How to Write a Dance Resume: A Symphony of Steps and Words

blog 2025-01-23 0Browse 0
How to Write a Dance Resume: A Symphony of Steps and Words

Crafting a dance resume is akin to choreographing a performance; every element must be meticulously placed to create a harmonious and impactful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding dancer, your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on casting directors, choreographers, and dance companies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you compose a dance resume that pirouettes off the page.

1. Contact Information: The Opening Pose

Your contact information is the first thing a potential employer will see, so it’s crucial to make it clear and accessible. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and, if applicable, your professional website or social media profiles. Ensure that your email address is professional—preferably a variation of your name.

2. Headshot: The Visual Prelude

A headshot is an essential component of your dance resume. It should be a high-quality, professional photograph that captures your essence as a dancer. The headshot should be recent and reflect your current appearance. It’s often placed at the top of the resume, adjacent to your contact information.

3. Performance Experience: The Choreography of Your Career

This section is the heart of your dance resume. List your performance experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent engagements. For each performance, include:

  • Title of the Production: The name of the show or event.
  • Role: The specific role you played (e.g., Soloist, Corps de Ballet, Principal Dancer).
  • Company/Organization: The name of the dance company or organization.
  • Location: The city and state where the performance took place.
  • Date: The month and year of the performance.

If you have extensive experience, consider categorizing your performances by type (e.g., Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater) to make it easier for the reader to navigate.

4. Training and Education: The Foundation of Your Art

Your training and education are the building blocks of your dance career. List your formal dance training, including:

  • School/Studio: The name of the institution where you trained.
  • Location: The city and state of the school or studio.
  • Dates Attended: The years you were enrolled.
  • Degree/Certificate: If applicable, include any degrees or certifications you earned.

Additionally, mention any master classes, workshops, or summer intensives you’ve attended, as these can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and growth.

5. Skills: The Technical Flourishes

In this section, highlight your technical skills and proficiencies. This can include:

  • Dance Styles: List the styles you are proficient in (e.g., Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary).
  • Special Skills: Mention any unique skills that set you apart, such as aerial work, acrobatics, or proficiency in a particular dance technique.
  • Languages: If you are fluent in multiple languages, include them here, as this can be an asset in international productions.

6. Awards and Honors: The Encore

If you’ve received any awards, scholarships, or honors, this is the place to showcase them. List each accolade with the name of the award, the granting organization, and the date received. This section can help you stand out by demonstrating your excellence and recognition within the dance community.

7. Professional Affiliations: The Ensemble

Membership in professional organizations can add credibility to your resume. List any dance-related organizations you belong to, such as the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science or the National Dance Education Organization. Include the dates of your membership and any leadership roles you’ve held within these organizations.

8. References: The Final Bow

While not always necessary, including references can provide additional validation of your skills and professionalism. Choose references who can speak to your abilities as a dancer, such as former teachers, choreographers, or directors. List their names, titles, and contact information, and always ask for their permission before including them on your resume.

9. Formatting: The Stage Design

The layout of your dance resume should be clean, professional, and easy to read. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Use bullet points to organize information and ensure that there is plenty of white space to prevent the resume from looking cluttered.

10. Tailoring Your Resume: The Custom Choreography

Just as no two dance performances are exactly alike, no two resumes should be identical. Tailor your resume to the specific job or audition you’re applying for. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position, and consider adjusting the order of sections to emphasize your strengths.

11. Proofreading: The Final Rehearsal

Before submitting your resume, proofread it meticulously. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Consider having a trusted friend or mentor review your resume as well, as a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.

12. Digital Presence: The Virtual Stage

In today’s digital age, your online presence can be just as important as your paper resume. Ensure that your professional website or social media profiles are up-to-date and reflect the same level of professionalism as your resume. Include links to performance videos or reels if available, as these can provide a dynamic representation of your abilities.

13. Cover Letter: The Opening Number

While not part of the resume itself, a well-crafted cover letter can complement your resume and provide additional context for your application. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity, and highlight key aspects of your resume that make you a strong candidate.

14. Networking: The Ensemble Cast

Finally, remember that your resume is just one part of the equation. Networking within the dance community can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other dancers and professionals to expand your reach and increase your chances of success.


Q: How long should a dance resume be? A: A dance resume should typically be one page, especially if you’re early in your career. However, if you have extensive experience, it’s acceptable to extend it to two pages. Just ensure that every piece of information is relevant and adds value.

Q: Should I include non-dance work experience on my dance resume? A: Generally, it’s best to focus on dance-related experience. However, if you have non-dance work experience that demonstrates transferable skills (e.g., teamwork, discipline, time management), you can include a brief section titled “Additional Experience.”

Q: How important is a headshot on a dance resume? A: A headshot is crucial, as it provides a visual representation of you as a dancer. It’s often the first thing a casting director will look at, so invest in a high-quality, professional headshot that captures your personality and professionalism.

Q: Can I include links to my performance videos on my resume? A: Absolutely! Including links to performance videos or reels can be a great way to showcase your skills and give potential employers a dynamic view of your abilities. Just ensure that the links are easily accessible and the videos are of high quality.

Q: How often should I update my dance resume? A: You should update your dance resume regularly, ideally after every significant performance, training opportunity, or achievement. Keeping your resume current ensures that you’re always ready to seize new opportunities.

By following these guidelines, you can create a dance resume that not only highlights your talents and experiences but also tells the story of your journey as a dancer. Remember, your resume is more than just a document—it’s a reflection of your passion, dedication, and artistry. So, take the time to craft it with care, and let it shine as brightly as your performances on stage.

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