Top 10 Choreographer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a choreographer to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Certifications provide proof that a choreographer has met certain standards of knowledge and proficiency in their chosen field, as well as having received formal recognition from a reputable institution. This can give potential employers or clients confidence that the candidate is qualified and experienced enough to take on the job. Certifications also help to differentiate candidates from others who may not have taken the same steps to gain qualifications, making them stand out in the job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for Choreographers and explains how they can help enhance a choreographer's career.

What are Choreographer Certifications?

Choreographer certification is a process that allows dancers, performers, and other professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the field of choreography. Certification is typically offered through professional organizations or educational institutions and can be completed either in-person or online. It may involve an assessment of the applicant's understanding of technical aspects of choreography such as musicality, body mechanics, movement analysis, and more.

By obtaining choreographer certification, professionals are able to demonstrate their knowledge and ensure they are meeting certain standards for their craft. It also helps them gain credibility within the industry which can lead to job opportunities or increased pay for existing jobs. In addition, certified choreographers often receive access to exclusive resources or discounts from professional organizations and vendors. Finally, being certified provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work which can help motivate them to continue learning new skills and techniques.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a choreographer certification program, research the credentials of the instructor and the organization providing the certification. Ensure that they are reputable and accredited by recognized professional dance organizations to ensure that your certification will be valid and respected in the industry.

Related: What does a Choreographer do?

Top 10 Choreographer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Choreographers today.

1. National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Certified Choreographer

The National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Certified Choreographer program is a professional certification program for dance teachers and choreographers. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The certification process requires the applicant to demonstrate knowledge, skill, and experience in teaching, choreography, and performance.

To become certified, applicants must complete an application form, provide evidence of their qualifications and experience, submit a video demonstrating their skills as a teacher or choreographer, and pass an oral examination by NDCA-certified professionals. Applicants must also complete a minimum of two years of professional dance instruction or choreography experience prior to applying for certification.

The cost for the NDCA Certified Choreographer program varies depending on the type of certification sought. Certification can range from $400 - $1,000 USD depending on the level of certification sought.

The process typically takes between three to six months from start to finish depending on how quickly the applicant can complete all requirements.

2. International Dance Organization (IDO) Certified Choreographer

The International Dance Organization (IDO) Certified Choreographer is a professional certification for dance teachers, choreographers, and other professionals in the dance industry. The certification is designed to recognize those with a high level of knowledge and experience in creating and teaching choreography.

To become an IDO Certified Choreographer, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it to the IDO. This will include providing evidence of their qualifications, experience, and any other relevant information. After the application has been reviewed by the IDO, applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day at one of the IDO’s approved venues. During this assessment day, applicants will be asked to demonstrate their ability to create and teach choreography as well as their understanding of the principles of safe practice in dance.

The assessment day usually takes around 6 hours to complete and can cost up to €200 depending on which venue you attend. If successful, applicants will be awarded the IDO Certified Choreographer certificate which is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. After this time period, holders must renew their certification by attending another assessment day or submitting evidence of continuing professional development activities completed since their initial certification.

Overall, becoming an IDO Certified Choreographer requires commitment and dedication but can provide recognition for your skills as a teacher or choreographer within the international dance community.

3. American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Certified Choreographer

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Certified Choreographer is a program designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved excellence in the field of choreography. This certification is a mark of distinction and recognition that provides assurance to employers, students, and the public that an individual has met the highest standards of professional excellence. The program is open to all individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their work as choreographers.

The ABT Certified Choreographer program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the art of choreography through written assessments, videos, and interviews. Applicants must also complete an online course on the history, theory, and practice of choreography. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, applicants will receive their ABT Certified Choreographer designation.

The process for becoming an ABT Certified Choreographer typically takes between six months to one year from start to finish. The cost for this certification varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience but typically ranges from $500-$1500 USD.

In order to become an ABT Certified Choreographer, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as resumes or portfolios demonstrating their experience in choreography. After submitting their application form, applicants will be invited to take part in an online assessment which tests their knowledge of dance theory and technique as well as their ability to create original works of choreography. Following this assessment, applicants will be asked to submit video recordings of original works they have created which are used by ABT assessors for evaluation purposes. Finally, successful candidates will be invited for an interview with members of the ABT faculty where they can discuss their goals and aspirations within the field of dance before being awarded with their certification.

4. Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Certified Choreographer

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Certified Choreographer is a certification program designed to equip professional dance teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to teach choreography. The ISTD Certified Choreographer program is open to all qualified dance teachers who have been teaching for at least two years. It involves a series of workshops, assessments and examinations that must be completed in order to obtain the certification.

The ISTD Certified Choreographer program consists of three modules: Theory, Practice and Performance. The Theory module includes topics such as choreographic principles, anatomy and physiology, music theory, improvisation techniques and more. The Practice module focuses on developing practical skills in teaching choreography, while the Performance module covers topics related to staging, lighting and costuming.

In order to become an ISTD Certified Choreographer, applicants must complete all three modules within two years. Each module requires approximately 15-20 hours of study time per week. Upon successful completion of all modules, applicants will receive their certification from the ISTD.

The cost of the ISTD Certified Choreographer program varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from £400-£600 GBP ($500-$750 USD).

5. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certified Choreographer

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certified Choreographer is a professional qualification that recognizes the expertise and experience of dance teachers in choreography. The certification is designed to recognize the highest standards of excellence in teaching, choreography, and performance. It is awarded to those who have demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge in choreography, as well as having an understanding of the principles of movement and anatomy.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the RAD Certified Choreographer course. During this time, you will need to complete a minimum number of hours studying theory, practice sessions, workshops, and assessments. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to create original choreography through practical assessment.

To get certified as an RAD Certified Choreographer you must first become a member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). Once you are a member you can apply for the certification program which includes completing an application form and providing evidence that you meet the criteria for certification.

The cost for becoming an RAD Certified Choreographer varies depending on your membership type but typically ranges from £200-£400 ($250-$500). This fee covers all materials necessary for completion including textbooks, assessment fees, registration fees and any other costs associated with becoming certified.

6. National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) Certified Choreographer

The National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) Certified Choreographer is a professional certification program for dance teachers and choreographers. The program was developed to recognize the knowledge, skill, and experience of successful dance teachers and choreographers.

To become NATD Certified Choreographer, applicants must have at least three years of teaching/choreographing experience and pass an exam consisting of both written and practical components. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy, kinesiology, pedagogy, music theory, improvisation techniques, history of dance styles, and more. The practical component tests the applicant’s ability to create a piece of choreography that meets certain criteria.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the process from start to finish. To get started on the path towards certification, applicants must submit an application that includes a resume or CV outlining their teaching/choreographing experience as well as two letters of recommendation from mentors or peers in the field. Once approved by the NATD board members, applicants are then able to register for the exam.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 USD plus any additional costs associated with travel or lodging if necessary. After passing both portions of the exam with a score of 75% or higher, applicants will receive their NATD Certified Choreographer certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

7. United States Professional Ballroom Dancers Association (USPBDA) Certified Choreographer

The United States Professional Ballroom Dancers Association (USPBDA) Certified Choreographer is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional ballroom dance choreographers in the United States. This certification is intended to provide assurance that the certified choreographer has met certain standards of excellence in their field.

To obtain this certification, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites such as having a minimum of three years of experience teaching or choreographing ballroom dance, having a current USPBDA membership, and submitting a portfolio of work for review. After meeting these prerequisites, applicants must then pass an exam administered by the USPBDA which covers topics such as musicality, technique, improvisation, and creativity.

The cost for this certification is $200 USD and it typically takes around four weeks to complete the process from start to finish.

8. Professional Dancers Society (PDS) Certified Choreographer

Professional Dancers Society (PDS) Certified Choreographer is a certification program for professional dancers and choreographers. The program was created to recognize and honor the highest levels of excellence in the field of dance and choreography.

It takes approximately six months to complete the coursework and obtain the certification. The program consists of an online course, three on-site workshops, and two written exams. In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience as a professional dancer or choreographer.

The cost for the PDS Certified Choreographer program is $1,500 USD. This includes all materials, access to online courses, workshop fees, and exam fees.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of achievement from Professional Dancers Society that recognizes their accomplishment as a certified choreographer.

9. National Association for the Teaching of Ballet and Modern Dance (NATBAMD) Certified Choreographer

The National Association for the Teaching of Ballet and Modern Dance (NATBAMD) Certified Choreographer is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in choreography. The certification is open to all dance professionals, including teachers, directors, and choreographers.

In order to become NATBAMD Certified Choreographer, applicants must complete an application process that includes providing evidence of their experience and skills in the field of dance. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work and demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and techniques associated with ballet and modern dance.

Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as choreography theory, technique development, creative expression, movement analysis, improvisation techniques, and production elements. Upon successful completion of these courses, applicants will receive their NATBAMD Certified Choreographer designation.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the number of courses taken; however, it typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with the application process which can range from $50-$100 USD. The amount of time required to complete this certification depends on the individual's experience level; however it typically takes between 6-12 months to finish all requirements.

10. World Dance Council (WDC) Certified Choreographer

The World Dance Council (WDC) Certified Choreographer is a professional certification program for dance professionals. The program was created to recognize and honor the achievements of choreographers who have achieved a high level of excellence in their craft.

To become a WDC Certified Choreographer, one must complete an application process that includes submitting evidence of their experience, knowledge, and skills in choreography. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work and provide references from other industry professionals.

The application process typically takes between 3-6 months to complete. Once an applicant has been accepted into the program, they will be required to attend an intensive workshop in order to receive their certification. The cost of the workshop varies depending on the location and length of time it takes to complete the coursework.

The cost of becoming a WDC Certified Choreographer can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on the workshop location and duration.

Do You Really Need a Choreographer Certificate?

The short answer is no. A choreographer certificate is not a requirement to become a successful choreographer. However, it can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

A certificate in choreography may give you an edge if you are looking to work professionally as a choreographer or teacher in the dance industry. It can demonstrate your knowledge and experience of the art form and provide potential employers with evidence that you are dedicated to your craft and have taken courses which will further your development as an artist. It can also open up doors for networking opportunities and help you make connections with other professionals in the industry.

Furthermore, having a certificate in choreography may help to establish credibility among peers and colleagues, as it proves that you have gone through some form of formal training, even if it is self-taught or informal. This could give you the confidence boost needed when applying for jobs or auditions and make it easier for potential employers to trust your skillset.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a choreographer certificate depends on what kind of career path you intend to pursue. If you plan on teaching classes professionally or auditioning for paid gigs, then having one could be beneficial as it shows dedication and commitment to the art form. If however, you simply want to create dances for fun and personal enjoyment then there is no need for a certificate at all - just practice, perseverance and passion!

Related: Choreographer Resume Examples

FAQs About Choreographer Certifications

1. What is a Choreographer Certification?

Answer: A Choreographer Certification is an official recognition of a dancer’s ability to create and teach choreography. It demonstrates that the individual has achieved a certain level of skill in the art of choreography.

2. How do I get a Choreographer Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Choreographer Certification, you must complete an approved course or program offered by an accredited institution or organization. You may also need to provide evidence of your experience and qualifications in dance and/or choreography.

3. Are there different levels of Choreographer Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different levels of certification available, depending on the type and length of courses completed, as well as any additional qualifications obtained.

4. What is the cost of obtaining a Choreographer Certification?

Answer: The cost will depend on the type and length of course or program chosen, as well as any additional qualifications obtained.

5. What are the benefits of having a Choreographer Certification?

Answer: Having a Choreographer Certification can help increase job opportunities for dancers and choreographers, as well as help them earn higher wages for their services. It can also act as proof that they have achieved certain standards in their field and can be used to demonstrate their professional credentials to employers or clients.