The Fight for Choreographer Recognition in Hollywood

Dance is a vital component of film and television, adding energy and artistry to countless productions. Yet, the artists responsible for shaping that movement – choreographers – often lack the recognition and support afforded to other creative roles. Despite a growing movement for change, the industry still lags in acknowledging the crucial contributions of choreographers, particularly when it comes to awards and equitable working conditions.

A History of Omission

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences actually did celebrate choreography in the past, awarding a Best Dance Direction Oscar from 1935 to 1937. However, the category was discontinued, leaving a void that continues to be felt today. This omission is particularly frustrating given the prominence of dance in many blockbuster films and critically acclaimed productions.

Recent Progress and the Choreographers Guild

Founded in 2022, the Choreographers Guild has emerged as a key advocate for the profession. The Guild has already achieved some notable wins, including successfully lobbying IMDB to add a dedicated “choreographer” credit. Previously, choreographers’ work was often buried under “additional crew.” This change, while seemingly small, is significant in increasing visibility and acknowledging the role.

Expanding Academy Representation

In 2023, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences created a recent branch, Production and Technology, which included choreographers. Prior to this, Vincent Paterson was the sole choreographer within the Academy. Since then, five additional choreographers – Mandy Moore, Kenny Ortega, Prem Rakshith, Fatima Robinson, and Yuen Woo-Ping – have been invited to join, expanding the voice of choreography within the organization.

Current Challenges Facing Choreographers

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Choreographers often face issues with consistent work, fair compensation, and proper credit. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike led to higher rates for dancers, but some producers are now reducing the amount of dance in productions due to increased costs. Christian Vincent notes this dip in work opportunities.

Recognition remains a major hurdle. Kathryn Burns, founding president of the Choreographers Guild, points out that credit is still often given at the producer’s discretion, and choreographers are frequently excluded from industry events and basic acknowledgements like wrap gifts.

choreographers often lack the same benefits as other creative professionals, such as health care, pensions, and overtime pay. Burns emphasizes the demand for a collective bargaining agreement to address these disparities.

The Path Forward

The Choreographers Guild is actively working towards a unionization, aiming to secure better working conditions and equitable treatment for its members. Mandy Moore highlights the importance of educating the industry about the needs of choreographers, emphasizing that requests for adequate rehearsal space and equipment aren’t signs of being difficult, but rather essential for doing the job effectively.

While an independent Academy Award for choreography remains a long-term goal, Moore suggests a potential alternative: an honorary Oscar awarded to choreographers whose work is deemed exceptional in a given year.

Advocates like Vincent Paterson and Kathryn Burns are also exploring opportunities to gain recognition from other awards shows, such as the Golden Globes, to further elevate the profile of choreography in the industry.

Key Voices in the Conversation

Mandy Moore

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member, governor of the Television Academy choreographer peer group, Choreographers Guild member. Known for her work on La La Land and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour.

Vincent Paterson

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member, Choreographers Guild member. Known for his work on The Birdcage and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”

Kathryn Burns

Choreographers Guild founding president, Television Academy member. Known for her work on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”

Christian Vincent

Governor of the Television Academy choreographer peer group, Choreographers Guild member. Known for his work on “The Porter” and A Christmas Dance Reunion.

The Choreographers Guild

A labor organization founded in 2022 dedicated to advocating for the rights and recognition of choreographers in the entertainment industry.

The fight for choreographer recognition is ongoing, but with increased advocacy, growing industry awareness, and the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Choreographers Guild, the future looks brighter for these essential artists.