Introduction:

If you are one of those who love to be in the world of fashion and glamour and at the same time be creative, you are apt for a career in fashion choreography. Fashion choreography is also known as Catwalk Choreography. As the fashion industry evolves, it creates more opportunities for specialisation and super-specialisation. Career in fashion does not mean merely dealing in clothes but designing, manufacture and merchandise of accessories such as jewellery, bags, footwear as well. Broadly it includes related careers such as Fashion choreography, Fashion photography, Fashion journalism etc. Careers in the beauty business and modelling is also closely related to the fashion industry.

Those with talent can enter the fashion industry by stepping into fashion shows as a Fashion Choreographer. A career in fashion choreography is about showcasing the designer's dream on stage in the best possible manner.

Fashion/ Catwalk Choreography focuses on training models to present the clothes in an appealing and professional manner. Fashion choreography consists of various movement patterns that are followed by models on the ramp and these steps are matched with a piece music selected by the designer which adds rhythm to the walk. Fashion/ catwalk choreographers play a crucial role in the cadence, theme, feel and design of fashion runway shows. Fashion choreographer is basically the show director. He or she has to teach the models to walk along with the music that is to be played for a fashion show or an event, in a way that not only looks aesthetically appealing but also glamorous and chic. It can make or break an entire fashion show. Today, designers are keen on hiring talented choreographers because they know that choreographers are essential to ensure the success of their shows

Eligibility:

Educational

The minimum eligibility criterion to pursue a career in Fashion Choreography is the successful completion of 10+2 in any discipline. The basic requirement to be in this field is creative talent. There are no such specific courses to enter this field. One can make a start in this field by assisting a choreographer who is already established in the industry. However if you're interested in a career in fashion choreography, a bachelor's or master's degree in Fashion is likely to be very helpful.

Personal attributes:

Being a creative career, a choreographer must be creative and have a keen sense of colour, style etc. He should have good communications skills in order to explain to the models what is required of them. They must have an inherent sense of rhythm and fashion. A choreographer needs to be diplomatic, calm and confident. He should also be able to solve every problem that crops up during the successful execution of the show. They should be able to deal with pressure and work for long hours even at odd timings.

Institutes:

• Shaimak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts
• Danceworx Performing Arts Academy of Ashley Lobo
• Kasber’s Dance Academy, Mumbai
• JK Dance Company Private Limited
• ISOMES ITA School of Performing Arts, Noida
• The ITA School of Performing Arts
• Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi

Job Prospects & Career Options:

The world of fashion is a wide field with lots of opportunities. From designers to fashion brands, all hire Catwalk Choreographers to make their show a hit. Fashion shows have now become a frequent event and a source of entertainment, that it has led to an increase in the scope for Fashion choreographers. No college day is complete without a fashion show, and even corporate events these days have fashion shows.

The success of a fashion show is in the hands of a fashion choreographer. Once the designer has explained the collection and the presentation idea to the choreographer, it is the choreographer's job to plan and execute every step to make the show a success. A fashion choreographer normally looks into every detail of the show, from the ambience decor, stage and ramp design, lighting effects, audio visuals, music, models, make up and hair styling to the outfits each model should wear. They must plan the fashion show in such a way that the designer's clothes are properly highlighted and creates anticipation among the audience.

Style is an individual aspect. No two people can have exactly the same style because every person has a unique style of their own. Hence the style in which the choreographer presents a show must be unique. It must be different from the way he/she presented the earlier shows

Fashion choreographers often work very closely with a team of creative professionals, such as designers, models, stylists and photographers. They can form their own group or even work with other troupes. One could start off by assisting an established choreographer. As one gains experience and reputation in the industry, he/she can work independently as a freelancer. Fashion Choreographers also have the option of starting schools and teaching techniques of choreography. The future is extremely bright for those who have established a base in this field as fashion shows and events are common these days. Designers as well as dealers of branded items hire fashion choreographers to present their products to the world. One can also work with modelling companies, where he/ she can teach models the art of cat walking.

While a career in fashion choreography is an exciting option for many, there are some drawbacks to working in this industry like in any other career. Fashion choreographers often have to work extremely long hours and within strict budgets. He has to satisfy the needs and criteria of designers, model and even the clients.

Challenges:

• Fashion choreography is not about dance but about the perfect catwalk. The main duty of a Fashion choreographer is to train models to walk on the ramp with music in an appealing manner which is difficult.
• Career in fashion choreography is about showcasing the designer's dream on stage in the best possible manner. A single mistake can affect the the designer and his/her brand.
• Designers are keen on hiring talented choreographers because they know that choreographers are essential to ensure the success of their shows so the they have a huge responsibility.

Remuneration:

The salary package in this field varies in terms of skills and experience gained during the course of pursuance of the profession. Catwalk Choreography is indeed a fulfilling career that can fetch you great perks as you are sure of constant customers. With a good reputation one can command a high income. A well established choreographer can demand while a beginner has to satisfy with what he gets.

Bibliography:

career.webindia123.com. (2017). Careers in Fashion Choreography : Career Options | Fashion Choreography Careers and Courses in India. [online] Available at: https://career.webindia123.com/career/options/beauty_fashion/fashion_choreography/intro.htm [Accessed 16 Sep. 2017].

Indianmirror.com. (2017). Career Option in Choreography Industry, Jobs, Careers in Choreography Courses, Management, Institutes in India. [online] Available at: http://www.indianmirror.com/career/choreography.html [Accessed 16 Sep. 2017].

Univariety.com. (2017). What exactly is fashion choreography? What all colleges offer fashion choreography? What exactly do we have to do to become a fashion choreographer? And is joining some reputed dance class enough to become a fashion choreographer or do we have to necessarily get admission in some college? - Univariety Discussion Forum. [online] Available at: https://www.univariety.com/qa/1151/choreography-fashion%C2%A0choreography-choreographer-choreographer [Accessed 16 Sep. 2017].