A professional dancer resume is an essential tool for anyone seeking employment in the dance industry. It enables you to showcase your skills, experience, and training to potential employers and can help you stand out in a highly competitive field. A well-crafted dancer resume can make all the difference in securing an audition or job opportunity.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on creating a standout dancer resume. We will walk you through the essential components of a professional dancer resume and provide you with examples of how to effectively highlight your skills, experience, and achievements.
Our guide is divided into the following sections:
Format & Design: We will discuss the best format and design options for your dancer resume and provide you with templates to get you started.
Contact Information: We will guide you through the process of including your contact information on your dancer resume and discuss best practices.
Objective or Summary: We will discuss whether an objective or summary is necessary for your dancer resume and provide you with examples.
Education & Training: We will show you how to effectively highlight your education and training in the dance industry.
Performance Experience: We will provide you with tips on how to showcase your performance experience and highlight your achievements.
Skills: We will discuss the skills required for success in the dance industry and how to effectively highlight them on your dancer resume.
References: We will discuss how to include references on your dancer resume and provide best practices.
By the end of this article, you will have all the tools you need to create an impressive dancer resume that will help you stand out to potential employers. Let’s get started!
Basic Elements of a Dancer Resume
When it comes to preparing a professional dancer resume, there are several key elements that you should include. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to land your next big gig, your resume serves as your first impression to employers in the dance industry.
Here are the basic elements of a dancer resume:
Contact Information
Your resume should include accurate contact information, such as your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and easy to read, as this will be the primary way that employers and casting directors will get in touch with you.
Objective/Summary Statement
Your objective or summary statement is a brief paragraph that highlights your career goals and what you can offer as a dancer. This statement should be tailored to the specific job or audition you are applying for, as it shows employers that you have taken the time to research the role and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Education
In this section, you should include any formal dance training you have received, as well as any relevant degrees or certifications. Be sure to include the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the dates attended.
Performance Experience
Your performance experience is arguably the most important section of your resume, as it showcases your skills as a dancer and your ability to succeed in the industry. Be sure to include the name of the production, the role you played, the director/choreographer, and the dates of the performance.
Training
In addition to formal education, you should also list any additional training and workshops you have attended. This shows employers that you are committed to improving your skills and staying current with industry trends.
Skills
Finally, your resume should include a section that highlights your specific skills as a dancer. This can include technical skills like ballet, contemporary, or hip hop, as well as skills like flexibility, partnering, or improvisation. Be sure to only include skills that are relevant to the job or audition you are applying for.
By including these basic elements in your dancer resume, you will create a professional, polished document that showcases your skills and sets you apart from other candidates. Remember to tailor your resume to each job or audition you apply for, and always proofread for accuracy and clarity.
Structuring a Dancer Resume
When it comes to creating a dancer resume, it’s important to choose a format that suits your needs. There are several options available, including chronological, functional, and combination formats.
The chronological format is based on your work history and starts with your most recent job. This format is ideal if you have consistent job experience and want to showcase your growth and progress over time.
The functional format focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history. This format is great if you have gaps in your employment history or if your work experience isn’t directly related to dance.
The combination format is a mix of both the chronological and functional formats. This format allows you to highlight both your work history and skills, making it a great choice for experienced dancers with a diverse skill set.
Once you’ve chosen the right format, it’s important to focus on an effective layout and design. Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use a clear and easy to read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
Break up text into sections, using headings and bullet points. This makes your resume easier to skim and ensures important information stands out.
Include relevant information, such as your dance training and experience, performance experience, and any special skills such as choreography or teaching.
Make sure your resume is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight skills and experience that are relevant to the position.
Keep your resume concise and to the point. Aim for one to two pages at most.
By following these tips, you can create an effective dancer resume that showcases your skills and experience in a way that grabs the attention of potential employers.
Crafting a Compelling Objective Statement
In a dancer’s resume, crafting a compelling objective statement is essential to catching the attention of potential employers. The objective statement is a brief overview of your career goals and how you can contribute to the organization you are applying to.
The Purpose of an Objective Statement
A well-crafted objective statement provides a clear understanding of the type of position you are seeking and highlights your relevant skills and experience. It can help set you apart from other candidates, especially if you tailor it to the specific job you are applying for.
How to Tailor it to Your Audience
When crafting your objective statement, make sure to research the organization you are applying to and tailor your statement to fit their mission and values. Use their job posting or website to identify the skills and experience they are looking for and match those with your own qualifications. If you can show how your experience aligns with their needs, you will be more likely to catch their attention.
Examples of Effective Objective Statements
Here are some examples of effective objective statements that can inspire you in writing yours:
Seeking a position as a professional dancer with a dance company where I can utilize my extensive training in ballet and modern dance to create breathtaking performances while developing my artistic skills and contributing to the continued success of the organization.
To join a dynamic dance troupe where my experience in jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance styles can be utilized to create innovative choreography and compelling performances that entertain and inspire audiences.
To secure a role as a dance teacher where I can share my knowledge and passion for dance with students of all ages, while developing my teaching skills and contributing to the success of the dance school.
By following these tips and examples, you can create a compelling objective statement that showcases your experience and skills, while demonstrating your passion and alignment with the potential employer’s needs.
Describing Your Education
When it comes to your dancer resume, describing your education is an important section that can highlight your skills and experience in the dance industry. In this section, you should include:
- The name of the institution where you studied dance
- The degree or certification you earned
- The years you attended or graduated
You may also want to include any additional course work, workshops, or training that you have completed, especially if they are relevant to your current dance career.
To present this information in a visually appealing manner, you can use a simple and easy-to-read format. Some ideas include:
- Table format: Create a table with columns for the name of the institution, degree/certification earned, and years attended/graduated. This can make the information easy to read and visually appealing.
| Institution | Degree/Certification | Years |
|---|---|---|
| XYZ School of Dance | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance | 2012-2016 |
| ABC Dance Academy | Certificate in Ballet Pedagogy | 2018 |
- Bullet points: Use bullet points to list your education and any additional training you’ve completed. This can help break up blocks of text and make it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your resume.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from XYZ School of Dance (2012-2016)
- Certificate in Ballet Pedagogy from ABC Dance Academy (2018)
- Completed workshops in contemporary dance technique at DEF Dance Company (2019)
- Visual elements: Add some visual elements, such as icons or a colored border, to make this section stand out on the page. However, be careful not to add too many visuals that can distract from the content.
The presentation of your education section should be clear and easy to read. By presenting your education in a visually appealing manner, you can help capture the attention of hiring managers and showcase your skills and qualifications in the dance industry.
Highlighting Your Performance Experience
As a dancer, your performance experience is crucial to your resume. Highlighting your performances helps to showcase your skills and abilities, making you stand out among other candidates. In this section, we will discuss how to choose the right performances to showcase, how to describe your experience, and examples of well-written performance sections.
How to choose the right performances to showcase
When choosing which performances to showcase, consider the following:
Relevance: Choose performances that are relevant to the job or audition you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a contemporary dance role, showcase your contemporary dance performances rather than your hip hop performances.
Diversity: Showcase performances from a variety of styles to demonstrate your versatility as a dancer.
Significance: Highlight performances that are significant and memorable, such as performances with a renowned dance company or performances at prestigious events.
How to describe your experience
When describing your performance experience, consider the following:
Title and date of the performance: Include the title and date of each performance to give context to the reader.
Role in the performance: Indicate your role in the performance, such as lead performer, ensemble member, or choreographer.
Dance style: Specify the dance style performed, such as ballet, jazz, or contemporary.
Venue: Include the name and location of the venue where the performance took place.
Accomplishments: Highlight any notable accomplishments, such as receiving an award, performing for a high-profile audience, or selling out shows.
Examples of well-written performance sections
Here are some examples of well-written performance sections to inspire your resume:
Lead Performer, Romeo and Juliet June 2019, San Francisco Ballet
Performed lead role of Romeo in a contemporary adaptation of Romeo and Juliet for the San Francisco Ballet. Demonstrated strong technique and emotional range in a physically demanding performance that received critical acclaim.
Soloist, International Dance Festival August 2018, Seoul, South Korea
Performed a contemporary solo piece, “Freedom,” at the International Dance Festival in Seoul, South Korea. Chosen as one of ten featured dancers out of over 1,000 applicants. Received a standing ovation and was invited to perform at the closing ceremony.
Ensemble Member, Cinderella December 2017, New York City Ballet
Performed in the ensemble of Cinderella with the New York City Ballet. Demonstrated precision and synchronization in group pieces as well as versatility in character work. Received glowing reviews from critics.
By following these tips and examples, you can effectively showcase your performance experience and stand out among other dancers.
Emphasizing Your Training
When it comes to creating a dancer resume, your training should be highlighted as one of your key accomplishments. However, it’s not just about listing down your classes or schools attended. It’s about how you present it effectively to capture the attention of potential employers.
Here are some tips for drawing attention to your specialized training:
Be particular – Instead of simply stating that you’ve taken ballet for several years, specify the styles of ballet you’ve studied. Specify the details, including the names of the teachers, the schools, and the level of difficulty of the classes you’ve taken.
Highlight your achievements – If you’ve won awards, scholarships or participated in any competitions during your training, don’t forget to mention these as well. These accomplishments and recognition can make a significant difference in highlighting your dedication and impressive skills.
Order your training chronologically – List down your training in the reverse chronology, starting from the most recent to the oldest one. This approach shows your most recent and relevant training, and it also indicates your commitment to continuous learning.
Describe your specialized skills and training – If you have any specialized skills, for instance, acrobatics, tap, or hip hop, make sure to mention it in your resume. Detail your specialized training specific to that skill, such as what classes you attended and any achievements or recognition you received.
Make it visually appealing – Consider adding images, videos or links to your online portfolio showcasing your skills and training for potential employers to see. These visuals can really help to make an excellent impression and stand out from the rest.
By keeping these tips in mind and presenting your training effectively, you can set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of being noticed by future employers.
Showcasing Your Skills
When it comes to creating a dancer resume, showcasing your skills is one of the most important sections. The purpose of a skills section is to demonstrate your proficiencies and talents to potential employers, highlighting why you are the best candidate for the job.
List of dance-related skills to consider
Here are some examples of dance-related skills to consider including in your resume:
- Technical skills: pirouettes, fouettés, pas de deux, pointe work
- Performance skills: stage presence, expression, emoting through movement
- Choreography skills: creating and staging dance routines, teaching choreography to others
- Collaboration skills: ability to work with choreographers, directors, and other dancers
- Physical fitness: strength, flexibility, endurance, balance
It’s important to tailor your skills to the specific job or project you are applying for. Consider the job description and requirements to ensure you are highlighting the most relevant skills.
Tips for presenting your skills in a compelling manner
Once you have identified the skills you want to include in your resume, it’s important to present them in a compelling manner. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a summary statement: Begin your skills section with a brief summary statement that highlights your key strengths as a dancer.
- Use action words: Use powerful verbs such as “perform,” “choreograph,” “collaborate,” and “instruct” to describe your skills and accomplishments.
- Be specific: Include specific examples of your skills and achievements, such as the number of performances you have been in or the types of dance routines you have choreographed.
- Quantify your skills: Whenever possible, quantify your skills and accomplishments to demonstrate the value you bring to a project or organization.
- Provide context: Provide context for your skills, explaining how they were applied in past projects or performances.
By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your skills and stand out as a top candidate for dance-related positions.
Incorporating Keywords in Your Dancer Resume
As a dancer looking to land your dream job, it’s crucial to use the right keywords in your resume to catch the attention of potential employers. Including industry-specific keywords can give you an edge in the highly competitive dance industry.
The Importance of Including Industry-specific Keywords
Incorporating industry-specific keywords is essential as they demonstrate that you have an in-depth understanding of the industry, and have the necessary skills to perform at a high level. Keywords act as a quick indicator for potential employers that you have the relevant experience they are looking for. It can also help your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan resumes for specific keywords relevant to the position.
Tips for Identifying the Right Keywords
Identifying the right keywords may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Here are some tips to help you identify the right keywords to include in your dancer resume:
Review the Job Posting: Read the job posting carefully and take note of keywords used to describe the role.
Research Industry Jargon: Spend some time researching industry jargon and buzzwords used in the dance industry. Use these keywords to highlight your experience and skills.
Check Out Competitor Resumes: Look at competitor resumes to see how they use keywords. Note the keywords they use to describe their skills and experience.
Use Synonyms: Use variations of the keyword to ensure your resume is optimized for search engines and ATS.
Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your experience, as they help give your resume impact and focus.
Incorporating the right keywords into your dancer resume is essential in catching the attention of potential employers. Follow these tips and make sure your resume stands out from the rest.
Tailoring Your Dancer Resume to Different Audiences
If you’re a dancer looking to land your dream job, you know the importance of a well-crafted resume. However, what many dancers might not realize is the vital role that tailoring your resume can play in getting noticed by potential employers. By taking the time to customize your resume for specific job opportunities, you can demonstrate your unique qualifications and increase your chances of landing that coveted dance gig.
How to Customize Your Resume for Specific Job Opportunities
The first step in customizing your resume is to thoroughly research the job you’re applying for. This could mean reading the job listing closely or even reaching out to the hiring manager or others in the dance community to learn more about what the job entails. Once you have a good understanding of what the employer is looking for, you can begin to tailor your resume accordingly.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Highlight relevant experience. Depending on the job, certain aspects of your dance history may be more relevant than others. For example, if you’re applying for a contemporary dance company, you’ll want to showcase your experience in that genre specifically.
- Use industry-specific language. Using the terminology and buzzwords commonly used in the dance industry can signal to potential employers that you have a deep understanding of the field. Be sure to use specific terms wherever possible.
- List relevant skills. Not every skill is relevant to every job, so tailor your skills section to highlight those that are most important for the particular job you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires partnering skills, make sure to highlight your experience with lifts and supports.
By taking a targeted approach and customizing your resume to suit each job opportunity, you demonstrate a level of attention to detail that can set you apart from other applicants.
Examples of Tailored Resumes
To give you an idea of what a tailored dancer resume might look like, here are a few examples:
Example 1: Contemporary Dance Company
John Doe
Contemporary Dance Specialist
Experience
- Contemporary Dance Performer
XYZ Contemporary Dance Company
2015 – Present- Performed in numerous contemporary dance productions, showcasing technical mastery, fluidity, and expression.
- Collaborated closely with choreographers to bring their artistic visions to life.
- Demonstrated proficiency in partnering and lifts, contributing to the dynamic and impactful performances.
Training
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance
ABC University
2011 – 2015- Comprehensive training in contemporary dance techniques, including Graham, Cunningham, and Release.
- Explored diverse movement vocabularies and developed a unique artistic voice.
- Received specialized instruction in partnering techniques and lifts.
Additional Skills
- Strong improvisational skills, enabling spontaneous and creative movement exploration.
- Ability to adapt to various choreographic styles and collaborate effectively with fellow dancers.
- Exceptional physical strength, flexibility, and body awareness, enhancing the execution of challenging movements.
In this example, the dancer has highlighted their extensive experience with contemporary dance specifically, including their training and performance history. They’ve also noted their experience with partnering and lifts, which is relevant to the job they’re applying for.
Example 2: Broadway Show
Jane Smith
Triple Threat Performer: Dance, Singing, Acting
Experience
- Broadway Performer
ABC Musical Theater Company
2016 – Present- Showcased versatile skills as a dancer, singer, and actor in multiple Broadway productions.
- Executed complex dance routines with precision and flair, synchronizing movements with the music and fellow performers.
- Acted in various roles, effectively conveying emotions and delivering powerful performances.
Training
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater
XYZ Performing Arts School
2012 – 2016- Intensive training in singing, acting, and various dance styles, with a focus on musical theater.
- Extensive vocal training, developing a wide vocal range and strong breath control.
- Studied tap dancing extensively, mastering intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns.
Additional Skills
- Proficient in sight-reading sheet music and learning complex vocal arrangements quickly.
- Ability to seamlessly transition between singing, dancing, and acting, creating cohesive and captivating performances.
- Strong stage presence and charisma, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling and engaging performances.
For a Broadway show, the dancer has emphasized their musical theater experience and extensive training in singing and acting. They’ve also included a section on their tap dancing experience, which may be more relevant for this type of job.
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Dancer Resume
Your dancer resume is a crucial tool to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in the dance industry. However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing gigs or jobs. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in your dancer resume, and how to fix them.
Common Mistakes
1. Lack of Focus
One of the biggest mistakes dancers make in their resumes is not having a clear focus or direction. Your resume should be tailored to the specific role or project you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a contemporary dance company, for example, your resume should highlight your contemporary dance experience, training, and achievements.
2. Overcomplicating Your Resume
While it’s important to showcase your skills and experience, keep in mind that your resume should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using complicated language or formatting that can confuse or overwhelm the reader. Stick to a simple and clean layout, and use bullet points to highlight your achievements and skills.
3. Not Including Relevant Experience
Make sure you include all relevant dance experience in your resume. This includes training, workshops, performances, and competitions. If you’re applying for a specific role, highlight any experience that’s relevant to that role. For example, if you’re applying for a dance teaching position, include any teaching experience you have.
4. Including Irrelevant Information
On the other hand, avoid including irrelevant information in your resume. This includes personal details such as your age, marital status, or hobbies. Focus on the skills and experience that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Role
Before you start writing your resume, research the role and the company or project you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to that role.
2. Keep It Simple
Focus on presenting your information in a clear and concise way. Use bullet points and simple language to make it easy for the reader to understand.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure you highlight all relevant experience in your resume. This includes training, performances, and competitions. For each experience, highlight the skills and achievements that are most relevant to the role.
4. Stick to Relevant Information
Avoid including irrelevant information in your resume. Stick to the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Your dancer resume is your chance to showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light. By avoiding common mistakes and tailoring your resume to the role, you can increase your chances of landing gigs or jobs in the dance industry.
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