Education · 1 of 4

The path

Nobody hires a choreographer with no body of work. The route runs through dancing.

1. 1

   Train and perform as a dancer

   10 years or more

   Almost every working choreographer in Canada danced professionally first. You learn what bodies can do by using your own.

2. 2

   Make small pieces early

   From your teens

   Student shows, choreographic workshops, festival slots. Nobody needs permission to start making work.

3. 3

   Dance degree or company mentorship

   2 to 4 years

   A university dance program or a company's emerging choreographer program, which gives studio time, dancers and a showing.

4. 4

   Build a body of work

   3 to 8 years

   Pieces that have been performed, filmed and reviewed. This is your portfolio and the only thing commissioners look at.

5. 5

   Commissions and contracts

   Ongoing

   Companies, theatres and screen productions hire you by reputation and by who has worked with you.