Creating a compelling dance resume involves showcasing your training, performance experience, and special skills to appeal to prospective dance companies and instructors. Dancers should highlight relevant and rigorous training from esteemed institutions or mentors, demonstrating dedication to their craft. It is essential to include detailed performance experience, listing notable productions and roles to illustrate versatility and range. Special skills, such as proficiency in various dance styles or knowledge of choreography, can set a dancer apart from the competition. Clear formatting and an aesthetically pleasing design enhance the overall impact of the resume, making it easy for recruiters to quickly assess qualifications.
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What To Put On A Dance Resume
Creating a dance resume is a bit like crafting a piece of choreography—every element needs to work together to showcase your talent, experience, and passion for dance. Whether you’re auditioning for a company, applying for a school, or simply trying to get your name out there, a well-structured dance resume can make all the difference. So, let’s break down the best structure to use so your resume shines like the star you are!
1. Contact Information
Your contact information is the first thing people should see. Make it clear and easy to find. Here’s what to include:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Link to your dance reel or portfolio (if you have one)
- Location (city and state is usually enough)
2. Objective or Summary
This section is a quick snapshot of who you are and what you’re aiming for. Keep it short and sweet—try to hit 2-3 sentences max. Here’s a way to structure it:
- Start with your current role (e.g., “Passionate contemporary dancer”)
- Include your years of experience (e.g., “with over 5 years of stage experience”)
- Mention what you seek in a new opportunity (e.g., “seeking to join an innovative dance company”)
3. Dance Training
This is where you show off your skills! List out your training in a clear, organized manner. You can arrange it in a table for better readability:
| Year | Training Program/School | Type of Dance |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 – Present | ABC Dance Academy | Contemporary, Jazz |
| 2018 – 2020 | XYZ Ballet School | Ballet |
4. Performance Experience
This is where you highlight your gigs! Be sure to include the role you played, the production name, and where it took place. You can bullet-point them like so:
- Lead Dancer – “The Nutcracker” | ABC Theatre | 2022
- Ensemble Member – “Summer Nights” | XYZ Festival | 2021
- Featured Performer – “Dancing Through the Decades” | Local Community Event | 2020
5. Special Skills
This section can set you apart from others! List any additional talents or skills related to dance. Here’s a few ideas:
- Choreography
- Improvisation
- Stage combat
- Musicality
- Ability to work with various age groups (if you teach)
6. Awards and Certifications
Don’t forget to brag a little! If you’ve won any competitions or received notable accolades, this is the spot to share them:
- 1st Place at the National Dance Competition (2023)
- Ballet Certification from XYZ Program (2021)
7. References
Lastly, you’ll want to provide references who can vouch for your skills and experience. Include their name, title, and contact information. A simple, clear section works best:
- Jane Doe – Artistic Director at ABC Dance Company | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890
- John Smith – Dance Instructor at XYZ Academy | [email protected] | (987) 654-3210
Final Touches
Before you hit send, make sure your resume looks clean and professional. Stick to a straightforward font, use consistent spacing, and proofread for any typos or errors. A polished resume can really help you stand out!
Essential Elements to Include on Your Dance Resume
1. Performance Experience for Aspiring Professional Dancers
When aiming to break into the professional dance arena, showcasing your performance experience is vital. Highlighting where you’ve danced can grab attention and convey your versatility as a dancer.
- Lead dancer in “The Nutcracker” – City Ballet Company, 2023
- Featured soloist in “Rising Stars” performance – Community Dance Theater, 2022
- Ensemble member in “Romeo and Juliet” – University Dance Productions, 2021
2. Dance Competitions for Ambitious Young Dancers
If you’re a young dancer looking to impress scholarship committees or training institutions, including your competition results is key. This showcases your dedication and accomplishments in the field.
- 1st Place – National Youth Dance Competition, 2023
- 2nd Place – Regional Ballet Festival, 2022
- 3rd Place – State Tap Dance Championship, 2021
3. Educational Background for Dance Instructors
If you’re aiming to teach dance, it’s important to list your educational background clearly. Including your formal training and certifications shows potential employers your qualifications to instruct others.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance – ABC University, 2023
- Certification in Dance Education – XYZ Institute, 2022
- Certified Pilates Instructor – Pilates Method Alliance, 2021
4. Choreography Credits for Emerging Choreographers
If your focus is on choreography, mentioning your choreography credits becomes essential. It demonstrates your creativity and the breadth of your skillset.
- Choreographer for “Into the Woods” – City Community Theater, 2023
- Guest choreographer for “Spring Dance Showcase” – ABC Academy, 2022
- Original choreography featured in “Dance on Film” short series, 2021
5. Teaching Experience for Recruitment to Dance Studios
For those looking to work at dance studios or educational institutions, teaching experience is paramount. Listing your roles provides a snapshot of your ability to instruct and lead classes.
- Dance Instructor – ABC Dance Academy, 2023-present
- Assistant Teacher – Youth Ballet Program at XYZ Studio, 2022
- Private Dance Coach for Competitive Dancers, 2021-2023
6. Personal Achievements for Well-Rounded Dancers
Incorporating personal achievements can help you stand out. This can include scholarships, mentorships, or significant projects that highlight your dedication to dance.
- Recipient of the “Outstanding Dancer” Scholarship, ABC Foundation, 2023
- Selected for mentorship program with renowned choreographer Jane Doe, 2022
- Performed at the National Dance Day Celebration, 2021
7. Skills and Styles for Versatile Dancers
Finally, listing your skills and styles gives casting directors and employers an idea of your versatility and what you bring to the table.
- Proficient in ballet, contemporary, and hip hop styles
- Strong improvisational skills and stage presence
- Experience with partner work and group choreography
What Essential Components Should Be Included on a Dance Resume?
A dance resume should contain specific sections that highlight a dancer’s qualifications and experiences. The sections typically include the dancer’s name and contact information, which provide easy access for hiring professionals. The performance experience section lists relevant dance performances, showcasing the dancer’s versatility and skill level. The training section details dance education, including schools attended, instructors, and styles mastered. The skills section outlines specific dance techniques and additional skills like choreography or teaching experience, emphasizing the dancer’s comprehensive abilities. The awards and honors section highlights any recognitions, adding credibility to the dancer’s expertise. Finally, a professional photo can enhance the resume’s appeal by providing a visual representation of the dancer.
How Should Dance Experience Be Presented on a Resume?
Dance experience should be presented in a clear and organized manner on a resume. Each entry in the performance experience section should include the name of the production, the role performed, and the date of the performance, offering context and timeline. The name of the company or theater where the performance took place provides additional context about the dancer’s professional environment. Dancers should also specify the genre of dance involved, which showcases their versatility and broadens their appeal to recruiters. By prioritizing noteworthy roles and performances, dancers can demonstrate their level of involvement and commitment to the craft.
What Training and Education Should Be Highlighted in a Dance Resume?
Training and education on a dance resume should consist of formal schooling and specialized coursework in dance. Each educational entry should include the institution’s name, the program studied, and the duration of the training to show the depth of knowledge acquired. Notable instructors can be mentioned, particularly if they are respected figures in the dance community, which adds prestige to the dancer’s education. The styles of dance learned should be clearly identified, allowing potential employers to assess the dancer’s range. By including certifications or workshops attended, dancers can further emphasize their commitment to continuous learning and skill development in the art of dance.
And there you have it! Crafting a standout dance resume doesn’t need to be daunting. Just remember to showcase your unique flair and experiences, and you’ll be on the right track to catching the eyes of choreographers and casting directors. Thanks for taking the time to read through our tips! We hope you found the info helpful and are feeling inspired to put your best foot forward. Be sure to swing by again for more dance insights and advice. Until next time, keep dancing your heart out!
