Commercial Choreographer Job Description [Updated for 2024]
In today’s entertainment industry, the demand for commercial choreographers has never been higher.
As the world of dance evolves, there is a growing need for creative minds who can design, refine, and perfect dynamic dance routines for commercial purposes.
But what does it truly entail to be a commercial choreographer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker aiming to understand the nuances of this role,
- A hiring manager looking to outline the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the world of commercial choreography,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable commercial choreographer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Commercial Choreographer Duties and Responsibilities
Commercial Choreographers create dance routines and movement sequences for commercials, music videos, film, television, and other forms of visual media.
They often work collaboratively with directors, producers, and other creative teams.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Interpreting scripts, storylines, or musical scores to create dance routines and movements
- Consulting with directors, producers, and other key personnel to understand the overall creative vision of the project
- Conducting auditions or casting calls to select dancers or performers for the project
- Teaching and rehearsing routines with the dancers or performers
- Coordinating and managing rehearsal schedules
- Providing feedback and adjustments to performances to achieve desired results
- Assisting with costume design and selection to ensure it complements the choreography
- Maintaining a safe and productive rehearsal environment
- Staying up-to-date with the latest dance trends and techniques
- Documenting choreographic notes and changes for reference during production
Commercial Choreographer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are searching for a creative and talented Commercial Choreographer to join our team.
Your primary responsibility will be to create and design dance routines for advertisements, music videos, movies, and other commercial projects.
Our ideal candidate is an experienced dancer with a rich knowledge of different dance styles and the ability to bring a director’s vision to life through choreography.
Ultimately, the Commercial Choreographer’s role is to create visually appealing and memorable routines that fit the tone and message of the commercial project while meeting the client’s expectations.
Responsibilities
- Design and create original dance routines for various commercial projects
- Collaborate with directors and clients to understand their vision and expectations
- Teach dance routines to performers and provide feedback to enhance their performance
- Coordinate rehearsals and oversee the execution of dance routines during productions
- Select appropriate music for choreography
- Ensure dance routines are performed safely and according to guidelines
- Stay up-to-date with the latest dance trends and incorporate them into routines
- Communicate effectively with the production team and clients
- Adapt choreography based on the abilities of the performers and production constraints
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Commercial Choreographer or similar role
- Strong understanding of different dance styles and techniques
- Ability to create original and creative dance routines
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Adept at teaching and coaching dancers
- Degree in Dance, Performing Arts or relevant field is a plus
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Physical fitness and stamina to demonstrate dance routines
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Travel opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Commercial Choreographer
- Work Environment: Dance studio, on-location filming, and possible travel. Work hours may include evenings and weekends, depending on production schedules.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Producer of the project.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: Varies greatly depending on project and industry
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time or Contract-based
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio of past work, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Commercial Choreographer Do?
Commercial Choreographers work in the entertainment industry, creating dance routines for various commercial projects such as music videos, television shows, movies, commercials, and live performances.
They often collaborate with directors, producers, and artists to develop dance sequences that align with the overall vision and theme of the project.
The choreographer conducts rehearsals, teaching the dance moves to the performers, ensuring they understand the rhythm, and timing of each step.
They work closely with the performers, making necessary adjustments to the choreography to accommodate their skill levels, body types, or character roles.
Commercial Choreographers also work with other members of the production team such as costume designers, set designers, and lighting technicians, integrating their choreography into the overall production design.
In addition to creating dance routines, they may also be responsible for auditioning and selecting dancers, scheduling rehearsals, and coordinating with the production team to ensure timely completion of the project.
They are expected to stay updated with the latest dance trends and styles, and often incorporate them into their choreography to keep it fresh and appealing to the audience.
Commercial Choreographer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient commercial choreographer should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Creativity and imagination to develop unique and engaging dance routines suitable for various commercial settings.
- Excellent understanding of movement and dance principles to ensure the choreography is engaging and feasible for performers.
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills to direct and collaborate with various performers, ensuring that they understand and execute the choreography effectively.
- Exceptional communication skills to convey the vision, interpret the music, and explain the choreography to performers, directors, and other collaborators.
- Stamina and physical fitness to demonstrate dance moves and routines, and also to keep up with the rigorous physical demands of the role.
- Patience and excellent teaching skills to instruct performers with varied levels of dance experience and abilities.
- Problem-solving skills to modify choreography as needed based on space limitations, performer abilities, or changes in production requirements.
- Knowledge of diverse dance styles and trends to create choreography that resonates with contemporary audiences and meets commercial needs.
Commercial Choreographer Experience Requirements
Commercial Choreographers often begin their career journey as dancers, gaining foundational experience and understanding of the art form at a professional level.
This may involve several years of formal training in dance academies or through professional dance companies.
Entry-level commercial choreographers may have 1 to 3 years of experience, often through participation in dance performances, assisting senior choreographers, or contributing to smaller choreography projects.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid portfolio of choreography work.
They may have worked on commercial projects such as music videos, advertising campaigns, or live performances.
Their experience often extends to working with diverse teams of dancers, coordinating with directors, and translating creative concepts into choreographed movements.
Choreographers with over 5 years of experience typically have developed strong leadership skills, having led large-scale choreography projects and managed teams of dancers.
They may also have experience in working with high-profile clients in the commercial sector.
This seniority level often includes the ability to create and teach complex dance routines, manage budgets, and deliver projects on time.
In addition to practical experience, commercial choreographers are also often expected to have a deep understanding of various dance styles, the ability to interpret music, and a creative vision to produce captivating and engaging dance performances.
Commercial Choreographer Education and Training Requirements
Commercial Choreographers typically have a bachelor’s degree in dance, fine arts, or a related field.
This education provides them with a deep understanding of dance techniques, body movements, music interpretation, and choreography principles.
In addition to formal education, they must have a high level of creativity and a solid background in various dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, and others.
Experience in the performing arts is crucial, as it helps choreographers understand and interpret the music, create dance routines and teach them to performers.
Most choreographers start their careers as dancers to gain this practical experience.
Some positions, especially those in large productions or prestigious dance companies, may require commercial choreographers to have a master’s degree in dance or choreography.
This advanced degree provides a deeper understanding of the creative process, choreographic design, and the history of dance.
While not a requirement, some choreographers may also choose to earn certification through professional organizations such as the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) to showcase their competency and dedication to the profession.
Continuous training is crucial in this field as dance styles and trends change frequently.
Choreographers must be committed to lifelong learning and constantly updating their skills.
Commercial Choreographer Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Commercial Choreographer is approximately $55,000 (USD) per year.
However, this can vary significantly based on the choreographer’s level of experience, reputation within the industry, location, and the budget of the commercial production.
Highly experienced choreographers working on high-budget commercials in major markets may earn considerably more.
Commercial Choreographer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Commercial Choreographer need?
Commercial Choreographers should possess an excellent sense of rhythm, movement, and timing, and a deep understanding of various styles of dance.
They should be highly creative, able to conceive and implement innovative routines for performances.
As choreographers often work closely with performers, they must have strong communication and teaching skills to effectively convey their vision.
Knowledge of the human body and safety precautions in dance is also essential.
Do Commercial Choreographers need a degree?
While a degree is not always required, having a degree in dance, performing arts, or a similar field can be advantageous.
However, the most important aspect is the proven experience in dancing and choreography.
Some commercial choreographers may have started their careers as dancers and gradually moved into choreography.
What should you look for in a Commercial Choreographer’s resume?
Look for experience in choreographing routines in the style of dance relevant to your project.
This could be anything from hip hop to ballet to contemporary dance.
Check for any experience in teaching or leading dance groups, as this indicates strong communication and leadership skills.
Also, look for any awards or notable achievements in their dance or choreography career.
What qualities make a good Commercial Choreographer?
A good Commercial Choreographer is highly creative and innovative, able to conceive and implement unique and captivating routines.
They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with dancers and other members of the production team.
They should also have a strong eye for detail and a deep understanding of rhythm and movement.
Lastly, a good Commercial Choreographer should be adaptable and flexible, able to modify routines as needed based on feedback or changes in the project.
Is it difficult to hire a Commercial Choreographer?
The difficulty in hiring a Commercial Choreographer depends on the specific needs of your project.
If you require a specific style of dance or a high level of experience, it may be more challenging to find the right fit.
However, with the increasing popularity of dance in mainstream media, there are more choreographers entering the field than ever before.
It is key to have a clear vision for your project and to communicate this effectively to potential candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we pulled back the spotlight on what it truly means to be a commercial choreographer.
And would you believe it?
It’s not just about creating dance routines.
It’s about choreographing a spectacle, one move at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive commercial choreographer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your leap.
But why stop there?
Step further into the dance floor with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards precision-crafted job descriptions or refining your portfolio to perfection.
Remember:
Every dance move is a part of a larger performance.
Let’s choreograph that spectacle. Together.
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