Choreographer--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a choreographer? In this Career Q&A video interview, Patricia Scott Hobbs talks about her career path, what she does on the job, and the keys to success in the field of choreography. She also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry’s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 19 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL124221

Copyright date: ©2017

Closed Captioned

Choreographers: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:25)
The choreographer's goal is to support the story that is being told in concert dance or in musical theater.

Choreographers: Career Beginnings (02:53)
On a doctor's advice, Hobbs begins dancing to strengthen her ankles. She changes her major after learning Temple University has a dance department. Working at Freedom Theater helps her realize she prefers teaching dance over performing.

Choreographers: Keys to Success (03:20)
Hobbs explains the need to have at least seven years dance experience. Be creative, be willing to expand your knowledge through volunteering, and be willing to work with and learn from non-dancers.

Choreographers: Education and Certification Requirements (00:47)
A resume for theater work is gained through experience. Pennsylvania offers a certificate for dance instruction.

Choreographers: Workplace Atmosphere (02:40)
A traveling choreographer has from three to six weeks to complete a project. You need to be able to develop new relationships quickly, have good time management skills, and make dancers feel comfortable and capable of doing the movements.

Choreographers: Advice for Aspiring Pros (01::51)
Most artists feel pressure to do something more stable; if you commit to being a dancer or choreographer, be the best you can. Hobbs recalls the days she stopped referring to herself as an "aspiring" dancer.

Choreographers: A Day on the Job (02:14)
Begin your day by checking in with the stage manager and the director. You may be responsible for the company warm-up. Make yourself available for injury or health concerns and coordinate with musicians or the musical director.

Choreographers: Industry Goals and Services (01:20)
The choreographer tries to connect with the story that is being told. He or she tries to deliver an entertaining product that members of the audience can identify with.

Choreographers: Industry Challenges (01:33)
Hobbs feels that choreography should be more respected and supported. She states that art surrounds us in our daily lives, yet we don't respect it enough to pay for it.

Choreographers: Looking at the Future (01:23)
Hobbs cites the productions of "West Side Story" and "Hamilton" to support her hesitation to predict the future. There will continue to be work for choreographers