As a professional dancer, one of the most important tools you can have in your arsenal is a well-crafted resume. With so much competition in the dance industry, a resume can be the difference between securing your dream role and missing out on it.
The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on developing a professional dancer resume that highlights your key skills and experience. Whether you’re just starting out as a dancer or have been in the industry for years, a strong resume is crucial for showcasing your unique abilities and standing out from the crowd.
A professional dancer resume is an essential document for any performer looking to land auditions or secure work in the dance industry. It serves as a snapshot of your skills, experience, and training, and provides potential employers with a quick overview of your qualifications.
In a highly competitive field like dance, having a well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the craft. It also enables you to showcase your versatility as a performer, highlighting your ability to adapt to different styles and techniques.
A professional dancer resume should provide a complete picture of your experience, training, and qualifications. Some key elements to include in your resume are:
By including all of these elements in your resume, you can demonstrate your qualifications and experience to potential employers and give them a sense of what you have to offer as a performer.
The purpose of a professional dancer resume is to showcase your skills, experience, and training to potential employers in the dance industry. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication to the craft of dance.
Ultimately, the goal of your resume is to secure auditions and work opportunities that will help you grow as a dancer and advance your career. By putting together a professional, comprehensive resume that highlights your unique abilities and experience, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and competitive field.
When applying for a job as a professional dancer, your resume is your first opportunity to make an impression. To create a professional-looking document, it’s important to follow a few basic elements to make sure your resume is clear, concise, and effective.
The layout and design of your dance resume are critical for presenting a professional image. Make sure your document is well-organized and easy to read. Use a consistent font and layout throughout the document. This will help the hiring manager read and scan your resume quickly, as they often only have a few seconds to peruse each document.
Make sure you include your contact information at the top of your resume. Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email is professional – not something cutesy or amusing – as you are presenting yourself as a dancer here, not a clown.
Your objective or summary statement is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that describes your main skills and experience as a dancer. This statement should be targeted to the particular job you’re applying for. Consider tailoring it for each job you apply for.
List your relevant education and training in reverse chronological order. Be sure to include only relevant courses or classes, and don’t include anything superfluous. List the name of the institution, degree or certification, and dates attended.
List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the company, your job title and a brief description of the duties you performed. Highlight any achievements or notable accomplishments you achieved during that time.
List any relevant skills you have that are applicable to the job. This might include style expertise, technical skills or experience working with a particular choreographer, for example.
Include any relevant certifications or licenses you hold, including any certifications awarded by professional dance organizations, as well as any other licenses or certifications that might be relevant.
When creating your professional dancer resume, it’s important to focus on each element and make sure it is clear, relevant and effective in selling your talent and expertise. With a well-crafted resume, you’ll be sure to catch the attention of hiring managers and land the job of your dreams.
As a professional dancer, your experience is one of the most important aspects of your resume. Here are some best practices for listing experience on a dancer resume:
When it comes to highlighting dance roles, consider the style of dance and the specific skills required for each role. For example, if you have extensive experience in ballet, you may want to highlight your pointe work or partnering skills. If you have experience in contemporary dance, you may want to highlight your improvisational abilities or strength in floorwork.
In addition to highlighting your performance roles, it’s important to showcase your experience in choreography. When highlighting choreography experience, consider including the following information:
By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your key skills and experience as a professional dancer on your resume.
As a professional dancer, your resume must reflect your physical capabilities to demonstrate that you are capable of performing the dances required in different shows or events. This section can be divided into two parts: demonstrating physical capabilities in dance resumes and describing dance styles and proficiency. Additionally, it is important to understand the professional dancer fitness standards to succeed in this field.
When you are applying for a dance job, it is essential to showcase your physical capabilities. Use your resume to highlight your physical abilities, such as:
You should also describe your proficiency in different dance styles. Some dancers specialize in one style, while others are versatile and can perform many styles. Indicating your proficiency in each of the styles, either by listing them or by including additional details, can be beneficial. In the resume, describe each dance style and mention the years of experience, and the level of proficiency in the said style.
Being a professional dancer takes a vigorous workout schedule that involves intense practice, rehearsals, and performances. Therefore, to succeed, you must meet certain fitness standards. These standards can vary depending on the type of style you practice; however, some general rules apply for all professional dancers, including:
The physical capabilities of a dancer are significant in showcasing expertise and winning more gigs. Highlighting your physical capabilities in your resume gets your foot in the door for any audition or dance job. Don’t forget to describe your proficiency in different dance styles, and most importantly, strive to uphold the professional dancer fitness standards for a successful career.
As a professional dancer, it is essential to have a diverse range of dance skills to showcase your talent and experience on your resume. Below are some examples of contemporary, ballet, and jazz dance skills that you can include:
Contemporary dance is an expressive style that combines elements of jazz, modern, and ballet. Here are some key skills to include:
Ballet is a classical dance form that involves precise technique, posture, and grace. Here are some best practices to consider mentioning:
Jazz dance is a fun and energetic style that incorporates elements of African, Caribbean, and modern dance. Here are some tips and examples to consider:
Including these dance skills on your professional dancer resume demonstrates your versatility and expertise in various styles of dance. Be sure to highlight how these skills have contributed to your past accomplishments and experiences.
As a professional dancer, it’s important to showcase your accomplishments and experience on your resume. Here are some key sections to include when highlighting your dance accomplishments.
This is where you want to detail your most notable dance accomplishments. This can be anything from performances to choreography work to teaching positions. Be sure to include the date, event, and your role in the accomplishment. Here’s an example:
This section can be a great way to stand out from other dancers. Awards and honors are a testament to your hard work and talent. List the award, the organization that awarded it, and the year. Here are some examples:
This section is where you can really show off your dancing skills. Highlight some of your most memorable performances and describe your role in them. Include the name of the performance, the venue, and the date. Here’s an example:
Including these sections in your professional dancer resume will highlight your skills and experience, setting you apart from other candidates. Remember to keep your descriptions concise and impactful, showcasing your versatility and unique talents.
As a professional dancer, you are constantly honing your skills and gaining valuable experience on and off the dance stage. In addition to performance experience, it is important to highlight any teaching, leadership, management, community involvement, or outreach experience that you have acquired.
Teaching dance requires a unique set of skills that not every dancer may possess. As a dance teacher, you must be able to communicate effectively with students of varying ages and skill levels. You also need to be knowledgeable in a variety of dance genres and possess the ability to create lesson plans and choreography that will engage and challenge your students. Highlight any teaching experience you have, including any specialized certifications or trainings you may have completed.
As a professional dancer, you may have had the opportunity to take on leadership or management roles within your dance company or studio. This experience can showcase your ability to organize and lead a team, manage budgets, and oversee productions from start to finish. Highlight any leadership or management experience you have, including any specific projects you may have overseen.
Many professional dancers are also involved in community outreach programs or non-profit organizations. Whether you have volunteered to teach dance to underprivileged youth or performed at a local fundraiser, community involvement experience can demonstrate your dedication to using dance as a means of bringing people together and making a positive impact. Highlight any community involvement or outreach experience you have, as this can set you apart from other dancers who may not have the same level of involvement outside of their professional career.
Showcasing your additional dance-related experience can show potential employers or clients that you have a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond just performing. This can make you a more desirable candidate for a teaching, leadership, or community outreach role, and highlight your commitment to the art of dance both on and off the stage.
In today’s age of technology, it’s essential for professional dancers to have a strong understanding of the tools that can elevate their performance. The following technical skills give dancers an edge in this ever-evolving industry.
Dancers are increasingly taking advantage of technology as a tool to create and enhance their performances. This includes the use of motion capture, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies. Understanding how to use these technologies can help a dancer stand out in auditions and performances.
Motion capture technology, for example, records a performer’s movements and translates them to a digital format. This can be used to create visually stunning performances or to analyze and improve a dancer’s technique. Similarly, virtual and augmented reality can create immersive experiences that can transport the audience into a completely different world.
Dancers who understand the nuances of these technologies can not only enhance their performances but also open themselves up to new career opportunities in fields like video game motion capture or film and TV special effects.
Dancers who understand music production have a deeper understanding of how music and dance work together. This not only makes it easier for them to maintain perfect timing and rhythm, but it also allows them to contribute to the creative process by offering musical suggestions.
Knowing how to produce music also opens up new opportunities in the dance industry, such as choreographing music videos or creating original scores for dance performances.
Lighting and sound design can make or break a performance. Dancers who understand how to use lighting and sound to enhance their performances can create truly breathtaking shows. Whether it’s utilizing spotlights to highlight a soloist or using fog machines to create a certain ambiance, understanding lighting and sound design can be a game-changer for dancers.
Dancers who understand these technical skills are better equipped to succeed in the industry. It’s important to note, however, that these skills are just one part of what makes a professional dancer. Dancers who also have strong physical abilities, artistic sensibilities, and a willingness to collaborate are the ones who truly shine in this field.
As a professional dancer, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques. This requires continuing education, which can come in the form of various certifications, workshops, and intensives.
Continuing education can help dancers develop new skills, expand their repertoire, and network with other professionals in the industry. Certifications also demonstrate a level of expertise in a specific area or style of dance, making it easier to showcase your qualifications on your professional dancer resume.
Many organizations offer workshops and intensives for dancers looking to improve their craft. These programs typically focus on specific aspects of dance, such as technique, choreography, or performance. They are often led by renowned choreographers or dancers who can offer valuable insights and feedback.
In addition to workshops and intensives, many dancers also pursue formal education in dance. This can include earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dance or a related field. These programs often provide a more comprehensive education in dance, covering theory, history, and critical analysis alongside performance skills.
A commitment to continuing education and professional development is essential for any professional dancer looking to stay competitive in the industry. By pursuing certifications, attending workshops and intensives, and earning advanced degrees, dancers can continue to hone their skills and grow their careers.
As a professional dancer, having a portfolio can be the difference between getting hired and missing out on opportunities. A portfolio is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills, experience, and abilities. It is an essential tool for dancers looking to land gigs, secure representation, or apply for funding. In this section, we will explore the value of creating a professional portfolio and share some best practices for creating a dance portfolio that highlights your strengths.
A professional portfolio is an effective way to showcase your work to potential employers, clients, and collaborators. It is a visual representation of your best performances, allowing you to highlight your skills and experience. A well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from other dancers and demonstrate your expertise, confidence, and professionalism. A portfolio can also be a useful self-promotion tool, providing you with marketing materials to use across multiple platforms, including social media, websites, and promotional materials.
When creating a dance portfolio, keep in mind that it should be easy to navigate and visually appealing. It should showcase your technical abilities, the range of styles you can perform, and your stage presence. Here are some best practices for creating a successful dance portfolio:
It is crucial to include multimedia content as part of your dance portfolio. Videos and photos are an effective way to showcase your skills and provide potential clients with an insight into your work. When including multimedia content, ensure that it is of professional quality, and complements your written content. Use multimedia content to enhance your portfolio and provide an engaging and dynamic presentation of your work.
Creating a professional portfolio is essential for any dancer looking to showcase their skills and experience. A portfolio provides a visual representation of your best work and can help you stand out from other dancers. By following the best practices outlined above, you can create a dance portfolio that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your expertise, confidence, and professionalism.
As we delve deeper into the topic of professional dancer resumes, it’s essential to take a closer look at sample resumes to understand what makes a great dance resume stand out. In this section, we will explore some of the best examples of professional dancer resumes and analyze them to identify the key skills and experiences that make them exceptional.
Here are some sample resumes from professional dancers that have successfully landed them lucrative dance jobs:
• Contact Information: Email: [email protected] , Phone: (123) 456-7890
• Summary: Versatile and dedicated dancer with over five years of experience in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Seeking a position where I can utilize my skills and passion for dance to elevate the level of performance.
• Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from XYZ University
• Skills: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Partnering, Choreography
• Experience: New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
• Name: John Smith
• Contact Information: Email: [email protected] , Phone: (123) 456-7890
• Summary: Highly skilled contemporary dancer with seven years of experience performing in various dance productions. Seeking a challenging dance role that pushes my limits and allows me to grow as a performer.
• Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from ABC University
• Skills: Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Partnering
• Experience: Mark Morris Dance Group, Martha Graham Dance Company, Jacob’s Pillow, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
The above sample resumes demonstrate the importance of presenting a clear and concise summary of your skills and experiences as a dancer. It’s essential to highlight the kind of dance styles you specialize in, as well as the dance companies and schools you’ve worked with.
Another essential aspect of a great dance resume is having a professional look and feel. By using clear formatting and easy-to-read fonts, you make it easier for hiring managers to scan your resume and quickly see what you bring to the table.
Finally, it’s essential to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it in the competitive dance industry. Instead, take the time to customize your resume to match the job description and showcase how your skills and experience align with what the hiring manager is looking for.
When crafting your professional dance resume, keep in mind the importance of presenting a clear and concise summary of your skills and experiences, having a professional look and feel, and customizing your resume to match the job you’re applying for. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive dance industry.
