For some dancers, the ultimate goal is to become a performer, however others set their hearts on teaching, and others aspire to create. For the upcoming choreographers of the dance world, the shift to the creative side of dance is a result of identifying the interest and building on this choreographic experience. Some dancers move over to the choreographic side of dance after their performing career has petered out, and other choreographers are simply non-performers who are drawn to creating dance.
Amongst the many key qualities which may be required as an aspiring choreographer, it is vital to foster the desire to create, exploring this in order to shape your choreographic journey and influence the choices that choreographers make throughout their careers. Look to other choreographers to observe their work practices and work out which way of working suits you best. Take in as much information as possible and learn something from everything.
Create choreographic and staging opportunities for your work, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. As an emerging choreographer you must recognise and seize opportunities to create and present ideas, in addition to thinking for yourself and deciding how best to present your work to audiences. Other opportunities can be in the form of workshops, residencies and grant funding, as well as competitions. And while talent, creativity and ability are essential to a choreographer, determination and persistence are just as important.
Be brave to take the steps from creating work in the studio to presenting work in space; choreography is not just the dance, it is also the staging, the lights, the music and using your dancers to the best of their ability. Ensure you network with other dance artists in the industry and keep abreast of new developments and other work being commissioned locally and more widely. Being engaged and resourceful will help with applying for funding and choreographic programmes to advance your work. The act of networking lends also itself to the collaborative nature of choreography. Create your own unique style whilst being inspired by others, working to maintain the balance between these.