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Crafting a Winning Dance Resume: 30 Examples & Writing Tips

As a dancer, your resume is your ticket to landing a dream job and showcasing your talent. It is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers will see before they even meet you. Therefore, a well-crafted dance resume is crucial to getting that coveted audition or performance opportunity.

The purpose of this article is to guide you through the process of writing a professional and impressive dance resume. We will provide essential tips, tricks, and real-life examples from successful dancers in the industry to help you craft a winning dance resume that stands out.

This article is divided into several sections that will cover all the essential elements of a dance resume. The sections include:

Contact Information: This section covers the basics of your personal information, such as your name, contact information, and social media links.

Professional Summary: This section is where you highlight your skills, experience, and achievements as a dancer. We will provide guidance on crafting a compelling summary that will capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

Education: In this section, we will show you how to showcase your academic achievements related to dance, such as degrees, certifications, and awards.

Performance Experience: This section is where you showcase your experience as a dancer, including your roles in shows, performances, and competitions.

Teaching Experience: If you have experience teaching dance, this section is where you can highlight your skills and achievements as a dance instructor.

Skills: In this section, we will show you how to highlight your technical and soft skills related to dance, such as choreography, improvisation, teamwork, and communication.

References: Finally, we will provide guidance on choosing the right references and how to list them on your resume.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive guide to crafting a winning dance resume. Our examples and tips will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing your dream dance job.

Basic Information to Include in a Dance Resume

When crafting a winning dance resume, it’s important to include the following basic information:

Personal Information

Include your full name, current location, contact information (phone number, email address), and any relevant links to your social media profiles, website, or portfolio.

Dance Training and Education

List your past and present dance training and education, including any dance schools, conservatories, workshops, or master classes you have attended. Be sure to include the styles of dance you have studied and the levels you have achieved.

Performance Experience

Provide a comprehensive list of your performance experience, including any notable dance companies, productions, or shows you have performed in. Don’t forget to list any dance-related work you have done outside of performance, such as choreography, teaching, or production.

Awards and Achievements

List any dance-related awards or achievements, such as scholarships, grants, or competition wins. Be sure to include the name of the award, the organization that awarded it, and the date it was received.

By including these basic elements in your dance resume, you’ll showcase your skills and experience to potential employers and increase your chances of success in the dance industry.

Formatting Your Dance Resume

When it comes to crafting a winning dance resume, formatting is just as important as your dance experience and accolades. A well-organized and visually appealing resume can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential employers. Here are a few key elements to consider when formatting your dance resume:

Choosing the right font and layout

When selecting a font for your dance resume, it’s important to choose one that is easy to read and professional-looking. Avoid using unconventional fonts or script-style fonts, as they can be difficult for employers to read. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman in size 10-12.

As for the layout of your dance resume, consider using a clean, minimalist design that highlights your experience and skills. Avoid using elaborate borders, clipart, or other distracting elements that can take away from the content of your resume.

Length and structure of your resume

The length of your dance resume will depend on your level of experience and the number of performances or projects you’ve been involved in. Generally, a one or two-page resume is sufficient for most dancers.

Make sure to structure your dance resume chronologically, starting with your most recent experience at the top. This helps potential employers see your most recent achievements and experience first. Break down your experience into sections such as training, performances, and teaching experience.

Including a headshot

One important element to include in your dance resume is a professional headshot. Choose a photo that shows off your personality and dance skills, and make sure to dress appropriately in professional dance attire.

Your headshot should be prominently placed at the top of your resume, along with your name and contact information.

The format of your dance resume can make a big impact on your success as a dancer. Choose a professional font and layout, structure your experience chronologically, and include a high-quality headshot to help you stand out from the competition.

Writing an Objective Statement or Summary

What is an objective statement/summary.

An objective statement or summary is a brief introduction of oneself and the purpose of a resume. It is usually included at the top of a resume and serves as the first impression to potential employers. An objective statement/summary should highlight the candidate’s skills, expertise, accomplishments, and what they hope to achieve in their desired position.

How to write an effective objective statement/summary

To write an effective objective statement/summary, consider the following tips:

Keep it concise: A summary should be no longer than 3-4 sentences, and an objective statement should be 1-2 sentences.

Tailor it to the position: Customize the statement/summary to fit the job opening you’re applying for. Highlight specific skills, experiences, or achievements that would make you a good fit for the position.

Focus on a specific goal: Be clear about your career goals, but avoid being too general or vague. Use specific language and objectives that align with the job posting.

Use strong language: Start your statement/summary with a strong action verb and use powerful, descriptive language to showcase your expertise and accomplishments.

Highlight relevant experiences: Highlight experiences that align with the job requirements or that demonstrate relevant skills or abilities.

Examples of objective statements/summaries

Experienced and versatile dancer with a background in contemporary, modern, and ballet seeking a position that will allow me to continue growing and make a positive impact in a collaborative dance company.

Seeking a challenging role in a professional dance company where I can utilize my expertise in hip-hop dance, specialized choreography, and artistic direction to advance the organization’s mission.

Dedicated and driven dance instructor with over 5 years of experience teaching various dance styles, including jazz, tap, and lyrical. Seeking a position where I can use my passion for teaching and commitment to excellence to develop dancers of all skill levels.

Accomplished dance performer with a proven track record of success in regional and national competitions. Seeking a role that will provide opportunities for continued professional growth, additional performance experience, and the chance to collaborate with other talented dancers.

Passionate and detail-oriented choreographer with expertise in contemporary and ballet dance styles. Seeking a position that will allow me to use my artistic talents to create innovative pieces and inspire others to push the creative boundaries through dance.

An effective objective statement or summary should provide a brief overview of the candidate’s skills, expertise, experiences, and career goals. Customize the statement to fit the position, use powerful language, and showcase relevant experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Highlighting Your Dance Skills

If you want to craft a winning dance resume, highlighting your dance skills is crucial. Your skills section should showcase your proficiency in various types of dance styles and techniques without being too lengthy. Here are some tips on what to include in your dance skills section and how to showcase your dance abilities.

Different types of dance skills to include

First, start by creating a list of all the dance styles and techniques you have experience in. This can include:

• Contemporary
• Improvisation
• Choreography

Make sure to also include any specialized skills or abilities you have, such as acrobatics, aerial dance, or specific partnering techniques. This will help differentiate you from other dancers and make your skills section more unique.

How to showcase your dance abilities

When showcasing your dance abilities, be specific and quantifiable. For example, instead of saying you have experience in ballet, mention the number of years you have trained in ballet and any notable achievements such as completing a specific level of training or earning a scholarship. Use action verbs such as “performed,” “choreographed,” or “taught” to describe your experience.

It’s also essential to highlight your performance experience in your skills section. If you’ve performed in professional productions, competitions, or festivals, make sure to include them along with any awards or recognition you received.

Examples of skill sections

Here are some examples of how to structure your skills section on your dance resume:

• Ballet: 10 years of training, completed RAD Intermediate level, performed in “Swan Lake” with XYZ Ballet Company
• Contemporary: 5 years of training, performed in “New Works” festival with ABC Dance Company
• Jazz: 7 years of training, competed in DanceSport Challenge and received 2nd place in solo division
• Tap: 3 years of training, trained in rhythm tap and performed in “42nd Street” with DEF Theater
• Ballroom: 2 years of training, trained in cha-cha, salsa, and waltz
• Latin: 1 year of training, trained in samba and rumba, competed in Latin competition and received honorable mention
• Aerial dance: proficient in silks and lyra, performed in “Cirque du Soleil” style show with GHI Productions
• Improvisation: developed improvisation skills through workshops with JKL Improv Company

Highlighting your dance skills on your resume is crucial to showcase your abilities and stand out from other dancers. Be specific, quantifiable, and include both your technical and performance experience. Remember to tailor your skills section to the specific dance job or company you’re applying to.

Listing Performance Experience

A winning dance resume showcases your experience and achievements in the most effective way possible. When listing performance experience, it’s important to highlight specific details and accomplishments that showcase your unique talents and contributions. Here are some tips to help you create an impressive performance experience section:

How to List Your Performance Experience

When listing your performance experience, start with your most recent performance and work your way back. Be sure to include the following information:

• Title of Performance:  Include the name of the performance or show you participated in.
• Role or Dance Style:  Indicate what role you played or what dance style you performed.
• Production Company or Venue:  List the name of the company or venue where the performance took place.
• Dates:  Include the dates of the performance.

Organizing your information in this way makes it easy for potential employers to quickly scan your resume and get an idea of your experience.

Including Specific Details and Accomplishments

To make your performance experience section stand out, include specific details and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and abilities. For example:

• Number of Performances:  How many times did you perform in the show? This demonstrates your dedication and commitment to the performance.
• Size of Cast:  How many dancers were in the production? This demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Reviews or Awards:  Did the performance receive any positive reviews or awards? This demonstrates your exceptional talent and skill.

Including details like these can set you apart from other candidates and show potential employers what you bring to the table.

Examples of Performance Experience Sections

Here are some examples of performance experience sections that incorporate the tips above:

Title of Performance: The Nutcracker

Role or dance style: clara, ballet, production company or venue: houston ballet, dates: december 2018.

• Performed in six shows, demonstrating dedication to the production.
• Worked with a cast of 50 dancers to bring the performance to life, showcasing collaboration skills.
• Received positive reviews from local critics for exceptional performance as Clara.

Title of Performance: The Lion King

Role or dance style: featured dancer, afro-jazz, production company or venue: broadway in chicago, dates: march 2019-june 2019.

• Performed in 100+ shows, showcasing commitment and stamina.
• Collaborated with a cast of 50 dancers and a live orchestra to bring the show to life, demonstrating excellent teamwork skills.
• Received a Broadway World Chicago award for exceptional performance as a featured dancer.

By including specific details and accomplishments, you can make your performance experience section stand out and showcase your talent and abilities. Use these tips to create an impressive performance experience section that will grab the attention of potential employers.

Detailing Dance Education and Training

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or still relatively new to the scene, detailing your education and training in dance is crucial when crafting a winning dance resume. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you highlight your dance education and training:

Categories of Dance Education to Include

When detailing your dance education, it’s important to break things down into specific categories. Here are some categories to consider:

Formal Dance Education: This could include any formal dance training you’ve received, whether it was at a dance school, conservatory, or university.

Workshops and Masterclasses: Have you taken any specialized workshops or masterclasses with industry experts in your dance style? Be sure to include these in your resume.

Summer Dance Programs: If you’ve attended any summer dance programs or intensives, be sure to highlight these as well.

Private Lessons: If you’ve taken private lessons with a notable dance instructor, you may want to mention this in your resume.

How to Highlight Your Training

When presenting your dance education and training, there are a few key things you can do to make it stand out:

Start with your most recent or notable training experiences, and work your way back.

Be sure to include the name of the institution or instructor, as well as the date(s) and location(s) of your training.

Mention any notable performances or showcases you were a part of during your training.

If you received any awards or scholarships during your training, be sure to highlight these as well.

Relevant Certifications and Qualifications to Include

In addition to detailing your dance education and training, it’s also important to include any relevant certifications or qualifications. Here are a few things to consider:

Certifications: If you have any certifications in specific dance styles or techniques, be sure to mention these in your resume.

Degrees: If you have a degree in dance, be sure to include this as well.

Specialized Skills: Do you have any specialized skills that set you apart as a dancer? For example, are you proficient in acrobatics, partnering, or choreography? Make sure to highlight these as well.

When it comes to crafting your dance resume, your education and training are an essential part of your story. By breaking down your education into specific categories, highlighting your most notable training experiences, and including any relevant certifications and qualifications, you’ll be able to create a resume that showcases your skills and sets you apart from the competition.

Showcasing Awards and Achievements

Listing your dance awards and achievements is an important aspect of crafting a winning dance resume. It not only adds credibility and prestige to your resume but also demonstrates to potential employers or directors that you are dedicated and skilled in your craft.

Here are some different types of dance awards and achievements that you should consider including in your resume:

• Dance competition awards: List specific awards you have won such as first place, second place, or honorable mention. Include the name of the competition, the year, and the style of dance that you performed.
• Scholarships and grants: If you have received any scholarships or grants for dance, be sure to include them. Mention the name of the organization that awarded the funding and the amount received.
• Performance accolades: Highlight any notable performances you have been a part of, such as being selected for a lead role or performing at a prestigious venue.
• Certifications and licenses: If you hold any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a dance teaching certificate or a choreography certification, include them as achievements.

It is important to showcase your dance awards and achievements in your resume. By doing so, you provide concrete evidence of your dedication and skill level. This can help set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of being selected for a job or audition.

When listing your awards and achievements, be sure to include the following information:

• Award or achievement title
• Name and date of the competition, performance, or program
• Relevant category or genre
• Level of recognition (such as first place or honorable mention)
• Any specific requirements or criteria for the award or achievement

Additionally, consider organizing your awards and achievements in chronological order or by the relevance of the recognition to the position you are applying for. Be concise and specific, and use bullet points for easy readability.

Showcasing your dance awards and achievements is an important part of creating a winning dance resume. Including specific and relevant details about your awards, scholarships, achievements, and certifications can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication and skill level.

Adding Relevant Dance Workshops, Conferences, and Masterclasses

One of the most vital aspects of any dance resume is the section that highlights the workshops, conferences, and masterclasses you have attended. By including this section, you show your dedication to the art form, your hunger for knowledge and development, and your willingness to put in the hard work required to succeed as a dancer.

How to List Workshops, Conferences, and Masterclasses

When listing your workshops, conferences, and masterclasses, you should include the name of the event, the date it took place, the organizer, and the location. You can also include a brief description of what you learned, particularly if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Importance of Attending These Events

Attending dance workshops, conferences, and masterclasses can provide you with numerous benefits. One of the most significant is the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the industry, including choreographers, dance directors, and instructors. These individuals can offer you valuable insights into the dance world, teach you new techniques and styles, and help you develop a deeper understanding of the art form.

Another benefit of attending these events is the opportunity to network with other dancers, dance enthusiasts, and professionals in the industry. By networking with others, you can gain access to new opportunities, learn about job openings, and make valuable connections that can help you advance in your career.

Examples of Sections for Dance Events

To give you an idea of what a dance events section on your resume may look like, here are a few examples:

Ballet Masterclass with Misty Copeland

• New York City Ballet, September 2019
• Learned new ballet techniques and how to achieve grace and strength in pirouettes.

Contemporary Dance Conference

• The Ailey School, July 2018
• Worked with various renowned choreographers to explore a range of contemporary dance styles and techniques.

Hip-Hop Workshop

• Broadway Dance Center, June 2017
• Learned how to add more fluidity and expression to my hip-hop movements, while building stamina and energy.

When it comes to listing dance events on your resume, the key is to be selective and focus only on those that are relevant to the job or project you are applying for. Including this section on your resume not only shows your dedication to your craft but also your commitment to continuously improving and staying up-to-date with industry trends and techniques.

Emphasizing Non-Dance Related Experience

When writing a dance resume, it’s important to showcase more than just your dance experience. Many dancers have unique backgrounds and skills that can help them stand out from the competition. This section will cover how to include non-dance related experience, explain transferable skills, and provide examples of sections for non-dance experience that can be added to your dance resume.

How to include non-dance related experience

Including non-dance related experience in your dance resume can showcase your versatility and highlight skills that may make you an asset to a dance company. When listing your non-dance experience, make sure to include the following:

• Name and location of the company/organization
• Your job title/role
• Dates of employment

It’s also important to mention any specific skills or accomplishments you achieved during your time in this position. This can help highlight valuable transferable skills that could be beneficial to a dance company.

Explaining transferable skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be used in various roles and industries. As a dancer, you may have developed a set of transferable skills through your training and performance experience. Some examples of transferable skills that dancers may possess include:

• Discipline and work ethic
• Time management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Public speaking
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability

When listing non-dance related experience on your resume, make sure to highlight how your transferable skills could benefit a dance company. For example, if you have experience working in sales, you could mention how your communication and persuasion skills could help you market a dance company’s performances to potential audiences.

Examples of sections for non-dance experience

Here are some examples of sections you could add to your dance resume to showcase your non-dance related experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, XYZ University, 2015-2019
• Relevant coursework: Public Speaking, Market Research, Advertising

Work Experience

• Sales Associate, ABC Retail, 2019-present
• Developed communication and persuasion skills to assist customers in making purchasing decisions
• Achieved top sales numbers in store multiple months in a row

Volunteer Experience

• Crisis Hotline Volunteer, XYZ Organization, 2017-2018
• Developed active listening and problem-solving skills to assist individuals in distress
• Completed 40 hours of intensive training in crisis intervention techniques

By including non-dance related experience in your dance resume, you can demonstrate your versatility and showcase valuable transferable skills. Make sure to tailor your resume for each specific job or company you apply to, highlighting the skills that are most relevant to the position. With these tips and examples, you’ll be on your way to crafting a winning dance resume.

Using Keywords in Your Dance Resume

As a dancer, your resume is your ticket to landing auditions, gigs, and other performance opportunities. It’s important to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest of the competition. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using the right keywords.

Importance of Using the Right Keywords

By incorporating relevant keywords into your resume, you can improve your chances of being discovered by recruiters and hiring managers. Many recruiters will use automated tools to filter through resumes and identify candidates based on specific keywords. By using the right keywords in your resume, you can ensure that your application will make it through these initial filters.

In addition to improving your chances of being discovered, using the right keywords can also help you stand out from the competition. If you’re applying for a specific type of dance role or niche, using keywords relevant to that area can help you demonstrate your expertise in that particular area.

How to Research and Identify Keywords

So, how do you go about identifying the right keywords to use in your dance resume? It’s important to start with a clear understanding of the job you’re applying for and the skills and qualities that the employer is looking for in a candidate. Look closely at the job description and identify key phrases that appear repeatedly throughout. These are likely to be the keywords that recruiters will be using to filter through resumes.

You can also conduct research on industry-specific vocabulary and phrases that are relevant to your particular niche within the dance world. Use online resources such as industry blogs, forums, and social media groups to gather insights on commonly used terminology.

Examples of Effective Keyword Usage

Here are a few tips on how to effectively incorporate keywords into your dance resume:

• Start with a clear objective statement at the beginning of your resume that uses keywords relevant to your target role.
• Integrate your keywords throughout your resume in a natural way, focusing on showcasing your skills and achievements rather than simply throwing in keywords for the sake of it.
• Use specific, quantifiable examples of your achievements that demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. For example, if you specialize in choreography, include metrics such as the number of successful performances or awards received.
• Don’t overdo it with keywords. Using too many keywords can make your resume seem spammy and can turn off recruiters.

By effectively incorporating keywords into your dance resume, you can increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and landing your dream dance role. Remember to stay focused on showcasing your skills and experience in a natural and compelling way, and let the keywords serve as a helpful tool in getting your application to the top of the pile.

Tips to Make Your Dance Resume Stand Out

Crafting a winning dance resume can be a challenge, but with the right tools and guidance, it is possible to create a standout document that showcases your skills and experience. Here are some additional tips to help you make your dance resume stand out from the crowd.

Additional tips for crafting a winning dance resume

Keep it concise: Your dance resume should be no more than one page in length. This means that you need to be strategic in your language and formatting to convey your most important information in a clear and concise manner.

Highlight your accomplishments: Rather than simply listing your skills and experiences, focus on highlighting your accomplishments. This could include awards you’ve won, performances you’ve been a part of, or notable choreography you’ve created.

Use keywords: Be sure to use keywords that relate to the specific type of dance job you are applying for. This will help your resume to stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.

Include relevant training: Whether you’ve completed a formal dance training program or have taken classes from a renowned instructor, including this information on your resume can show potential employers that you are serious about your craft.

Customize for each job application: Tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for can help to make it stand out. Look at the job description and requirements carefully and ensure that your resume speaks to those needs.

Common resume mistakes to avoid

Typos and errors: Even a single typo can make your resume look unprofessional. Be sure to proofread your document carefully before submitting it.

Irrelevant information: While it’s important to showcase your strengths and accomplishments, don’t include irrelevant information. Keep your focus on your dance experience and training.

Overcomplicating the format: A simple, easy-to-read format is key when it comes to resumes. Avoid using complicated fonts, colors, or graphics that may be distracting.

Tips for tailoring your resume to different types of dance jobs

Ballet: When applying for a ballet dance job, be sure to highlight your extensive training and experience in classical ballet techniques. Including any awards or performances you’ve been a part of can also be a plus.

Contemporary: For contemporary dance jobs, emphasize your skills in improvisation, choreography, and collaboration. Including any experience with site-specific or unconventional performance spaces can also be beneficial.

Commercial dance: When applying for commercial dance jobs, focus on your ability to pick up choreography quickly and your versatility as a dancer. Highlight your experience in musical theatre, commercial, or hip-hop dance styles.

By following these tips, you can craft a winning dance resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Remember to stay focused on the job you are applying for, keep your language concise and relevant, and proofread carefully to avoid any errors.

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• • Choreographed, taught, and directed 20+ ballet and modern dance performances for high school and college students annually, with an audience of up to 500+ attendees per show.
• • Designed and executed a comprehensive dance curriculum, resulting in a 30% increase in student enrollment for non-transferable dance courses.
• • Developed strategies for student recruitment and retention, successfully growing the dance program by 40% over two years.
• • Mentored and coached students for regional and national dance competitions, achieving a 75% placement rate for participants.
• • Initiated community outreach programs that expanded the academy's influence and cultural footprint within the Austin area.
• • Organized and led dance workshops and seminars, drawing from a diverse repertoire to enhance student's technical and performance skills.
• • Produced and directed original dance productions, with 50+ performances each season, increasing company revenue by 25%.
• • Collaborated with cross-functional teams including costume designers, musicians, and stage managers to deliver seamless productions.
• • Implemented a peer mentoring program which improved ensemble cohesion and performance quality.
• • Led intensive seminars and workshops, enhancing the company's reputation for dance excellence.
• • Cultivated partnerships with local schools, fostering a pipeline for emerging dance talent and community engagement.
• • Developed and taught a diverse range of ballet and modern dance classes for students aged 14-18, resulting in higher skill acquisition and performance readiness.
• • Choreographed 15+ dance pieces for school events and competitions, showcasing students' abilities and creativity.
• • Initiated a performance evaluation system that provided students with constructive feedback to aid in their artistic development.
• • Enhanced community engagement by organizing annual dance showcases, attracting 200+ audience members.

5 Dance Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your dance resume must showcase your technical proficiency. Highlight your versatility in various dance styles. Emphasize your performance experience and notable roles. Let your passion and dedication leap off the page.

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

One specific resume challenge you may face as a dancer is articulating and quantifying your artistic achievements and unique skill sets in a way that stands out to a diverse range of employers. Our guide provides tailored strategies and actionable tips to help you clearly define your dance accomplishments and translate your performance experience into a compelling career narrative.

• [Job title] resume samples that got people hired at top companies.
• How to perfect the look-and-feel of your resume layout.
• How to showcase your achievements and skills through various resume sections.
• How you could hint to recruiters why your resume is the ideal profile for the job.

If the dance resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Painter Resume Example
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• Fashion Stylist Resume Example
• Voice Actor Resume Example
• Production Assistant Resume Example
• Cinematographer Resume Example
• Film Actor Resume Example
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The ultimate formula for your dance resume format

Our best advice on how to style your dance resume is this - first, take the time to study the job advert requirements.

The resume format you select should ultimately help you better align how your experience matches the specific role.

There are four crucial elements you need to thus take into consideration:

• How you present your experience. If you happen to have plenty of relevant expertise, select the reverse-chronological resume format to organize your experience by dates, starting with the latest.
• Don't go over the top with writing your resume. Instead, stick with a maximum of two-page format to feature what matters most about your profile.
• Headers aren't just for "decoration". The header of your resume helps recruiters allocate your contact details, portfolio, and so much more.
• The PDF format rules. It's the most common practice to submit your dance resume as a PDF so that your resume doesn't lose its layout. However, make sure the read the job well - in some instances, they might require a doc file.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

Don't forget to include these six sections on your dance resume:

• Header and summary for your contact details and to highlight your alignment with the dance job you're applying for
• Experience section to get into specific technologies you're apt at using and personal skills to deliver successful results
• Skills section to further highlight how your profile matches the job requirements
• Education section to provide your academic background
• Achievements to mention any career highlights that may be impressive, or that you might have missed so far in other resume sections

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Technical skills and styles of dance (e.g., ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap)
• Performance experience, including the names of productions and choreographers
• Dance education and training, including schools and workshops attended
• Physical abilities and characteristics (height, build, flexibility, endurance)
• Professional affiliations and acknowledgments (awards, recognitions, membership in dance companies)

The experience section or the essence of your professional dance resume

Recruiters always have and always will appreciate well-written dance resume experience sections.

The experience section is perhaps the most crucial element of your professional presentation, as it needs to answer job requirements while showcasing your technical expertise and personality.

Create your best resume experience section yet by:

• Selecting only relevant experience items to the role you're applying for;
• Always ensure you've listed a metric to quantify your success alongside each experience item;
• Create a narrative that showcases your dance career succession: this goes to show the time and effort you've invested in the field to build your experience from the ground up;
• Within each experience bullet, consider a problem you've solved, the skills you've used, and the bigger impact this has made in the organization.

Take a look at how other real-life professionals have curated their experience with the dance samples below:

• Spearheaded dance choreography for 5 major theatre productions, aligning performance styles to narrative requirements, significantly enhancing audience engagement
• Mentored a team of 12 dancers, improving technical proficiency and overall performance standards through a rigorous training regimen
• Developed and implemented a dance-focused fitness program that increased team endurance by 40%, leading to more dynamic and demanding routines
• Designed original dance compositions for 15 corporate events, tailoring performances to enhance brand messages and client experiences
• Initiated a cross-promotional partnership with local dancewear companies, boosting both brands’ visibility and increasing merchandise sales by 20%
• Implemented an innovative digital marketing strategy using dance videos, growing our social media following by 150% within twelve months
• Organized and executed dance workshops for over 200 participants, focusing on cultural dance education and fostering diversity in the arts community
• Collaborated with international dance troupes to create fusion pieces that were showcased in multiple festivals, earning critical acclaim
• Raised the annual performance attendance by 25% through targeted community outreach and engagement
• Performed lead roles in 10 dance videos that reached a combined viewership of over 2 million on YouTube, driving awareness for the studio
• Managed a dance blog that attracted 5K monthly visitors, becoming a trusted source of information on local dance events and classes
• Devised a collaboration with local musicians for live dance performances, blending dance and live music to critical success
• Created a comprehensive strength and agility training program, leading to a 30% reduction in dance-related injuries among the company members
• Established a successful audition and selection process, resulting in the recruitment of high-caliber talent that enhanced company performances
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by organizing quarterly peer review sessions and dance technique workshops
• Directed 20+ dance video projects from conception to release, achieving an average of 300,000 views per video across various platforms
• Implemented a costume design and management system, resulting in streamlined performances and a 15% budget saving on wardrobe costs
• Launched a competitive dance team that triumphed in regional competitions for 3 consecutive years, bolstering the academy's reputation
• Pioneered an international dance exchange program, establishing partnerships with 5 overseas dance schools and enriching the curriculum with diverse styles
• Secured grant funding for the development of a new contemporary dance piece, which was performed across 10 cities to critical acclaim
• Tracked and analyzed class attendance data, adopting a data-driven approach to improve student retention rates by 20%
• Coordinated the end-to-end production of a successful dance theater piece, which sold out for its 4-week run and was nominated for regional awards
• Formulated a dancer wellness program that included nutrition, mental health support, and physical therapy, leading to enhanced performance longevity
• Expanded the dance center's community programs by 35% through initiatives designed to make dance accessible to underprivileged children
• Led the digital transformation of the studio's class booking system, increasing online enrollments by 50% and improving customer satisfaction rates
• Crafted a yearly performance review system for the dance instructors, which was crucial in the professional development of the staff
• Initiated and organized an annual dance festival that became a staple in the local arts calendar, with attendance growing by 30% each year
• Choreographed and directed virtual reality dance experiences, integrating cutting-edge technology to expand the studio's service offerings
• Tripled the studio's online subscriber base through the creation of a subscription-based series of interactive dance tutorials
• Developed a partnership with fitness tech brands to provide wearable devices for performance tracking, enhancing dancers' techniques and pace of learning

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the percentage by which you increased sales or productivity in your previous roles to demonstrate your direct impact on company growth.
• List the amount of money you saved the company through cost-cutting measures, showcasing your financial acumen.
• Specify the number of employees you managed, to highlight your leadership and team management skills.
• Detail the size of the budgets you have overseen to illustrate your financial responsibility and trustworthiness.
• Mention the number of projects you successfully completed to show your capability in project management and delivery.
• Reference the customer satisfaction scores or ratings you achieved to validate your focus on customer service and quality outcomes.
• State the exact number of new clients or accounts you secured to underscore your effectiveness in sales or business development.
• Document the measurable efficiency improvements you implemented, like reduced cycle time or increased throughput.

Action verbs for your dance resume

No experience, no problem: writing your dance resume

You're quite set on the dance role of your dreams and think your application may add further value to your potential employers. Yet, you have no work experience . Here's how you can curate your resume to substitute your lack of experience:

• Don't list every single role you've had so far, but focus on ones that would align with the job you're applying for
• Include any valid experience in the field - whether it's at research or intern level
• Highlight the soft skills you'd bring about - those personality traits that have an added value to your application
• Focus on your education and certifications, if they make sense for the role.

Recommended reads:

• How to Put Cum Laude on Your Resume
• When Should You Include Your High School on Your Resume?

If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.

Creating your dance resume skills section: balancing hard skills and soft skills

Recruiters hiring for dance roles are always keen on hiring candidates with relevant technical and people talents. Hard skills or technical ones are quite beneficial for the industry - as they refer to your competency with particular software and technologies. Meanwhile, your soft (or people) skills are quite crucial to yours and the company's professional growth as they detail how you'd cooperate and interact in your potential environment. Here's how to describe your hard and soft skill set in your dance resume:

• Consider what the key job requirements are and list those towards the top of your skills section.
• Think of individual, specific skills that help you stand out amongst competitors, and detail how they've helped you succeed in the past.
• Look to the future of the industry and list all software/technologies which are forward-facing.
• Create a separate, technical skills section to supplement your experience and further align with the dance job advert.

Top skills for your dance resume:

Choreography

Ballet Technique

Modern Dance

Hip-Hop Dance

Contemporary Dance

Improvisation

Dance Theory

Physical Conditioning

Adaptability

Communication

Time Management

Self-discipline

Perseverance

Attention to Detail

Physical Stamina

Bold the names of educational institutions and certifying bodies for emphasis.

Dance-specific certifications and education for your resume

Place emphasis on your resume education section . It can suggest a plethora of skills and experiences that are apt for the role.

• Feature only higher-level qualifications, with details about the institution and tenure.
• If your degree is in progress, state your projected graduation date.
• Think about excluding degrees that don't fit the job's context.
• Elaborate on your education if it accentuates your accomplishments in a research-driven setting.

On the other hand, showcasing your unique and applicable industry know-how can be a literal walk in the park, even if you don't have a lot of work experience.

Include your accreditation in the certification and education sections as so:

• Important industry certificates should be listed towards the top of your resume in a separate section
• If your accreditation is really noteworthy, you could include it in the top one-third of your resume following your name or in the header, summary, or objective
• Potentially include details about your certificates or degrees (within the description) to show further alignment to the role with the skills you've attained
• The more recent your professional certificate is, the more prominence it should have within your certification sections. This shows recruiters you have recent knowledge and expertise

At the end of the day, both the education and certification sections hint at the initial and continuous progress you've made in the field.

And, honestly - that's important for any company.

Below, discover some of the most recent and popular Dance certificates to make your resume even more prominent in the applicant pool:

The top 5 certifications for your dance resume:

• Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) - Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
• Certified Dance Education Specialist (CDES) - Dance Educators of America (DEA)
• National Dance Teaching Certificate (NDTC) - National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
• Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher (AACT) - Acrobatic Arts
• Certified Ballroom Dance Teacher (CBDT) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)

Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your dance resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.

• How to List a Major & Minor on Your Resume (with Examples)

Choosing between a dance resume summary or objective

Many may argue that, in recent times, the dance resume summary or objective has become completely obsolete.

But the reality is different as both of these resume sections provide you with an opportunity to :

• integrate dance-vital keywords
• showcase your accomplishments
• answer why you're applying for this particular role.

The difference (between the summary and the objective) is that the:

• Resume objective puts your career goals in a more prominent position.
• Resume summary focuses more on career milestones.

We recommend you select the summary if you happen to have plenty of experience you'd like to spotlight from the very start of your dance resume.

Meanwhile, the objective is ideal for those candidates who'd like to further prove their suitability for the role with their goals and soft skills.

We've featured some industry professional dance resume samples to the best resume summary and objective structures:

Resume summaries for a dance job

• Seasoned professional ballerina with over 15 years gracing stages across Europe, bringing a rich portfolio of roles from classical to contemporary ballet. A master of precise technique, I performed principal roles in over 200 productions, showcasing exceptional emotional expressiveness and storytelling ability.
• Award-winning hip-hop choreographer with a decade of experience innovating in urban dance, integrating multimedia elements to create groundbreaking performances. Renowned for choreographing viral routines for top music artists and leading edge-setting dance crews to national victories.
• Highly motivated former software engineer eager to transfer problem-solving skills to creative choreography, underscoring a passion for synchronized group dynamics and compelling storytelling through dance after 2 years of self-directed dance studies and community theater involvement.
• Dynamic marketing executive with 8 years at a Fortune 500 company, seeking to pivot to dance production management. Brings a proven track record of strategic branding initiatives and an MBA in Arts Management, along with a lifelong dedication to ballet as an amateur dancer.
• Aspiring dance instructor with robust health and fitness background eager to leverage a BA in Physical Education to help others achieve their dance and performance goals. Committed to creating an engaging learning environment that fosters the development of each dancer's unique style.
• Recent performing arts graduate with specialized training in modern dance, seeking entry-level opportunities to apply vigorous academic and practical preparation. Fueled by an eagerness to collaborate in diverse productions and a determination to master various dance genres.

What else can you add to your dance resume

What most candidates don't realize is that their dance resumes should be tailored both for the job and their own skillset and personality.

To achieve this balance between professional and personal traits, you can add various other sections across your resume.

Your potential employers may be impressed by your:

• Awards - spotlight any industry-specific achievements and recognitions that have paved your path to success;
• Languages - dedicate some space on your dance resume to list your multilingual capabilities , alongside your proficiency level;
• Publications - with links and descriptions to both professional and academic ones , relevant to the role;
• Your prioritization framework - include a "My Time" pie chart, that shows how you spend your at-work and free time, would serve to further backup your organization skill set.

Key takeaways

• The layout of your resume should take into consideration your professional background while integrating vital sections and design elements;
• Highlight your most pertinent achievements for the role all through different sections;
• Be very specific when selecting your certifications, hard skills, and soft skills to showcase the best of your talents;
• Include within the top one-third of your dance resume a header and summary to help recruiters understand your experience and allocate your contact details. A skills box is optional, but it will help you align your expertise with the role;
• Detail the full extent of your professional experience with specific bullets that focus on tasks, actions, and outcomes.

Looking to build your own Dance resume?

• Resume Examples

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Keys to Professional Dance Resume Writing

A dance resume is needed to apply for a job in dance schools and studios, at dance castings, programs, courses, competitions and so on. It includes information about your dance skills and qualifications, work experience, and accomplishments. A dance resume is required to evaluate a dancer’s suitability for a dance job.

In this article, we are going to discuss the details of how to format and structure your dance resume. It may differ a little from a standard professional resume , so let’s get started.

How to Format a Sample Dance Resume

To build a great professional career in dance, you might need to create an impressive dance resume for college. A resume is a tool that may help in impressing directors, so you need to format it appropriately.

Personal Information. 

Typically, a dance resume should include the applicant’s name and surname at the top. Include also a date of birth address, contact information (phone number, e-mail). This information should go at the top of the page, right below the first header.

In contrast to a traditional resume, dance resume samples should include a dancer’s physical characteristics. They are height, weight, eye, and hair color. Height is the most important characteristic as some employers have a limited number of costumes. So dancers are expected to have specific physical features.

Listing your dance education and training is most important in the dance instructor resume and other types of dance resume. You need to include the dates, school names, dance teachers’ names, and so on. In this section, you can also include your skills and qualifications. As an applicant needs to tailor his resumes to particular jobs, include only those dance-related skills.

Professional Experience.

In the following section, dancers need to describe their work experiences, past roles, and training history. You need to list the dance companies and artistic directors you have worked with. A widely accepted method is to organize information in sections in reverse chronological order. Starting with the continuing position and school and continue with the following points.

Remember that you do not need to include all the companies and choreographers. It is better to list the roles in the work history section. It is recommended to outline one or a few performances or studio works adding the links to them.

You don’t need to provide all the roles but highlight what best reflects you as a professional. Remember to include the dates you were working for a particular company or studio.

When listing the training, begin with the most recent ones. Provide the names of prestigious schools and dance studios in reverse chronological order. In the training section, name the masters you have learned from. You can also include specific techniques you have studied but it is not necessary. If you have a lot of different training, the same rule applies to the training as to the roles.

Don’t be afraid to leave out some unrelated experiences. Let’s imagine that you are applying for a job at a professional ballet company. It is better to include a ballet summer school, ballet training than the theater camp.

In this section, you are also allowed to include any teaching experience if you are writing a dance teacher resume. This is when you can list companies you have worked for, what style you have taught as a dance instructor or choreographer, and the dates.

If you had an opportunity to volunteer at a home studio or worked as a master teacher, feel free to include it on the resume. In addition, if you have been a teacher’s assistant, is also advisable to include it on the dance resume.

References.

While this section is not mandatory, it is better to include one or a few names and contact details of professionals. If they can give a good personal reference on your behalf, it is worth mentioning their names on the resume.

This section is not mandatory but if you have any honors, accolades, or professional affiliations , feel free to include them in your dance resume. For example, being a dance captain of the high school team can be considered some kind of acclaim.

Mentioning receiving awards for your performances can help you stand out from the competition. There is no need to include all the competitions on your professional dance resume. However, outline only the most impressive accomplishments.

Professional Dance Resume Example

David Liberman

123 Greenwich St., New York

917-435-5543

[email protected]

Height – 178 cm

School of American Ballet 2013-2018

BA in English, University of Massachusetts 2012

Professional Experience

School of American Ballet Student Choreographic Workshop – 2015

BalletFleming – Better Than Fine, Dyadic Dances – 2013

Street Scenes in Hong Kong, Salvador, Pennsylvania Ballet’s Shut Up & Dance to Benefit MANNA 2008, 2012

Black Swan (film) – Corps de Ballet – Director, Darren Aronofsky – 2010

Pennsylvania Ballet – Corps de Ballet 2007-2011

George Balanchine’s: The Nutcracker (Harlequin), Ballo Della Regina, Agon, Four Temperaments, Square Dance, Theme and Variations Pennsylvania Ballet II 2005-2007

George Balanchine’s Serenade and Chopiniana, Susan Stroman’s Double Feature  2003-2004

New York City Ballet – with the School of American Ballet – 2003

Tips on How to Write a Dance Resume

Dance directors go through numerous resumes, therefore, a resume can help to make a positive first impression. To get a chance to catch the attention of the director, you want your resume to be as perfect as possible. Of course, you need to eliminate all the details that can turn directors off.

So, how to make your resume stand out from the competition?

Once you have crafted your job application, take one more look to ensure it is eye-catching using these handful tips.

• Focus on essentials. The first and the main tip on how to make a dance resume is to be concise. You need to provide to the employer only essential information.

The directors are too busy to read about all the roles you have performed. They can be more interested in the schools you have attended, where you trained, what professionals you have worked with.

What is a resume friendly name?

Most of the artistic directors simply scan resumes for names they can recognize. It adds more value to the applicant’s resume if he has worked with a well-known figure in the dance industry. Also, the director will be able to call a colleague as a reference.

• Keep your resume concise. Another tip is concerned with the content of the resume. A good resume should be no longer than one page if possible.

When directors get 300 three-page resumes, they may feel confused, to put it mildly. An applicant should present his information to an unknown person as concisely as possible but with no white space. To make a resume impressive, you don’t have to include every credential you have.

Even if you are an experienced professional, determine the most important achievements. You definitely need to prioritize your accomplishments eliminating the less relevant ones. In reality, directors care more about things that influenced a dancer than lists of the schools that shaped his dancing or his career path.

• List the most prominent roles and performances. It can be tricky though. A professional dance resume can be overly detailed. It often includes all the possible roles, skills, accolades, etc.

Directors don’t need to know that a dancer performed “Swan Lake” ballet for 10 years. This may be considered a great achievement by some employers. The more important thing is to get an understanding of where the dancer is right now and what are his career goals. In many dance resume examples, you will see that established dancers narrow down their repertoire. It is necessary to do it as much as the experience grows. They tend to include their choreography work at the bottom.

Describe your experience objectively. There is a huge difference between being confident and boasting. And artistic directors always feel this fine line as they are much more experienced.

• Include your current education. You might ask what is this needed for?

It is better to include your continuing education to show the efforts to grow as an artist.

• Proofread. Check your spelling and grammar two or three times. Typos in your own names signal that you are not literate.

It can really drive the directors nuts when they see renowned choreographers’ or teachers’ names misspelled.

• Add a photo. As mentioned above, the directors go through hundreds of resumes. Your photo in the upper corner of the resume will help them to easily remember you when sitting down after auditions.

You can also add a few photos and videos of performances to create a better first impression. Make sure that this photo is relevant to show the employer.

• Include a link to your personal Instagram, Twitter or Facebook page, YouTube channel.

If you have a professional website, it is strongly advisable to include it.

• Include chronological gaps. Artistic directors will be surprised at what you are hiding.

They will probably ask you about the time period with no school, training or work during some year. However, be afraid of white space.

For example, you have just graduated from university, so you have no working experience to speak of. If your essential information doesn’t fill an entire page, fill the white space up with additional but still relevant details.

• Skip a hobbies and interests section. The resumes that are too full of additional information are not able to draw artistic directors’ attention.
• Organize the sections of your dance resume template into headings. It will help to make it more readable.

These sections may include Personal Information, Education, Professional Experience, Accolades, References, and others.

Hope this article was helpful. When writing a dance resume, be specific when listing your skills, accolades, and work experiences. While applicants are allowed to be creative, they are also recommended to be concise. Try to be selective and include the most relevant points.

Happy job hunting!

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3 Dance Student Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

Dance Student Resume

Elegant dance student resume, clean dance student resume.

• Dance Student Resume Writing 101

Maybe you’ve tried a few other types of jobs and want to apply your new Bachelor of Arts in dance to become a dedicated dance student. You dream of on-stage performances and professional venues, and you’re ready to put in hours of practice to learn different styles and choreographic arrangements.

But what resume template do you use to help demonstrate your enthusiasm? How do you take unrelated experiences and use them to reinforce your ability to dance?

Don’t worry, we can help you establish a sense of direction! After years of helping dancers and students, we’ve put together three dance student resume examples to give you a leg up.

or download as PDF

Copy this text for your dance student resume!

Dillon Mcalvey Dance Student [email protected] (123) 456-7890 Pittsburgh, PA

CAREER OBJECTIVE Talented dance student with office experience seeking a position with Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Offering stellar presentation skills and an eagerness to share dance knowledge and grow in expertise.

WORK EXPERIENCE Intern Ruddur Dance 2020 – current Pittsburgh, PA -Supported the development of fundraising campaigns, increasing fundraising by 11% through social media outreach – Assisted with grant-seeking, grant-writing, LOIs, and submissions of corporate and government grant proposals and final reports – Participated in organizing over 6 special events, including a winter gala, a civic recital, and a state-wide performance tour – Worked with accounting staff to assist with recordkeeping – Co-taught 12 students in modern dance and tap class 2 times a week – Contributed to 75% of the choreography of 3 lyrical dance recitals

Waiter Chili’s 2019 – 2020 Pittsburgh, PA – Greeted diners, delivered drinks, and correctly took orders – Led team in performing opening and closing duties 3 times a week, including register reconciliation with 100% accuracy – Supervised bar during bar manager’s 2-month absence in 2020 and, conducted thorough inventory checks to decrease loss by 7% – Received 95% or higher scores on all customer feedback surveys, and earned Employee of the Month 4 times – Promoted weekly specials, outselling coworkers by 9% or more – Bussed tables, assisted cooks, and dried dishes during short-staffings

SKILLS – Physical Fitness – Modern Dance – Creative – Collaborative

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts Dance Penn State University 2018 – 2022 State College, PA

Related resume examples

• Dance teacher
• Ballet dancer
• Competitive dancer

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Experience

Your skills can get a bit tricky as a dance student. Where do you start with showing recruiters how you’ve already established a solid repertoire of abilities that will make you a great professional dancer?

The good news is that you can pull skills that you’ve learned from just about any prior job or class, as long as the abilities themselves are relevant to your new profession. For example, if you used to work in customer service, your collaborative abilities would help greatly with group choreography!

Make sure you’re super specific, too. Say “group choreography,” not just “teamwork”. If your list of skills sounds like it could relate to any profession or any type of dancer, try to get more specific.

See what we mean:

9 best dance student skills

• Physical Fitness
• Modern Dance
• Group Choreography
• Active Listening
• Vocal Training

Sample dance student experience bullet points

Now that you’ve told recruiters about what you can do, they want to see how you’ve already used your abilities to make a difference! Some dance students stress a bit about this stuff, but there are ways to translate other jobs or school activities into bullet points that qualify you as a dancer!

For example, if you helped put together an ad or outreach campaign for your college’s dance performance, mention it. If you participated in a dance group that boosted attendance for your local theater, say so.

Just make sure you include numbers to back up those points. Recruiters want attendance rates, engagement percentages, and graduation increases!

Check out these samples:

• Supported the development of fundraising campaigns, increasing dance studio fundraising by 11% through social media
• Co-taught 12 students in modern dance and tap class twice weekly, collaborating on lesson plans to boost engagement by 19%
• Received 95% or higher on all customer service feedback surveys, earning Employee of the Month 4 times
• Contributed to 76% of the choreography for 3 lyrical dance recitals that increased ticket sales by 11%

Top 5 Tips for Your Dance Student Resume

• It’s important to use metrics that reinforce any impact you’ve had that relates to dancing. Random headcounts or numbers of projects don’t really pack a punch, so avoid these unless you follow up with an impressive time crunch or attendance boost!
• Whenever possible, use experience examples that demonstrate your go-getter attitude and your enthusiasm as a dance student. Emphasize outreach projects or class assistance roles that show you taking a leadership role.
• If you’re fresh out of college and haven’t had time to build up much work experience, don’t forget that college projects can be just as qualifying at your level. Recruiters understand where you’re coming from, so that student dance group that increased enrollment rates at your school may be more impressive than you think!
• Don’t feel pressured to run on with your experience points just to fill the page—it’s better for your resume to have only the finest, most powerful bullet points in a streamlined layout. If you have more to say about your qualifications as a dance student, make fresh points in your cover letter !
• If you’re applying for a student role, it makes sense to include a resume objective that sums up why you’re breaking into professional dancing, and why you’re qualified for it. Just don’t repeat any points from your resume or cover letter !

Alongside your Bachelor’s degree in Dance, you can include separate classes and certifications to reinforce your educational level. If you have something special like an International Dance Exercise Association (IDEA) Personal Trainer Certification, don’t hide it!

Some dance students are fortunate enough to feel like their resume is complete without the need for an additional objective statement. If you already have certificates, credentials, and experiences galore, feel free to nix it!

You can answer this question by revisiting the job description ! Comb through the original ad for any keywords like “Urban Dance” or “group classes” that you can reflect in your resume to demonstrate your excellent fit for the role.

Dance resume example

Have you been wearing pointe shoes since you could walk? You probably know by now that dancing can be a fiercely competitive industry, so if you want to stand out, you need to create a captivating resume.

You want your application to reflect your years of experience and showcase your knowledge of different dance techniques.

To help you do this, we’ve created a job-winning dance resume example for you to use, along with an accompanying guide full of our top tips.

Resume templates 

Dance Resume Example

The example Dancer resume above shows you how a professional resume should look, along with the type of content it should contain.

You’ll notice that the information is well organized across the page, and its easy for busy hiring managers to spot the candidate’s important skills.

Keep this in mind as you write your own resume.

Dance resume layout and format

The format and layout of your resume can make or break its success.

Sure, it’s great to pack your resume with lots of impressive skills and knowledge, but if the page is not structured clearly, hiring managers will struggle to find the important stuff!

Above all, your resume should be easy-to-read and professional looking.

Follow these formatting tips to get noticed.

Resume formatting tips

• Length: Keep your resume to 2 pages or under. You’ve probably heard that recruiters and hiring managers don’t have lots of time to read every resume, so keep yours brief if you want to ensure that they read all of the important info in yours.
• Font and text : Complex fonts are a readers’ worst nightmare and will leave recruiters struggling to understand your message. Use a clear simple lean font in a color that stands out against the page, and break your text up with bullet points to make the content easily digestible.
• Design & structure: Allow recruiters to skim through your resume with ease, by dividing the page into clear sections with headings and borders. The design of your resume should be eye-catching but not overly complex – keep the style and color scheme simple and clean.
• Photos and images: It’s not mandatory to add a photo to your resume in the USA but it if you’re applying to organizations within the creative fields, it can be beneficial.

Quick tip: Formatting a resume to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Include the following sections when you write your resume .

• Name and contact details – Make it easy for employers to contact you, by putting these at the top.
• Resume summary – An intro paragraph sitting at the top of your resume, summarizing the reasons why you should be hired.
• Skills section – A short snappy list of your most important skills, that can be quickly digested
• Work experience – Reverse chronological list of your previous jobs – voluntary work and college placements can be included if you have no paid experience.
• Education – List your qualifications and professional training.
• Additional info – An optional section for things like hobbies and interests.

Now here’s exactly what you should include in each of these sections in your resume.

Resume Contact Details

Add your name and contact details to the very top of your resume, making it easy for recruiters to get in touch

• Name and profession title
• Cell phone number – or another number you can answer quickly
• Location – Add your local area such as San Diego or New York – not your full address as that will take up too much space.
• Email address – Use your name or close variation – no nicknames from high school.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Dance Resume Summary

Your resume summary is like your introduction to the recruiter or hiring manager – it should grab their attention and leave them eager to read more about you.

Achieve this by writing a snappy overview of your skills, knowledge and what value you can bring to an employer.

Tips for creating an strong resume summary:

• Keep it brief: You only have a few seconds to grab a recruiters’ attention and make them commit to your resume, so keep your summary between 4 – 7 lines.
• Tailor it: Ensure your profile makes an impact by matching it closely to the requirements of the job description, copying as many key terms as possible.
• Avoid cliches: You might be a “ highly motivated go-getter who thinks outside the box” but generic meaningless cliches like that don’t tell employers much about you – stick to factual information in your summary.

Example resume summary for Dance

What to include in your dance resume summary.

• Summary of professional experience: Provide an overview of the type of work you have done in the past and the impact you have made at previous employers.
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Dance jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your resume.
• Essential qualifications: Showcase your level of education with a quick mention of any qualifications that are essential for the Dance roles you are applying to.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by our recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Next, you should create a bullet pointed list of your core skills, formatted into 2-3 columns.

Here, you should focus on including the most important skills or knowledge listed in the job advertisement.

This will instantly prove that you’re an ideal candidate, even if a recruiter only has time to briefly scan your resume.

Best skills for your Dance resume

• Solo, duet, and trio – Creating and performing beautiful chorography pieces solo, or as part of a duet or trio.
• Positional awareness – Extensive awareness of personal space in relation to other dancers or objects, and able to respond to changes in spatial relationships, time relationships, and relationship to music.
• Rhythmics – Moving appropriately to the beat of the music for each piece, staying in time.
• Movement patterns – Creating and performing distinctive dance sequences, structured to create a specific dance or demonstrate a specific effect.
• Choreography – Creating a sequence of steps or movements that produce a dance composition.

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Work experience section

Now that you’ve reeled recruiters in with your awesome summary, it’s time to delve into your work experience.

Here you’ll list your previous jobs (starting with your most recent and working backward) and showcase how you apply your skills in the workplace.

Provide lots of detail in recent jobs, and less in older roles.

If you have no relevant paid experience, you can include voluntary work and placements – but if you have lots of experience, you can leave out some of the really old jobs.

Structuring your job descriptions

Resume job descriptions contain lots of information, so its crucial to structure them well.

Use the structure below to ensure hiring managers can consume the information easily.

Job outline

Start with a 1-2 sentence outline of the role, summarizing what the goal of your position was, who you reported to (or managed) and the type of organization you worked for.

Key responsibilities

List your notable responsibilities in short sharp bullet points to demonstrate your input and how you contributed to the organization’s success.

Highlight the skills that are most important to the roles you are applying for.

Key achievements

Finish each role by highlighting some impressive achievements you made whilst in the role.

Anything that benefited the employer can be included from making financial savings, to winning new customers.

Quantify your achievements with facts and figures if you can, e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Dance resume

Touring the USA with The American Contemporary Ballet as Lead Dancer in their productions of “Swan Lake” and “Chicago”, alongside supporting the training of junior Ballet Dancers within the academy.

Key Responsibilities

• Performed complex ballet choreography on stage 4 nights a week and during several TV appearances
• Trained classical and modern routines and learned new choreographies under the supervision of seasoned Ballet Choreographer Joe Bloggs
• Collaborated with other dancers to ensure excellent harmony of rhythm and timing
• Taught choreography, fundamentals, and proper techniques to junior ballet dancers

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Education resume section

Near the end of your resume add your education section

Experienced candidates should keep it brief and focus on professional qualifications – and junior candidates can include high school diplomas, college degrees etc.

Additional info for your resume

The additional info section is optional but can be useful if you have anything else to add that could benefit your application.

For example ,you may have some hobbies and interests that are relevant to your job – or you might have awards or publications to shout about.

Writing your Dance resume

Writing a Dance resume can be challenging but following the steps above will ensure that you land plenty of interviews.

If you want to speed up the process and use an attractive professional template, try out our quick-and-easy Resume Builder .

Good luck with your job search!

Dance Resume Sample

If the language of gestures and movement is the primary language you speak, professional resume writing services suggested considering the career in dancing. Whether a show dancer or dance teacher, the world of dancing is a vast field to explore. And while you’re thinking of endless opportunities, check our article to learn how to make your achievements work for you.

• Learn about the work process of resume writing; 
• Check a free dance resume sample; 
• Find how to get hired as an entry-level specialist;
• Explore formats and a resume structure. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, pegs the average dancer’s salary at $19.47 per hour.

How to Format a Dance Resume

There are three resume formats to nail a job interview. Depending on your skills and job experience, a resume sample would contain a specific format. 

• Functional . The best dance resume format to outline your skills and mask the lack of experience. Perfect for industry newbies and career changers;
• Chronological . Provides the greatest layout for senior specialists who want to display their accomplishments;
• Mixed . A combination of both functional and chronological formats. Be careful with using this format since combination resumes are the least ATS-friendly documents. 

Dance Resume [Sample]

While you’re learning how to be a good dance instructor, we’ll teach you how to write a sample dance resume and nail your dream job. The resume for dance specialists below is an efficiently written dance job resume as it follows all requirements. 

Dance Teacher

Normani Bridgerton

53 Galts Ave, Red Deer

Alberta, T4N 2A6, Canada

Phone Number

+1403-309-4397

[email protected]

Energetic, highly organized, and result-oriented dance instructor with 12 years of work experience in the education industry. Due to superb knowledge of choreography and teaching qualifications, trained students who later became multiple contest winners. By the end of the first year, increased the attendance rate among students by 75%.

Edmonton College of Fine Arts

2012-2020 Key Responsibilities

• Planned the teaching program and followed it as a part of the college curriculum; 
• Delivered dance classes for various age groups and levels (beginners and proficient dancers); 
• Ensured personal growth of each student;
• Delivered classes in art history;
• Followed safety protocols at the highest level. 

Key Accomplishments

• Increased the attendance rate by 75%;
• Attracted foreign investment of $1 million; 
• Introduced a dancing exchange programme.

Hard Skills

• Excellent knowledge of teaching approaches;
• Superb knowledge of fine arts and choreography;
• Great interpersonal skills;
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Soft Skills

• Organization skills;
• Leadership skills.

University of Ottawa

Bachelor in Art History (Specialization in Dance)

• Graduated summa cum laude in Theatre studies;
• Completed internship at Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

Other Sections

• Participating in contemporary dance festivals;
• Filming dance documentaries.

For a professional dance resume, contact our writers. 

Check more resume examples for dancers and other specialists on the following Skillhub services:

• Resume writing service;
• Resume editing service;
• LinkedIn resume writing service;
• CV creation service. 

Our experts add new resume samples each week. At the same time, we expand the pool of professions. Get good resume examples and be the first to learn about new professions on the job market! 

Resume Objective & Resume Summary

Including a dance resume objective or summary is a must-do for anyone. Our professional resume editing services suggests being careful since the two have core differences. 

• Objective . Usually short and written in a matter-of-fact style. Here, one can express their job demands and career aspirations. For instance, you may ask the recruiter for a job training if you’re a newbie;
• Summary . Longer than an objective and includes details on one’s job experience. Make a statement of your accomplishments and job history here. A perfect way to impress the HR manager at the very beginning. 

Resume Summary [Examples]

Check more dance resume examples in order to write an attention-grabbing summary. 

Here is an example extracted from an online resume sample.

A dedicated and energetic dance teacher with 3 years of ballet teaching. My teaching qualifications allow me to stand out among other job seekers. Got awards for the amazing work I have done at the dance academy. 

Better add details to stand out at the job market. 

An aspiring and highly organized dance instructor with 3 years of teaching ballet, ballroom dance, and hip hop at Ottawa Dance Academy. Improved the attendance rate by 50% in a year.

Resume Objective [Examples]

To attract the reader’s attention, place your dance resume objective at the top of the page right after the resume header. Keep this part goal-oriented and short.

Objective to find a job as a dance teacher at education centers, colleges, or private institutions. 

Objective to find a job position as a dance instructor at a local academy, college, or school. Preferences to public schools located in Ottawa or Winnipeg. Hip hop and ballroom classes with flexible dancing curriculum are highly preferred. 

Resume Examples [Experience]

Ever wondered what a resume is, in short? Think of yourself as a product and of your resume as an advertisement. 

But how to write a dance resume, particularly the Experience section? Follow the tips below.

• You won’t find similar resumes for dancers because everyone has their unique career goals. Check resume examples online, but don’t copy paste one’s Experience section; 
• Adding 2-3 workplaces is enough;
• Upgrade your Experience section by dividing it into Key Requirements and Key Responsibilities as in the sample above;
• Mention your awards in dancing contests;
• Add links to your recorded performance to display your choreography skills in action.

Entry Level Dance Resume [Experience]

Composing an effective beginner dance resume is both difficult and intimidating. Don’t worry! Our experts are here to help you. Check a few tips on how to write a resume with no experience below. 

• Most dance candidates have almost zero experience. To stand out of the crowd, mention your awards and accomplishments in Other sections;
• Prove that you are serious about job responsibilities. Ever volunteered as a dance teacher at the local school? Write about it;
• In the end, provide a reason for why you should be hired. If your internship was stunning, talk about it.

Entry Level Dance [Sample]

A dance resume example for a newbie will ignite the recruiter’s interest in you as a promising young talent. No need for endless details here.

I have no experience, but your high acceptance rates tell me that your company is the right place to start a career and learn choreography teaching. 

Winnipeg High School

Key Responsibilities

• Organized ballroom classes for young learners;
• Motivated students to grow as aspiring dancers;
• Organized dance contests for adolescents.

The charity dance show has brought a $10 thousand donation to the local school.

Education Section and Secrets of Organizing It

All professional dance resumes provide education details to the recruiter. To show your strengths as a professional with superb skills and get results, use this section. 

• Start with the name of the university or college;
• Name the bachelor or master degree;
• Add years of studying;
• Though there are no requirements for further information, you can mention your internship;
• If you’ve graduated summa cum laude, don’t be shy! Write down this fact in the Education section.

Dance Resume Examples [Education]

All those astonishing degrees will ensure growth in your career if you showcase them right. Keep the Education section in your professional dancer resume neat and well-organized.

I am a recent graduate of Concordia University. My education has gave me everything I need to join your group and perform at the theatre.

Concordia University, Montreal

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance

• Graduated summa cum laude in Dance History;
• Specialized in Theatre Studies.

Skills on a Resume for a Dance

To persuade the casting director that you’re the one and only dancer to get the leading role, you must have amazing communication skills first. Yes, dance skills do not end at stomping around the stage. In fact, your dance resume skills are all about variety. 

• Start with your technical or Hard skills . Your ability of precise movement and the feeling of music are the basic skills. It would have been impossible to become a dancer without them, right? 
• Continue with the non-technical or Soft skills . Depending on your chosen career field, the soft skills would differ. However, the hard ones will stay the same. If you’re a dance instructor, communication skills are a must. But if you’re a show dancer, attention to detail and discipline substitute the need for amazing communication.

Dance Resume Examples [Skills]

Your dance skills resume is a separate tip on how to write an ATS-friendly resume. Yet craft a Skills section wisely. Again, keep it well-structured. 

My hard and soft skills are vast. I have amazing abilities at ballroom dancing and communication with my partner. At the same time, I am extremely attentive to detail, disciplined, and motivated.

• Superb excellence at applying various teaching concepts;
• Superb knowledge of dancing styles and dance history;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Listening skills; 
• Attention to detail;
• Management skills.

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How to Persuade the Recruiter to Hire You Once and for All

Some dance resume samples might contain Other sections. Yes, some resumes are more impressive than others. But don’t worry, we know how to make your resume stand out. 

• The goal of Other sections is to create a well-rounded image of you as a job candidate. Sections to choose from are Awards & Accomplishments, Volunteering, Hobbies, or Other Projects;
• Set a goal in your head. If you want to show your great communication skills, better mention your volunteering experience and duties at the local school rather than the last award at the dance contest. 

Dance Resume Examples [Other Sections]

It is reasonable that a dance resume for college would differ from dance instructor resumes. In the same way, the Hobbies section differs from the Other Projects. Keep these sections job-related to start working for your favorite employer.

• Watching documentaries at Netflix;
• Watching culinary programs. 
• Listening to podcasts on the difficulties in modern dancer’s work and possible solutions;
• Reading books on choreography training (new methods and approaches). 

Volunteering

Working at the local shelter for homeless animals.

Working at the local school (organizing and delivering dancing classes to the youngest learners).

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Final Thoughts

Congrats! Now you’ve learned how to make a dance resume effortlessly and with hours saved ahead. If you want to be 100% sure that the recruiter finds your resume in the top results, contact us. Our Skillhub writers will match your dance resume details to the job description.

Bring your resume to the next level. Check our it resume writing services to ensure your resume is polished and has everything to nail you a dream job. Contact us!

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