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How to Become a Music Video Choreographer

If you aspire to work with today's hottest pop, hip hop, and R&B groups, one way to get involved in the music industry is as a choreographer for music videos. A music video choreographer has to be well-versed in classical dance as well as modern and street styles. Professional dancers and choreographers often work for 20 years or more to break into the industry as a major player, so a person who wants to create dance routines for music videos must have talent, ambition and patience.

Instructions

    • 1

      Enroll in classes at a local dance studio. Most choreographers start their life as dancers, with some starting their first lessons around the age of three.

    • 2

      Major in dance or dance pedagogy. BA, BFA, and MFA programs are available at colleges all over the world.

    • 3

      Build your resume. Whenever you can, take choreography or teaching jobs. You might find work with a ballet company, dance studio, summer theatre, equity house, college or any other place where dance is taught.

    • 4

      Consider moving to a major metropolitan area. In America, a great deal of music industry recording and music video creation is done in cities like New York or Los Angeles. You will have more competition in a big city, but you will also have a chance to work for a major artist or record label.

    • 5

      Peruse industry publications like Variety, Backstage, Backstage West and similar publications for job listings.

    • 6

      Offer to work pro bono. If you have never choreographed a music video before, you may be able to get your feet wet by working with lesser-known artists in your area. You can search for bands or artists in your area who are looking for a choreographer using Craigslist. Get a copy of the video for your portfolio.

    • 7

      Put together a demo reel that showcases projects you have created dance routines for. This can include footage of you dancing, video from musicals or dance recitals and other music videos.

    • 8

      Get business cards and develop a website to add an air of professionalizm.

    • 9

      Send out your demo reel whenever you apply for a job or send out a letter of inquiry. Alternatively, make the video available on your website.

    • 10

      Network with other industry professionals via Facebook or Twitter. Upload your work to YouTube to boost your name recognition.

    • 11

      Keep learning and stay up-to-date with current trends. Watch programs like America's Best Dance Crew or So You Think You Can Dance. Go to dance performances in your area, such as tours by dance companies like Martha Graham. Hit the club scene to see what dances and music are hot.

    • 12

      Send out letters of inquiry to people you might like to work with. Send a brief letter of introduction with a copy of your demo reel and resume to publicists for your favorite artists, record companies, or television producers. Nine times out of 10 you won't hear back from anyone, but every once in a while you may make a useful contact or even secure a contract gig.

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