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How a choreographer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-2032.00: ChoreographersMedian pay $55,310/year (BLS, May 2025)18 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Ballet Director, Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Maker, Musical Choreographer, Opera Choreographer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 6%AI-assist 66%Stays human 29%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 11 AI-assist and 6 human-led tasks out of 18. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Seek influences from other art forms, such as theatre, the visual arts, and architecture.

Weekly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to seek influences from other art forms, such as theatre, the visual arts, and architecture.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Field: [craft, art, design, industry]
Why: [new work, marketing, buying]

List current trends with examples, what's fading, and where to watch for new ones. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Trend scan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you seek influences (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Field] and [Why] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Sketch one idea inspired by a trend.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor current trends..

AI can help you prep these 11

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.

Several times a day

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Chorel Technology Dance Designer; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Skill or strategy: [describe]
Athletes or performers: [level]

Plan drills, cues and progression. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Coaching technique session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct rehearsals.
Step 2Fill in [Skill or strategy] and [Athletes or performers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others on performance techniques..

Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Chorel Technology Dance Designer; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Skill or strategy: [describe]
Athletes or performers: [level]

Plan drills, cues and progression. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Coaching technique session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise dancers (today).
Step 2Fill in [Skill or strategy] and [Athletes or performers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others on performance techniques..

Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Piece: [music, style, dancers]
Theme: [story, mood]

Suggest structure, motifs and formations. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choreography ideas

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you record dance movements and their technical aspects (today).
Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Theme] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choreograph dances..

Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Skill or strategy: [describe]
Athletes or performers: [level]

Plan drills, cues and progression. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Coaching technique session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach students and dancers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Skill or strategy] and [Athletes or performers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others on performance techniques..

Experiment with different types of dancers, steps, dances, and placements, testing ideas informally to get feedback from dancers.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to experiment with different types of dancers, steps, dances, and placements, testing ideas informally to get feedback from dancers.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Piece: [music, style, dancers]
Theme: [story, mood]

Suggest structure, motifs and formations. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choreography ideas

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you experiment with different types of dancers, steps and dances (today).
Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Theme] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choreograph dances..

Develop ideas for creating dances, keeping notes and sketches to record influences.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to develop ideas for creating dances, keeping notes and sketches to record influences.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Piece: [music, style, dancers]
Theme: [story, mood]

Suggest structure, motifs and formations. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choreography ideas

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop ideas (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Theme] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choreograph dances..

Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Program or production: [show, season, schedule]
Audience and constraints: [length, budget]

Suggest content ideas and a schedule. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choose content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you choose the music, sound effects and spoken narrative (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Program or production] and [Audience and constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine presentation subjects or content..

Read and study story lines and musical scores to determine how to translate ideas and moods into dance movements.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to read and study story lines and musical scores to determine how to translate ideas and moods into dance movements.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Script or treatment: [paste pages or a scene summary]
My department: [sets / costumes / lighting / locations / props]

Break this down for my department: a scene-by-scene list of requirements, locations or sets needed, special effects or items, and open questions to raise with the director.

10-minute exercise: Break down a script for requirements

Step 1Pick a script section you need to break down this week.
Step 2Paste it into [Script or treatment] and name your area in [My department].
Step 3Compare it with your own breakdown. Add what it missed, then take the open questions to the next production meeting.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Study scripts to determine project requirements..

Design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Piece: [music, style, dancers]
Theme: [story, mood]

Suggest structure, motifs and formations. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choreography ideas

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design dances.
Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Theme] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choreograph dances..

Design sets, lighting, costumes, and other artistic elements of productions, in collaboration with cast members.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to design sets, lighting, costumes, and other artistic elements of productions, in collaboration with cast members.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Project: [interface, craft, exhibit]
Brief: [goals, audience]

Generate 10 concepts and develop 2. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Design concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design sets. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Brief] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes..

Restage traditional dances and works in dance companies' repertoires, developing new interpretations.

A few times a year

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to restage traditional dances and works in dance companies' repertoires, developing new interpretations.

Context: We use Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive DanceForms; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Piece: [music, style, dancers]
Theme: [story, mood]

Suggest structure, motifs and formations. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choreography ideas

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you restage traditional dances and works.
Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Theme] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Choreograph dances..

These stay human 6

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Standing: more than half the time

Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Project: [shoot, campaign]
Teams: [art, copy, production]

Plan a coordination meeting. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Creative team coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct stage dance presentations (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Teams] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate artistic activities..

Assess students' dancing abilities to determine where improvement or change is needed.

Daily

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to assess students' dancing abilities to determine where improvement or change is needed.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Discipline: [sport, position, performance type]
Observations: [stats, video notes, strengths, weaknesses]

Organize the assessment, suggest drills or focus areas, and a feedback outline. I make the final evaluation.

10-minute exercise: Assess an athlete or performer

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess students' dancing abilities (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Discipline] and [Observations] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Give the feedback yourself and track one focus area.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate skills of athletes or performers..

Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Skill: [technique, routine, piece]
Time: [minutes per day]

Plan focused practice blocks, drills and a progress log. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Practice plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train, exercise, and attend dance classes (today).
Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Time] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Track one measurable skill for two weeks.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Practice athletic or artistic skills..

Audition performers for one or more dance parts.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to audition performers for one or more dance parts.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Roles: [describe]
Candidates: [performers, staff]

Prepare criteria, questions and a scoring sheet. Then play a candidate. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Audition or interview plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you audition performers.
Step 2Fill in [Roles] and [Candidates] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Score against the same criteria for everyone. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Audition or interview potential performers or staff members..

Coordinate production music with music directors.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to coordinate production music with music directors.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Project: [shoot, campaign]
Teams: [art, copy, production]

Plan a coordination meeting. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Creative team coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate production music.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Teams] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate artistic activities..

Manage dance schools, or assist in their management.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to manage dance schools, or assist in their management.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Department: [art, production]
Issue: [budget, schedule]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Managing a creative department

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you manage dance schools (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Department] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Persuasionimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Negotiationimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Time Managementimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Thinking Creatively
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Monitoringimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Dancers82% human-led · Same preparation · usually high school diplomaYour skills already line up
  • Music Directors and Composers29% human-led · Needs more preparation · $73,710/yr · usually master's degreeSkills to build: Writing
  • Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance54% human-led · Same preparation · $97,150/yr · usually high school diplomaYour skills already line up
  • Art Directors25% human-led · Needs more preparation · $114,850/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Writing, Judgment and Decision Making, Operations Analysis

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Plan and direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.

New in O*NET

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a choreographer. Part of my job is to plan and direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Chorel Technology Dance Designer; the work draws on fine arts, design and production and processing.
Skill or strategy: [describe]
Athletes or performers: [level]

Plan drills, cues and progression. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Coaching technique session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan and direct rehearsals.
Step 2Fill in [Skill or strategy] and [Athletes or performers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Updated O*NET task (08/2024), replacing: “Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.”. O*NET work activity: Train others on performance techniques..

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (33% of workers)

  • High school or less 43%
  • Certificate or some college 24%
  • Associate's 10%
  • Bachelor's 19%
  • Graduate degree 5%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 4–6 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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