Dance and Choreography
Degrees offered: B.A., B.A.(Hons), B.F.A., B.P.A., B.Sc.(Hons), BS, Diploma
What is Dance and Choreography
Dance Choreography and music are a big part of Indian culture, that's why, when we talk about it as a course in India, we understand that it is a wider term and needs a lot more detail to be turned into a career. And, if you are someone who cannot stop imitating all the signature Bollywood steps, or creating Instagram reels over the viral signature steps, then it is quite possible that you have a thing for dance and you want to take it forward as a career in dance and choreography. BPA and MPA are the degree courses that you might want to pursue if you are interested in studying Dance and Choreography.
Highlights
Particulars | Values |
Branch Name | Dance and Choreography |
Degree | B.P.A. (Bachelor of Performing Arts), B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Dance, B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Dance, B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Dance and Music, B.V.A. (Bachelor of Visual Arts) in Dance. M.P.A. (Master of Performing Arts) in Dance M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) in Dance M.V.A. (Master of Visual Arts) in Dance M.A. (Master of Arts) in Dance M.A. (Master of Arts) in Dance and Music |
Duration | B.P.A (3-4 year) M.P.A (2 years) B.F.A (3-4 year) M.F.A (2 years) B.V.A (3 years) M.V.A (2 years) B.A (3 years) M.A ( 2 years) B.A (3 years) |
Eligibility | Undergraduate- 10+2 |
Post-graduate- Graduation | |
Admission Process | Under-graduation- Entrance exam/merit |
Post-graduation- Entrance test /merit | |
Course Fees | BVA: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 300,000 per annum BPA: Rs. 5000 to Rs. 50,000 per annum BA: Rs. 5000 to Rs. 260,000 per annum |
MPA: Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 60,000 per annum MVA: Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 56,000 per annum MA: Rs. 7500 to Rs. 200,000 per annum | |
Career Options | Dance Teacher, Works for a Dance company Dance Medicine Specialist |
Average Salary | 200,000 per annum |
Recruiting Companies | UTV Motion Pictures Balaji Telefilms Eros International Ashley Lobo Danceworx Bhartiya Natya Academy Rajshri Productions T-Series |
Specialization or Similar Ones
Whether you are planning to enroll for a bachelor's or master's in dance and choreography or a master's degree in the same. You will have to pick speciation from the available degree courses. Here we have enlisted the specializations available in Dance and Choreography
B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Dance and Music | |
M.A. (Master of Arts) in Dance | M.A. (Master of Arts) in Dance and Music |
M.V.A. (Master of Visual Arts) in Dance | - |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Dance and Choreography
Individuals interested in pursuing courses related to Dance and Choreography must analyse, whether they are eligible for admission or not. There is no particular national-level exam in this branch, and most of the colleges either take direct admissions or conduct their own entrance exams.
Eligibility Criteria UG Courses
Candidates wishing to enroll in an undergraduate course in Dance such as BPA in Dance or BA in Dance are required to successfully complete 10+2 from a recognised school.
Several dance institutes and colleges undertake only those candidates who have a prior background in dance or proven track record of participation in dance events and activities.
Several dance schools and colleges conduct entrance examinations to provide admissions in undergraduate dance courses. Aspiring individuals are required to appear and qualify the dance entrance examinations.
Top Dance and Choreography Undergraduate Entrance Examinations
BHU UET: BHU UET stands for Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test. It is a university level entrance examination conducted to provide admissions to eligible candidates in various undergraduate courses.
LPU NEST: LPU NEST stands for Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test. It is conducted to provide admissions to students in the courses running in university. BPA (Theatre) is one of the specialised courses that trains individuals in dance and choreography. Aspiring individuals are required to appear in LPU NEST and qualify to get enrollment in the BPA (Theatre) course.
Eligibility Criteria PG Courses
Aspiring candidates wishing to enroll in a postgraduate dance course are required to successfully complete 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 level of education from a recognised college.
Candidates must have appeared and qualified in the dance examination conducted by various state and national examination authorities.
They must possess a minimum five year learning experience in dance from any recognised dance institute.
Top Dance and Choreography Postgraduate Entrance Examinations
BHU PET: BHU PET stands for Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test. It is a university level entrance examination conducted to provide admissions in postgraduate courses running in university.
Scope of Dance and Choreography in India and Abroad
Graduation or post-graduation in any specialization of dance and choreography is the first step towards building a career in this performing art. Although, many times it may come as doubt in the minds of many students if Dance and Choreography has any scope in a country like India? Then, we would say, yes. The trend now is changing and shifting to giving the all-deserved recognition to performing arts as a career. You can pursue the enthusiastic job of a dance teacher or a professional choreographer. The options are plenty that we will discuss in our jobs section of the article.
Course Fees Dance and Choreography
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
Course Subjects
The syllabus for the branch will differ according to the course you take from BFA, BVA to BA in Dance. Practical sessions to history, theory, and behavioral learnings, all of it is included in the choreography-related courses in India.
The various modules designed for the candidates to excel in their field of interest are made to give in-depth knowledge of the subject and to understand the industry well.
Here is the syllabus for BPA in dance-
Choreography 1: Constructing the Body – An exploration of a range of choreographic principles, performance practice, research, and analysis and study skills. | Movement Techniques: Codified Practice Level 1 – Principally incorporating the techniques of Cunningham, Limon, and Release, as well as other contemporary styles from guest tutors. |
Movement Technique and Improvisation: Somatic Practice – An introduction to anatomy and body-mind techniques, such as the Alexander Technique & Shin Somatic. | New Media and Performance Practice – An introduction to a range of digital software and practical projects exploring their use in dance performance. |
Collaborative Practice 1 – An investigation into collaboration and creativity in dance performance. | Choreography 2: Body as a Conscious Site – Developing choreography through Cultural and Experiential memory, creating group and solo work. |
Movement Techniques: Codified Practice Level 2 – Principally incorporating the techniques of Cunningham, Limon, and Release. Other contemporary styles from guest tutors. | Movement Techniques: Contact Improvisation – An exploration through improvisation of dynamic and weight interchange between two or more practitioners. |
Dance on Camera: The practice of screen dance – Exploring the relationship between dance and the lens. | Collaborative Practice 2: Sound and Site – Working with composers and musicians from the school of music, plus professional site-specific performance making. |
Choreography 3 – Your final independent project - written or practical | Movement Techniques: Codified Practice Level 3 – Principally incorporating the techniques of Cunningham, Limon, and Release. Other contemporary styles from guest tutors. |
Movement Technique & Improvisation: Somatic Research – Further development of somatic skills focusing on self-inquiry, movement therapy, and the creative and performing body. | The Company – Formation of a company to work with a professional choreographer. |
Syllabus for M.A in Dance-
Studio Studies | Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique |
Advanced Projects in Dance Performance and Repertory | Choreography: Design for Dance and Movement Theatre |
Topics in Dance | Advanced Projects in Performance. |
Dance Technique | Topics in Performance Studies |
Thesis | - |
Also Read: Music Course
Careers in Dance and Choreography
There are a plethora of job opportunities available in the field of dancing and choreography. Almost every school, college, and institution employees dance teachers and choreographers. With awareness for fitness at its rise, dancers and choreographers are one of the top choices to go. Some of the most prominent career options for people in dancing and choreography are mentioned below:
Dance Instructor | A dance instructor is responsible for training students in dance technique and dramatic skills. They often specialize in types of choreography such as ballet, jazz, or tap. Sometimes the dance instructor may choreograph some of the routines, and other times they may hire a professional choreographer to do it. |
Dance Teacher | Dance teachers are responsible for leading dance classes for individuals or groups of people. Their duties are closely related to teaching various types of choreography. |
Artistic Director | The person with overall responsibility for the selection and interpretation of the works performed by a theatre, ballet, or opera company. |
Rehearsal Director | The rehearsal director is generally responsible for coordinating and supervising the rehearsals within a company. They may be known as the choreographer's right-hand man' and it is usually their responsibility to ensure that the dancers know and can interpret the work as set by the choreographer. |
Stage Performers | In the performing arts, a performance generally comprises an event in which a performer or group of performers present one or more works of art to an audience. In instrumental music (and in drama), performance is typically described as "play". Usually, the performers participate in rehearsals beforehand. |
Also Read: Cinematography Course
Upcoming trends
A growing interest in dance in pop culture may provide opportunities in fields outside of dance companies, such as TV or movies, casinos, or theme parks. Many dancers and dance choreographers, nonetheless, struggle to find opportunities to express themselves creatively; newer dance companies rely on word-of-mouth, grants, and public funding. Therefore, many more companies will be hunting for new talents.
The average demand for dance instructors and choreographers has increased within a few years by 24%. There is no boom expected in the job demand and several jobs, but there will always be the phenomenon of replacement in the companies and one must look for options related to dance jobs in big cities like Delhi, and Mumbai.
Also Read: Film Making Course
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Students after their degree in dance specializations can try for different job profiles such as dance instructor, Dance teacher, Rehearsal director, and many more. There are many top companies that employ dance experts. Here are the top recruiters for Dance and Choreography.
UTV Motion Pictures
Balaji Telefilms
Eros International
Ashley Lobo Danceworx
Bhartiya Natya Academy
Rajshri Productions
T-Series
Average Salary
Whether you are a dance instructor or a dance choreographer, the average salary in this field is pretty decent and you can expect a raise in it with time and expertise. Here are the details for the average salary.
Job Profiles | Average Salary (per annum) |
Rs. 200,000 ( payscale.com data) | |
Dance Instructor | Rs. 209,832 (indeed.com data) |
Stage Performer (Dancer) | Rs. 325,000 (payscale.com data) |
Dance Teacher | Rs. 330034 (payscale.com data) |
Required Skillset for Dance and Choreography
Dance and choreography is a practical skill, that is why it is necessary to have a talent in the field that will then be able to polish while pursuing the degree courses in dance. Here are the skillsets that are necessary to become a dancer or a choreographer.
Creativity | Interpersonal management |
Leadership | Persistence |
Physical strength | Physical strength |
Athleticism | Teamwork |
Course Curriculum for Dance and Choreography
Dance is the soul of the performing arts. It is the most crucial part of almost every civilisation. It has been there from the ages. It is the form of body movements and facial expressions to express various emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, love and laughter.
A skilled dancer designs, arranges and synchronises the movements of the body with the rhythm to express the emotions that pleases the spectators.
The curriculum of dance and choreography includes various dance forms including regional and international such as bharatnatyam, kuchipudi, sals, tango and ballet.
Top Dance and Choreography Colleges in India
As we discussed that there is no specific entrance exam for the course, it depends on the colleges you are planning to take admission in. Various colleges also take direct admission for dance and choreography-related courses and many others may conduct their own entrance exam for the same. Here are the top colleges in India where you can apply to build a career around Dance and Choreography.
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Top Private Colleges for Dance and Choreography
The branch of Dance and Choreography is getting famous day by day. All the dancing enthusiasts who dream of setting their career in this field need to start the process by choosing the college of their choice. Here are a few of the top colleges for graduation and post-graduation in Dance and Choreography.
Smt Hiraba Motibhai Patel Institute of Performing Arts, Anand | |
Guru Harekrushna Behera College of Art and Culture, Balasore | |
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Top Government Colleges for Dance and Choreography
Many government colleges, state universities also offer both undergraduate and postgraduate level courses, along with some diploma courses in the field of dance and choreography. Here are a few of them.
Popular Dance and Choreography Entrance Exams in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What are top choreographers in India?
Answer :
The top choreographers in India are:
- Farah Khan
- Prabhu Deva
- Remo D'Souza
- Ganesh Acharya
- Siamak Dawar
- Vaibhavi Merchant
Question: What are the top dancing institutes in India?
Answer :
The top dancing institutes in India are mentioned below:
- Les Danseuses Academy
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Music Dance Institute
- Drama School Mumbai
- National School of Drama Delhi
- ITA School of Performing Arts
- Shiamak Dance Academy
Question: What is the minimum required education qualification for enrollment in MPA in dance?
Answer :
The minimum required qualification for enrollment in MPA in dance is successful completion of any undergraduate degree and completion of 5 years training in dance from any recognised dance institute.
Question: What is the average salary offered to freshly graduates of BPA in dance?
Answer :
The average salary offered to freshly graduates of BPA in dance ranges Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 700,000 per annum.
Question: What are various undergraduate degree courses offered under the dance and choreography specialisations?
Answer :
The various courses offered in dance and choreography specialisation are mentioned below:
- BVA: Bachelor of Visual Arts
- BPA: Bachelor of Performing Arts
- BFA: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BA: Bachelor of Arts
Question: What is the average fee of BA in Dance?
Answer :
The average fee of the BA in dance course ranges Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 260,000 per annum.
Question: How can I become a dancer?
Answer :
Dance is a performing art, and if you believe that you want to enhance your skill and knowledge in the field, you can pursue a degree course in this branch.
Question: How much does a dance teacher makes in India?
Answer :
Dance Teacher Salary in India ranges between 0.2 Lakhs to 6.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of 2.7 Lakhs.
Question: Can I opt for more than one specialization in dance?
Answer :
No, students have to pick one specialization and pursue it.
Question: How much money does a choreographer make?
Answer :
The average salary of a choreographer in India can begin from 15000 per month to 30,000 per month.
Question: Do you need a degree to be a choreographer?
Answer :
A degree, however, is not necessary for a dance career, but those who want to enhance their skills and knowledge can pursue a bachelor's or a master's degree in dance.