Lead Choreographer - Performing Arts

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Paid time off and holidays

Travel opportunities for touring

Complimentary tickets to performances

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Choreographer to spearhead dance and movement direction for mainstage productions, touring shows, and special engagements. You will develop original choreography, guide rehearsals, and uphold high artistic standards.

The ideal candidate leads with vision across classical, contemporary, jazz, and other styles, while mentoring dancers and collaborating with directors and designers to realize an overarching concept.

Qualifications

• Extensive professional choreographer experience with theatre/dance work.
• Mastery of multiple dance genres: classical, contemporary, jazz.
• Ability to create emotionally resonant movement sequences.
• Experience leading and motivating dance ensembles.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology and safe dance practices.
• Excellent visual and spatial reasoning.
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Dance/Choreography/Theatre desirable.
• Deep understanding of theatrical production and stagecraft.

Responsibilities

• Create original choreography for mainstage productions, touring shows, and special engagements.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and other creative team members to establish the artistic concept.
• Lead and mentor a company of professional dancers, providing clear direction during rehearsals.
• Teach dance technique classes, ensuring dancers maintain and improve their physical capabilities.
• Research and integrate diverse choreographic styles and influences to enrich productions.
• Manage rehearsal schedules and choreographic budgets effectively.
• Oversee staging and staging continuity of all choreographed sequences.
• Contribute to casting decisions by assessing dancer suitability for roles and styles.
• Develop movement vocabulary and characterisation for performers beyond traditional dance roles.
• Stay current with trends and innovations in choreography and the performing arts globally.

Skills

Choreography

Dance genres

Leadership

Rehearsals

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Dance

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious performing arts institution in the heart of Cape Town , is searching for an inspiring and innovative Lead Choreographer to spearhead their dance and movement direction. This is an unparalleled opportunity to define the artistic vision for a variety of theatrical productions, concerts, and special events. You will be responsible for developing original choreography, guiding dancers through rehearsals, and ensuring the highest standards of artistic execution. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of diverse dance forms, a keen eye for visual storytelling, and the ability to foster a collaborative and inspiring creative environment. This role requires a leader with a strong artistic voice and a passion for pushing the boundaries of movement and performance within the vibrant South African arts scene. Join a team dedicated to delivering world-class performances that captivate and move audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, develop, and stage original choreography for mainstage productions, touring shows, and special engagements.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and other creative team members to establish the overall artistic concept of productions.
• Lead and mentor a company of professional dancers, providing clear direction and constructive feedback during rehearsals.
• Teach dance technique classes, ensuring dancers maintain and improve their physical and artistic capabilities.
• Research and integrate diverse choreographic styles and influences to enrich productions.
• Manage rehearsal schedules and choreographic budgets effectively.
• Oversee the staging and staging continuity of all choreographed sequences.
• Contribute to casting decisions by assessing the suitability of dancers for specific roles and styles.
• Develop movement vocabulary and characterisation for performers beyond traditional dance roles.
• Stay current with trends and innovations in choreography and the performing arts globally.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a professional choreographer with a significant body of work in theatre, dance, or related performance arts.
• Mastery of multiple dance genres, including classical, contemporary, jazz, and potentially other cultural or theatrical styles.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling and emotionally resonant movement sequences.
• Proven experience in leading and motivating dance ensembles.
• Excellent understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and safe dance practices.
• Strong visual and spatial reasoning skills.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and meet strict deadlines.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Dance, Choreography, Theatre, or a related field is highly desirable.
• A deep understanding of theatrical production and stagecraft.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R.
• Generous health insurance coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for artistic innovation and creative freedom.
• Access to renowned performance venues and rehearsal spaces.
• Collaborative and supportive artistic community.
• Professional development funding for workshops and training.
• Travel opportunities for touring productions.
• Complimentary tickets to performances.