What this life looks like
You are the architect of movement. Choreographers design and direct the movement of bodies in performance — creating dances for theatre, film, television, music videos, live concerts, and contemporary dance companies. Africa's extraordinary dance traditions — from Kpanlogo to Gwara Gwara to traditional ceremonial dance — combined with the global explosion of African-influenced popular dance make choreography one of the most vibrant creative careers on the continent.
What she actually does
You develop movement concepts and phrases, teach choreography to performers, direct rehearsals, adapt choreography to the abilities of different performers, collaborate with directors, music producers, and costume designers, interpret music through movement, create performance work for stage and screen, and document choreographic work for teaching and preservation.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Music Video Production | Music video choreographers work with Afrobeats and Amapiano artists — a vibrant and growing market |
| Theatre & Dance Companies | Moving into Dance (SA), Step Afrika, Soweto Dance Theatre — African contemporary dance companies |
| Television & Events | Awards shows, television performances, brand events — choreography for large-scale television productions |
| Film | Nollywood and African film productions increasingly employ professional choreographers |
Why it matters in Africa
Afrobeats and Amapiano music videos, African television productions, the globalisation of African dance through social media, and the growing contemporary African dance sector are all creating demand for skilled choreographers. African dance has influenced global popular culture — Gwara Gwara, Shaku Shaku, and Amapiano's 'Izikhothane' moves have spread globally through social media. African choreographers who can work across traditional and contemporary contexts are increasingly sought globally.
Your pathway in
- Train seriously — choreography demands exceptional dance technique and embodied knowledge of movement
- Study at a dance school or conservatory: University of the Arts (various African countries), Moving into Dance (SA)
- Work as a dancer first — most choreographers develop their work through years of performing
- Assist established choreographers on productions to learn how professional choreography is conceived and directed
- Develop skills in multiple dance styles: African traditional dance, contemporary, hip-hop, and social dance forms all have value
Skills you will need
- Dance technique (multiple styles)
- Movement design and composition
- Directing performers
- Music analysis
- Rehearsal management
- Teaching and notation
A woman in this field
Dada Masilo
South Africa
Dada is one of South Africa's most celebrated contemporary dance choreographers, known for her extraordinary reinterpretations of classical ballets — 'Swan Lake,' 'Carmen,' and 'The Sacrifice' — through an African lens. Her work blends classical technique with African contemporary movement, traditional South African dance, and political commentary to create performances that have been acclaimed at the world's greatest dance festivals. She is a unique artistic force in global contemporary dance.
Take your first step
- Study African dance traditions from your culture — search YouTube for tutorials and learn from professional teachers online
- Create a short 2-minute piece of choreography to a song you love — directing movement to music is the core skill
- Attend live dance performances: every dance company, school show, and community performance is a learning opportunity
- Research Moving into Dance Mophatong in South Africa and contemporary African dance programmes across the continent — they are the training ground for Africa's finest choreographers
Careers close to this one
- Dancer/Performer
- Theatre Director
- Music Producer
- Filmmaker/Director
- Costume Designer