"Most choreographers have undertaken some kind of formal dance training in which choreography is a core subject. The style of training most useful is, to some extent, dependent on the field in which you want to work. A musical theatre training might be more appropriate to choreography in the commercial sector, whereas if you want to set up your own avant-garde dance company, a contemporary dance training might be more useful. A combined degree - dance with another subject, possibly another arts subject - could be a good training for an aspiring choreographer as it would provide a broader experience."

"Choreographic training is generally studio-based and practical. Typically, a student will begin by developing a personal movement language through improvisation tasks - working on their own bodies. This will often lead to explorations of the choreographic craft through group dance forms, ranging from duet and trios to larger group pieces, where a student will learn to direct a group. Students might also learn to use technology in their performances, and will certainly receive some instruction in the use of music, stage lighting and costume. Other genres of choreography might be explored, for example site-specific choreography (dance in non-theatre spaces) or dance on-screen. In addition, most choreographers will need a reasonable level of administration, management and marketing skills in order to be able to organise a potential freelance career, apply for funding and promote their work. Many choreographers also teach, so workshop-leading skills are also very useful. A good training for a choreographer will also include some tuition in these areas."

"A choreographer is a leader, thinker and an observer of people, but above all an artist. You should have a passion for making and looking at dance, combined with a critical eye for detail and an ability to inspire, motivate and direct performers effectively."

"Most degree programmes in dance require A-levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications for entry onto their courses. An A-level or BTEC in dance or a related performing art is often useful, but not essential. Mature students may be able to gain entry through evidence of professional experience. The grades required will be dependent on the level of academic study expected on the degree course. All dance courses will expect some previous experience of dance, and most will hold auditions to determine whether applicants have the potential to succeed on their programme. Conservatoires will generally require a high potential level of dance and performance skills from applicants. University courses will look for a range of interests and skills in applicants."

"All dance degree programmes will involve academic study, and this is particularly important for those wishing to pursue choreography. Choreographers need to have a good knowledge of the field in which they work, so they can contextualise their own work and talk with authority about how it relates to other choreography and the arts in general."

"You should consider what your background is and where your interests lie. Choose a course provider on the basis of what they can offer in terms of advancing your knowledge and skills. Location might also be important: a big city would provide access to seeing lots of dance and related arts work; a rural location might be creatively inspiring."

"At auditions, which are held at most institutions, applicants will probably participate in a class and some sort of creative workshop. Course providers will most likely be interested in seeing evidence of potential, in terms of both dance technique and creative flair. Some institutions, notably conservatoires, charge a fee for auditions, and might ask that you prepare a solo to perform as part of the audition."

"Choreographers may create work for their own dance company. Equally they may work on a freelance basis, accepting commissions for choreography for other companies, community projects, special events. They might work on touring shows, or in unusual locations, with specific communities. In the commercial sector, they might choreograph for pop videos, fashion shows or live acts. Choreographers also might work in associated fields, for example as movement directors for theatre companies or making dance on-screen, devise new types of dance, for example bungee-assisted dance or vertical dance."

"A choreographer's life is very varied. Most have portfolio careers, probably balancing choreographic work alongside teaching and administrative work. It is a demanding, but rewarding life: being the director of a group of people who expect you to come up with something new and exciting, and who might have conflicting expectations of you, can be very challenging, but seeing your work performed well and listening to audience reactions can be intensely rewarding."

Kate Lawrence has worked as director, choreographer and dancer for Nomads Dance Company and extensively as a freelance choreographer and movement director for theatre companies. Her choreography has been performed in most London venues, nationally and in France, Austria, Hong Kong and Portugal. Her current areas of research expertise are choreography, site specific performance and vertical dance (dance and rock climbing).