Choreographer

Creating dance sequences that fit the music, story and performers; teaching steps to dancers; planning formations for stage or camera; running rehearsals; working with directors, music composers, costume designers and producers; and often travelling for shoots or shows.

A day in the work
A typical day may start with your own practice or a class, then a rehearsal with dancers in a studio or on a set. In the afternoon you might fix a difficult step, change a formation to fit a smaller stage, or review a video of yesterday's run. Evenings can bring a call from a director or a client with new changes, and some weeks involve travel for shoots or shows.

1. Step 1 · Class 5–10Start regular training in one classical or folk style, such as Kathak or Bharatanatyam, with a qualified teacher. Learn to count music and keep a practice diary. Kathak Kendra's children's courses take students from about Class III onwards.
2. Step 2 · Class 9–12Consider a residential diploma. Kathak Kendra's Diploma Pass Course is open after Class IX for those aged 15 to 20. Kalakshetra's four-year diploma is open after Class XII. Both need auditions or interviews, so keep recordings of your work.
3. Step 3 · Class 12 or afterTake a diploma or degree in dance, such as Kathak Kendra's 3-year Diploma (Honours), which needs Class XII passed and an age of 19 to 23. Some Bachelor of Performing Arts courses use CUET (UG) scores.
4. Step 4 · After trainingAssist an established choreographer on films, theatre, music videos, college festivals or events. Many people in this work learn most in this stage, not in the classroom. (reported — check with the official body)
5. Step 5 · Early careerBuild a showreel of short, varied pieces and keep a portfolio of your work. Earn through teaching, commissions and freelance jobs while you look for repeat clients. Income is uncertain at first. (reported — check with the official body)
6. OptionalA master's in dance or performing arts, or short workshops in other styles such as contemporary, jazz or hip-hop, can widen your range.

• Formal training routea diploma or degree in classical or contemporary dance, then assisting and freelance work.
• Industry routeyears of practice in films, shows or dance groups, then assisting a choreographer and building a showreel. Less formal, but it depends heavily on networks and luck.

Fees from: Kathak Kendra admission page · Kalakshetra Foundation prospectus 2026-27 (PDF) · Kalakshetra Bharatanatyam fees structure page (official; figures not shown in the extract). Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Earnings vary a lot. Beginners usually assist and earn per project, while experienced choreographers with film or big-event work and a strong name can earn much more, and the city and employer matter too.

• Class 7–9Join your school's dance or cultural group, or learn one classical or folk form from a qualified teacher. Ask for regular practice and a short performance at the end of the term.
• Class 10–12Watch a full classical dance performance on the Sangeet Natak Akademi site or at a local festival, then write down how the choreographer used space, rhythm and formations.Open link ↗
• College or afterVolunteer to help a local theatre group or college festival with choreography or stage work. Keep short recordings of your work for a showreel.

• There is no licence. Anyone can call themselves a choreographer, so reputation and a portfolio matter most.
• Choreography pay and work are irregular. Many choreographers also teach, perform or do event work to make a steady income.
• Kathak Kendra's admission page lists the courses by age on June 1. Check the year's notice before you apply, because the age limits change each year.