SUPPLIES
- Degree in dance (BA or MA preferred)
- Resume
- Business cards (for networking)
Overview
Modeling and choreography are very different fields, but have some traits in common. Both require a lot of effort and may be slow to build. These careers are best for self-starters who can stay motivated and creative throughout periods of challenge. Read these tips to see what you'll need to make it in the worlds of choreography and modeling.
Step 1
Good physical shape is key, first and foremost. Choreography will require movement and dance, and modeling is the exhibition of the ideal physical form. To keep up a good shape, exercise regularly and eat well. Avoid disordered eating, since it will destroy your body and kill a career before it even starts.
Step 2
Develop and maintain a clean, up-to-date resume that features a good headshot and list of qualifications. For choreography jobs, list any dance experience, related degrees and works that you've created. For modeling, you should have a comp card of pictures in various outfits and moods. To get good pics, check out sites like Model Mayhem for photographers or trade papers like "Backstage."
Step 3
Offer your services to others to gain experience. Remember than many people started slow and worked their way up. To get choreography jobs, go to area dance schools and companies and talk to the artistic director about opportunities to work with them. Don't forget that private clients always need dance pieces for auditions, events and performances, too.
For modeling, check places like Craigslist for open casting listings and jobs. Be extremely careful to get names of past models so that you can get references. If your gut says that something is odd about a shoot or location, run the other way! For new photographers or situations, it may be good to bring a friend.
Step 4
Continue your education and outreach into the professional community. There are networking events in major cities all the time, as well as social meet-ups for modeling and choreography. At these events, photographers, stylists and other industry professionals are often looking for eligible candidates for work. It's worth it to attend these gatherings to start building a network. From these, it's possible to do small-scale shows and showcases that are great for resume building. Always keep business cards for networking so that people remember exactly who you are and what you offer.
Step 5
After building experience on your own, seek out an agency to represent you. Never pay an agency anything, ever; it profits from fees that clients pay for their employees' services. There aren't many agencies for choreographers, but there are professional organizations, colleges and trade magazines with job listings.
Resources
