. The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) is made up of 74 accredited dance programs. Many programs concentrate on modern dance, but some also offer courses in jazz, culturally specific dance, ballet, or classical techniques. Courses in dance composition, history and criticism, and movement analysis are also available.
To become a choreographer on cruise ships, you will have to meet many of the same qualifications as you would for a land-based position. Some cruise ships may require a bachelor’s degree plus experience, while others may require experience only, but your experience will have to be extensive (no less than 5-7 years preferably). Some cruise ships might even have an age limit due to the strenuous nature of practice and rehearsals. Many choreographers practice and rehearse for an average of 8 hours per day.
When you are ready to apply for a choreographer position, make sure your audition piece is polished and ready to go. You might have to send an audition tape (video) along with your resume. To get started, if you have a specific cruise line in mind, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website first. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the site, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do.
If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.
For more information about jobs on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide; you can read through cruise line profiles; you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions — and you can even apply for a cruise ship job right online. Please note that this website charges a fee. You can apply for a job on your own, free of charge, sign up with a placement agency, or use Cruise Ship Jobs’ service.
Cruise Ship Job Perks
Cruise ship employees will enjoy more than free travel to exciting destinations. Cruise ship employees receive free accommodations and meals. They also receive health insurance and free air travel to and from the ship. Salaried choreographers are typically covered by union contracts. This means, they might receive paid sick leave and other health and pension benefits provided by the union. *Median annual wages of salaried choreographers were $38,520 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,320 and $55,360. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,160.
*Source: United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH), www.bls.gov