How to Be Dance Company Artistic Director - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Dance Company Artistic Director is critical in creating a successful production. They are responsible for both the creative and organizational elements of the performance. An Artistic Director must have a strong background in dance, be able to work with a variety of dancers, and have strong leadership skills.

Their decisions can greatly affect the quality and success of the performance. they must be able to collaborate with other key stakeholders such as producers, choreographers, costume designers, music directors and technicians. With their oversight and guidance, these stakeholders create the foundation for an amazing show.

In turn, the success of the performance will serve as a reflection on the artistic director's capabilities.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in a field related to the performing arts, such as dance, theater or music. You may also choose to pursue a degree in business or finance if you plan to lead a larger dance company.
Take classes in different styles of dance, such as ballet, jazz and hip hop, to build a well-rounded knowledge of the art form.
Join a dance company or troupe and practice your art form for several years. This experience will help you understand what it takes to be a successful dancer and choreographer.
Take on the role of assistant director of a dance company, if possible. This will give you a better understanding of the organizational and creative aspects of running a professional dance company.
Develop your choreography skills by attending workshops and classes. You should also create your own pieces to showcase your unique style.
Network with other professionals in the field and build relationships with key personnel in the dance world.
Apply for open positions as an artistic director for a professional dance company. Make sure to include your resume, references, samples of your choreography and any other pertinent information.
Interview with potential employers and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Be prepared to discuss your vision for the company and how you plan to achieve success.
Negotiate a salary and benefits package if you are offered the position. Make sure that the terms are beneficial to both you and the company.
Develop a long-term plan for the dance company that includes recruitment of dancers, choreography of pieces, budgeting and other duties. Be sure to stay up-to-date on new trends in the field to ensure the success of your company.

As an artistic director of a dance company, it is essential to stay informed and competent in the latest developments in the field. This is achieved by engaging in regular research and reading on the latest trends in the art form, attending workshops and seminars, and keeping up-to-date with industry news. it is important to familiarize oneself with the works of experienced choreographers and dancers, and to seek out feedback from peers and colleagues.

Doing so allows one to stay ahead of the curve and create innovative and inspiring works for one's dance company. By staying knowledgeable and up-to-date, an artistic director can ensure that their dancers are given the best opportunity to grow and develop their craft as well as to maintain a strong presence in the industry.

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Job Description

Lead the creative development and artistic vision of the dance company.
Develop and implement a comprehensive artistic plan for the company, including programming, repertoire, and artistic collaborations.
Manage the selection, acquisition, and development of new works for the companys repertoire.
Oversee the casting process for the companys productions.
Schedule and oversee rehearsals and performances.
Act as a liaison to outside artists and organizations.
Ensure that the company follows all legal and contractual obligations.
Liaison with board of directors, and curate relationships with funders, donors, and sponsors.
Develop and oversee budgets for all artistic activities.
Foster a safe, creative environment for dancers and choreographers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership: Ability to provide clear, creative direction to dancers and staff, and effectively manage resources.
Artistic Vision: Ability to develop and articulate an artistic vision for the company, and to create innovative, high-quality productions.
Choreography: Ability to create, develop, and rehearse choreography for live performances.
Performance: Ability to demonstrate excellent technique, musicality, and performance skills.
Dance Education: Knowledge of various dance styles, dance history, and dance pedagogy.
Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with dancers, staff, and other stakeholders to achieve desired results.
Public Relations: Ability to effectively promote the companys work through public speaking engagements, press releases, and other media relations activities.
Business Acumen: Knowledge of fiscal management, budgeting, grant writing, marketing, fundraising, and other aspects of running a successful arts organization.
Fundraising: Ability to develop fundraising strategies and secure donations to support the companys activities and programs.
Personnel Management: Ability to recruit, hire, and retain qualified staff and dancers; manage schedules; and ensure compliance with labor laws.

The ability to be an effective Artistic Director of a Dance Company is paramount for success. One of the most important skills for this position is creativity. An Artistic Director must be able to envision and create unique and captivating performances that will draw in audiences.

They must also have excellent communication skills to be able to collaborate with choreographers, dancers, and other production personnel. they must have the ability to effectively manage the budget, resources, and time needed to bring productions to life. Finally, a strong knowledge of dance and the ability to recognize and nurture talent is essential for success.

Without these skills, a Dance Company Artistic Director will not be able to effectively lead the company and create successful productions.

Dance Studio Receptionist, Dance Club Manager, and Dance Promoter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an Artistic Director for a dance company?
What is your approach to developing and maintaining relationships with choreographers, dancers, and other stakeholders?
How do you ensure that the artistic vision of the company is represented in each production?
How do you create and foster an environment that encourages artistic growth and innovation?
How do you manage competing artistic interests to ensure the overall success of the company?
What strategies do you implement to motivate dancers and ensure they are prepared for performance?
How do you develop new works while staying true to the artistic vision of the company?
How would you handle a situation where a dancer or choreographer disagrees with the artistic direction of the company?
How do you stay up-to-date on current industry trends and ensure the company remains competitive?
What challenges have you faced in the past as an Artistic Director and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Choreography Software. A software program that helps to plan and create dance routines, including music selection and step sequencing (e. g. DanceForms).
Budgeting Tool. A tool used to plan and manage a dance companys finances (e. g. QuickBooks).
Audition Management Software. A software program that helps to organize and manage the audition process for a dance company (e. g. DanceBiz).
Scheduling Software. A software program that helps to create and manage rehearsal and performance schedules (e. g. ScheduleIt).
Social Media Manager. A tool used to manage a dance companys social media presence (e. g. Hootsuite).
Video Editing Software. A software program that helps to create and edit videos for promotional purposes (e. g. Adobe Premiere).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
Dance/USA
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)
The Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS)
The American Dance Festival (ADF)
The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
Congress on Research in Dance (CORD)
Dance/USAs Institute for Leadership Training (ILT)
Dance/USAs Equity and Inclusion Institute (EII)
International Council of Kinetography Laban (ICKL)
World Dance Alliance America (WDAA)

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Common Important Terms

Rehearsal. A period of practice and instruction for dancers to prepare for a performance.
Choreography. The art of creating and arranging dance movements and patterns.
Performance. The act of presenting a dance to an audience in a live setting.
Collaboration. The process of working with others on a creative project.
Promotion. The act of advertising and marketing a work of art or performance.
Costume Design. The creation and fitting of costumes for dancers in a performance.
Musicians. Individuals who compose, play, or arrange music for a performance.
Auditions. A process used to select performers for a show or production.
Production. The process of managing the logistics, finances, and other aspects of a performance or production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Artistic Director of Dance Company?

The Artistic Director of Dance Company is Jean-Paul DuPont.

How many years has Jean-Paul DuPont been the Artistic Director?

Jean-Paul DuPont has been the Artistic Director of Dance Company for 15 years.

What are Jean-Paul DuPont's qualifications as an Artistic Director?

Jean-Paul DuPont has a Master's Degree in Dance from The Juilliard School and has worked with many notable dance companies as a performer and choreographer.

What awards has Dance Company won under Jean-Paul DuPont's direction?

Dance Company has won two Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards, and five Ovation Awards under Jean-Paul DuPont's direction.

What is Jean-Paul DuPont's vision for Dance Company?

Jean-Paul DuPont's vision for Dance Company is to create an environment that is welcoming to all artists and audiences, and to use art to inspire, educate, and entertain.