How to Be Dance Programmer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 6, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Dance programming is a powerful tool for helping dancers improve their technique, increase their strength and flexibility, and develop impressive skills. When a dancer commits to a regular dance program, they can expect to see significant improvements in their ability to move and remember choreography. This increased skill level leads to improved performance quality, which can result in more opportunities in the dance world as well as more enjoyment from time spent dancing.

a regular dance program can help dancers stay motivated and on track with their goals. As they witness their own progress, their enthusiasm for the art form may grow, leading them to strive even further and achieve the success they desire.

Steps How to Become

Get an Education. Begin by completing a bachelor's degree program in dance or a related field, such as theater or music. Coursework should include instruction in various dance forms, choreography, and music theory.
Gather Experience. Complete an internship or volunteer with a dance program. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with dance instructors and students.
Get Certified. Depending on your state and program requirements, you may need to become certified as a dance teacher. Check with the program director or board of education to find out what certifications are required.
Find a Job. Look for open positions at dance studios, schools, and other organizations that offer dance programs. You may be able to find job openings through job boards, recruitment agencies, and other industry contacts.
Develop Programs. Work with instructors and students to create dynamic and engaging programs that meet their needs. Research trends in the field, develop new ideas, and create activities that will help students grow as dancers.
Manage Programs. Manage the day-to-day operations of the program. This may include scheduling classes and rehearsals, coordinating events, managing budgets, and overseeing the safety of students.
Promote the Program. Develop marketing plans to promote the program and bring in new students. This may include attending local events, creating flyers and posters, and developing relationships with other organizations in the community.

Dance programming is an essential skill for any aspiring dancer, as it can help create a sense of flow and structure to performances. When done correctly, it allows a dancer to build on their existing skills, while also learning new ones. To be an ideal and competent dance programmer, it is important to have an understanding of the music and movement that are being used, as well as the ability to create dynamic choreography.

having knowledge of different types of dances, such as jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and modern, can help create a more varied routine. Finally, having a good sense of timing and rhythm is essential to ensure that transitions between steps are smooth and that the movements flow together seamlessly. By mastering these skills and concepts, a dancer can become proficient in dance programming and create memorable routines that showcase their talent.

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Job Description

Dance Choreographer: A dance choreographer is responsible for creating and teaching dance routines for various performances. They work with dancers to create a performance that is visually and technically pleasing.
Dance Instructor: A dance instructor is responsible for teaching different dance styles and techniques to students. They must be knowledgeable in a variety of dance genres, including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and modern.
Dance Therapist: Dance therapists use movement and creative expression to help individuals with physical or emotional challenges. This can include helping those with physical disabilities or mental health issues.
Dance Performer: Dance performers are responsible for executing choreographed routines in a live setting. They must be able to interpret the choreographers vision and convey it to the audience.
Dance Producer: A dance producer is responsible for overseeing the production of a dance performance, from start to finish. They must have a thorough understanding of production elements, such as lighting, costumes, and music.
Dance Programmer: A dance programmer is responsible for creating computer programs that allow dancers to program complex movement sequences for stage shows. They must understand various coding languages and be able to translate choreography into code.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of different types of dances and their accompanying music
Ability to develop choreography that is appropriate for the target audience
Ability to design a dance program that is tailored to the needs of the participants
Knowledge of physical safety considerations when planning dance activities
Understanding of the principles of anatomy and kinesiology as applied to movement
Familiarity with different methods of teaching dance
Knowledge of how to teach and motivate students of varying ages and skill levels
Ability to create and maintain a safe, welcoming and encouraging learning environment
Understanding of how to apply musicality and musical phrasing to dance
Ability to use multimedia equipment for educational purposes
Knowledge of how to promote a positive image of dance and its educational benefits
Ability to work with a team and collaborate with other professionals in the field

Having a strong knowledge of dance programming is essential for any professional dancer. Knowing the basics of programming language, such as JavaScript and HTML, is vital for creating dynamic and interactive choreographies. having an understanding of sound, architecture, and lighting design can help dancers create innovative works of art for live audiences.

With an understanding of how to program a computer to control all these elements, dancers can create unique and captivating performances. Furthermore, an understanding of the basics of coding can help dancers understand the complexity of their own choreographies and create complex and interesting pieces. possessing a strong knowledge of dance programming is essential for any professional dancer to be successful in their chosen craft.

Dance Music Arranger, Dance Company Public Relations Manager, and Dance Crew Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in dance programming?
Describe a dance program you have implemented in the past.
What challenges have you faced while developing dance programs?
How do you ensure that the dancers are following the choreography correctly and performing at their full potential?
How do you keep the program interesting and engaging for the dancers?
How would you assess and evaluate the success of a dance program?
What techniques do you use to help dancers improve their technique and skill?
How do you handle feedback from dancers and parents?
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in dance programming?
What makes you the best candidate for this job?

Common Tools in Industry

Ableton Live. A professional music production software used to create and mix audio recordings. (eg: Skrillex uses Ableton Live to create his music)
FL Studio. An audio workstation software used to create, arrange, record and mix music. (eg: Martin Garrix uses FL Studio to produce his songs)
Logic Pro. A digital audio workstation used for creating, editing and mixing music. (eg: Deadmau5 utilizes Logic Pro to produce his tracks)
Traktor. A digital DJ platform used to mix and perform music with various effects. (eg: DJ Snake uses Traktor to mix his songs live)
Serato DJ. A software used by DJs and producers to mix, scratch and perform music. (eg: Diplo uses Serato DJ for his live sets)
Pro Tools. A professional audio production software used for music recording, editing and mixing. (eg: The Chainsmokers use Pro Tools to produce their tracks)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
International Dance Council (IDC)
American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
Congress on Research in Dance (CORD)
Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS)
Dance/USA
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE)
World Dance Alliance (WDA)
Dance/Movement Therapy Association (DMTA)

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Common Important Terms

Dance Notation. A system of symbols used to record and document a sequence of dance movements.
Choreography. The art of creating a dance composition that can be performed by a company of dancers.
Improvisation. The spontaneous creation of movement in response to music or other stimuli.
Dance Techniques. The specific body movements used in a dance, such as stretching, leaping, and turning.
Dance Rehearsal. The practice of dancing and perfecting a particular routine before performing it in public.
Score. A written document that contains all the information needed to create a dance piece, including the choreography, music, and costumes.
Dance Anatomy. The study of the structure and function of the body in movement.
Performance Skills. The ability to execute a dance with confidence, skill, and artistry.
Dance Composition. The creative process of creating a dance piece, from the initial concept to the completed performance.
Music Theory. The study of how music is composed, performed, and appreciated.