Choreographer and project leader

Maximum of 12 trainees

Clarify and articulate one’s artistic vision, encompassing both specific creative projects and the overall company vision.
Position oneself within the professional dance ecosystem and identify the stakeholders, networks, resources, and partners relevant to the project.
Structure the organization, governance, business model, and modes of cooperation.
Clarify one’s professional stance in various interpersonal contexts, and strengthen communication and tension prevention.

Module #1 – Contexts
Following an introductory session covering the training program’s key issues, frameworks, objectives, and expectations, this module aims to clarify the professional context in which choreographers operate.
Participants will first examine the complex interplay of their various roles and functions—and the terminology associated with them—to establish a shared vocabulary and gain a clearer understanding of the artistic, administrative, legal, and managerial implications of their day-to-day work. Equipped with this perspective, they will then focus on two fundamental areas: analyzing their relationship with time and adopting tools to manage a workflow often fragmented by the multifaceted nature of their work; and articulating their artistic projects while situating them within the dance ecosystem.

Module #2 – Skills
Covering everything from the creative process to company development, this module identifies the skills needed to successfully carry out a choreographic project. It addresses the skills of the choreographer—focusing on key competencies, leadership approaches, and the dynamics of managerial legitimacy—as well as those of the surrounding teams, through clarifying expectations, gaining insight into specific roles, and better understanding various collaborative contexts and their implications.
These topics are explored through group and individual exercises—including practical workshops, case studies, and role-playing—enabling participants to shift their vantage points and broaden their perspectives.

Module #3 – Structures
This module brings to light the values ​​underpinning each choreographer’s artistic project, serving as a necessary foundation for developing a comprehensive, strategic vision for their organization. 
Articulating these values—and ensuring their alignment with both the artistic project and the company’s overall mission—will enable participants to examine and strengthen their company’s structure and governance, as well as gain a better grasp of financial management. It also provides an opportunity to address the project’s social dimension through the lens of organizational social responsibility, working conditions, and the prevention of psychosocial risks. 
The module combines practical workshops with theoretical and methodological insights.

Module #4 – Relationships
Relational work lies at the heart of organizational processes, within a web of connections often strained by the exponential fragmentation of work schedules and locations.
Building on the values ​​and vision clarified in the previous module, this final stage of the training addresses the dynamics of connecting with others—both inside and outside the organization. The module offers tools, methods, and practical scenarios to improve day-to-day team communication, prevent and navigate conflict, and better define, formalize, and build relationships with partners.

The program is based on an active, experiential learning approach. Theoretical concepts are consistently linked to practical exercises, simulations, and work on the participants' actual projects. Alternating between individual work, paired discussions, group workshops, and experience-sharing sessions fosters the gradual mastery of tools and their concrete application in professional practice. The training program requires personal study time, including between sessions.

Karen Benarouch 

Work on clarifying the artistic project, values, skills and professional stance, communication, and time management.

Karen Benarouch is an expert professional with 15 years of experience in the performing arts, artist support, and cultural professions. She currently runs her own support agency, T.T.C. (Tous Talents Confondus).

Samuela Berdah et Raphaëlle Petitperrin

Work on the legal framework, business structuring, and working conditions.

Samuela Berdah, a legal specialist in the law governing artistic professions, and Raphaëlle Petitperrin, a former lawyer, are legal advisors supporting professionals at the CN D. For over 15 years, they have been advising and raising awareness among choreographic project leaders regarding legal and administrative matters.

Lucie Mollier

Work on business structuring, professional roles, and understanding the choreographic sector.

Lucie Mollier has held various senior positions in the performing arts sector, working with companies, production agencies, and National Drama Centers (CDN). She teaches a course on "Structuring, networks, and activities of choreographic companies" at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University and currently heads the Professional Resources department at the CN D.

€2400 for trainees with funding coverage
€950 for trainees without funding coverage

For more information on funding options and/or assistance with the process of securing coverage under continuing professional training schemes (skills operators and training funds—such as Afdas, employers, France Travail, etc.), please contact Karen Millot (see contact details).

Complete the registration form and submit it along with your CV and your answers to the introductory questionnaire by November 22, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed by Lucie Mollier, Samuela Berdah, and Raphaëlle Petitperrin (CN D) to ensure alignment between the candidates' backgrounds, expectations, and needs, and the training program's objectives and structure. All candidates will receive a response via email and/or telephone no later than December 18, 2026.

If you are seeking funding or financial support, please allow extra time and contact Karen Millot (see contact details) for assistance in preparing your application file (e.g., for Afdas, France Travail, or your employer).

Your registration will be confirmed once your application has been approved and payment—or confirmation of funding—has been received.

Introductory and motivation questionnaire (to be completed directly within the registration form; see registration link)

• Outline your professional background.
• What are your primary activities as an artist ? Do you have any other professional activities ?
• How would you define your artistic project today ?
• Describe the organization(s) or structure(s) within which you develop your projects.
• Who do you work with on a daily basis ? Who makes up your professional network ?
• Who are the key partners and supporters of your projects ?
• What professional challenges have you encountered while leading your projects ?
• Have you previously taken any other training courses ? If so, which ones ?
• What do you hope to gain from this training ?

A self-assessment is conducted at the beginning and end of the training.
A certificate of attendance is issued to each participant upon completion of the training.
A questionnaire evaluating the training and the knowledge acquired is sent to participants after the course.

Schedule for the 4 modules:

• monday : 2:00pm-6:00pm
• tuesday to thursday : 10:00-1:00pm / 2:00pm-6:00pm
• friday : 10:00-1:00pm

Traveling training course in the Île-de-France region

Module #1 22 > 02.26.27 at the CN D in Pantin

Module #2 5 > 04.9.27 at the Maison des Métallos, Paris

Module #3 10 > 05.14.27 at the MC93, Bobigny

Module #4 06.28 > 07.2.27 in the Île-de-France region (venue to be confirmed)