As performance opportunities continue to grow for our dancers...

including school talent shows, pageants, scholarship submissions, and college applications, we want to take a moment to share an important educational reminder about choreography, artistic ownership, and professional etiquette in the dance world.

Choreography Is Intellectual Property

Every dance taught in class or created for a performance represents many hours of artistic vision, musical interpretation, and creative work by a teacher or choreographer. Just like music, writing, or visual art, choreography is considered an artist’s intellectual property.

Because of this, dancers must receive permission from the choreographer or teacher before performing a class or competition dance outside of the studio’s intended setting.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• School talent shows
• Pageants
• Scholarship or competition submissions
• Auditions
• College or program applications
• Community performances or showcases

Why Permission Matters

Requesting permission is not simply a studio rule - it is a professional standard within the dance industry. It allows the choreographer to ensure:

• The work is represented appropriately
• The dancer is prepared for the new performance setting
• Music, staging, and choreography translate well to a different venue
• Artistic integrity is maintained

Adapting Group Work for Solo Performances

Many dances are originally created for groups. When a dancer wishes to perform a section independently or in a smaller ensemble, additional private instruction may be required to safely and artistically adapt the choreography.

This process may include:

• Re-staging formations
• Adjusting transitions or spacing
• Cleaning and refining performance quality
• Ensuring the choreography works effectively as a solo or duet

Private coaching ensures the dancer feels confident while honoring the original artistic intent.

Permission Is Not Always Guaranteed

In some situations, a teacher or choreographer may decline permission for a dance to be used outside of its original purpose. This decision may be based on artistic considerations, licensing limitations, or readiness of the choreography for alternate performance settings.

It is important to respect these decisions as part of professional artistic practice.

Giving Proper Credit

If permission is granted and choreography is performed elsewhere, proper credit must always be given to the choreographer and studio in programs, applications, or announcements whenever possible.

Example:

Choreography by [Teacher's First and Last Name],

Loveland Dance Academy

Building Professional Habits

Learning to request permission, respect artistic ownership, and credit creators are essential habits that prepare dancers for collegiate and professional environments. These practices reflect integrity, professionalism, and respect for the art form we all love.

If your performer is considering using choreography for an outside event, reach out to the choreographer before committing or submitting materials so they can guide you through the appropriate steps.

At Loveland Dance (Loveland studio) and Conservatory Dance (Greeley), we are proud to work with a diverse and talented faculty that includes resident teachers, guest artists, substitute instructors, and student teachers. We encourage families to explore our website to learn more about our resident faculty, view photos, and find correct spellings of teachers’ full names for programs and submissions.

Need help getting in touch with a teacher? We’re happy to assist! Simply contact our admin team, and we will help connect you with your current, past, or future instructor.

440 North Lincoln, Loveland

970-667-2091

813 8th Street, Greeley

970-356-7104

Questions? Please contact us! We would love to help!