Today S Dance Choreographers
Dance Choreographers
Mia Michaels-
Contemporary/Modern
From stage to screen, Mia has turned dance into inspired and unique works of passion and beauty. She has rendered her unique style and vision of the craft, which is sought after by other innovators, from celebrities and recording artists to dance companies and educational institutions. She has choreographed for Celine Dion, So you Think You Can Dance, Cirque du Soleil, and including Madonna, Ricky Martin, and Prince. Mia has also held faculty positions at prestigious institutions of dance around the world including Alvin Ailey, the Joffrey Ballet, and the International Dance Festival of Italy. Mia is constantly striving for new inspirations for her work. She has a way of touching people's lives with passion, emotional expression and style of dance.
Susan Stroman-
Broadway
Susan has won four Tonies for best choreographer and has been nominated 9 times. Originally from Delaware, she began classically training in jazz, tap and ballet at the age of 5. She started out as a dancer in the 1979 musical Whoopee!. Susan wanted to focus more on choreography than performance and worked her way up with smaller venues such as industrial shows, club acts and commercials. She has directed and choreographed numerous broadways and was the first woman to choreograph a full length ballet for the New York City Ballet Company. Her Tonies for best choreography are for Crazy for You, Show Boat, Contact, and The Producers.
Tabitha & Napoleon D’uomo- 
Hip Hop
This famous married duo goes by the nickname “Nappytabs”. They have brought national attention to a more “lyrical” style of hip hop on the So You Think You Can Dancewith their Emmy nominated routines. They have also launched their own online clothing line appropriately titled “Nappytabs” in 2009. Napoleon grew up in California learning B-boying, locking and popping. Tabitha hails from New Jersey and took mainly jazz growing up; she learned to dance from participating in school dance/cheer teams and from watching music videos. Nappytabs has worked with several stars such as Christina Aguilera, Kayne West and Jennifer Lopez. This highly sought after couple has co-directed the JabbaWockeeZ’s MUS.I.C show, three different productions of Cirque Du Soleil and continue to guest teach at countless dance conventions nationwide.
How to Become a Choreographer or Professional Dancer…
What to expect:
Choreographers create and arrange original dances in all genres, combining steps and movements to form an artistic whole. They must be knowledgeable not only about dance techniques but also about music, costumes, lighting, and drama. They also develop new interpretations of traditional dances. Choreographers usually audition performers and teach them a dance at rehearsals. Dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. In addition, choreographers usually are involved in auditioning performers.
Salary:
Median Choreographer’s Salary—$38,530 per year.
Median Dancer’s Salary- $12.22/hour May 2008
Performing arts companies:$15.30/hour
Other amusement and recreation industries:$11.56/hour
Other schools and instruction:$10.00/hour
- Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties, but some remain in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, or artistic directors.
- Most dancers begin formal training at an early age—between 5 and 15—and many have their first professional audition by age 17 or 18.
- Dancers and choreographers face intense competition; only the most talented find regular work.
- Dancers have highest rates of nonfatal on-the-job injuries
Education and Training Requirements:
Choreographers are usually former dancers with years of experience working in the theater and with dance companies. A college degree is not required for professional choreographers, but high school courses in speech, drama, music, and the visual arts are highly recommended. There are 74 accredited college dance programs with the majority in modern; but some offer jazz, cultural dance, ballet or classical technique. Many believe that dancers should start with a good foundation in classical technique before selecting a particular style.
Getting the Job
Choreographers start out as dancers. Prospective choreographers should seize every opportunity to gain experience and polish their dancing skills by performing frequently. Performing with or creating dances for a local group is a good way to begin a career. Trade magazines contain announcements for auditions. Dancers can move into choreography by becoming assistants to established choreographers or by creating brief pieces for their own dance companies.
Working Conditions
Choreographers must have physical stamina to endure long hours of dance creation and the subsequent rehearsals needed to perfect a new work. Although employment may be intermittent, choreographers often work every day, including weekends and holidays, when staging a new work. They travel often. Success in the performing arts requires frequent personal sacrifice. The hours are long, the stress rate is high, and creativity is expected on demand.
“So You Think You Can Dance- Judges Bios.” Fox Broadcasting. 2 Oct 2009.
“Dancers and Choreographers.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. 17Dec. 2009.<
“Tabitha and Napoleon D’uomo.” Wikipedia. 22 September 2011.
“Susan Stroman.” Wikipedia. 3October 2011.