Resume Writing Tips for Choreographer

Introduction

For choreographers, a strong resume is not just a formality but a narrative tool that highlights your artistry, technical skills, and professional achievements. Whether you are aiming to join a dance company, collaborate on commercial projects, or teach at renowned studios, your resume needs to clearly communicate your value and versatility. A thoughtfully crafted resume helps you stand out among other talented artists by presenting your experience and skills in a digestible, ATS-friendly format that hiring managers appreciate.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your first impression—a brief, compelling snapshot of who you are as a choreographer. It needs to quickly reflect your expertise, style, and accomplishments. Avoid vague statements; instead, focus on your unique choreographic voice and measurable impacts.

Example: “Innovative contemporary choreographer with 8+ years of experience crafting dynamic performances for international dance festivals, increasing audience engagement by up to 40%. Skilled in collaborating with diverse teams to create award-winning mixed-media productions.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting relevant skills is crucial, especially for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes for keywords. Include a balanced mix of technical, creative, and interpersonal skills essential for choreography roles.

• Creative choreography development
• Dance technique expertise across multiple genres (ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz)
• Performance direction
• Stage and spatial design knowledge
• Team collaboration & leadership
• Music interpretation & rhythmic timing
• Video editing & choreography visualization (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Dance notation (Labanotation, Benesh Movement Notation)
• Rehearsal management
• Communication and teaching skills

3. Achievements

Focus on accomplishments over generic responsibilities. Quantify your impact with clear metrics where possible, such as audience numbers, awards won, or successful projects completed.

Example Bullet Point: “Led choreographic team to develop a 45-minute contemporary dance show that attracted over 3,000 attendees and received ‘Best New Dance Production’ award at the City Arts Festival 2023.”

4. Tailor to Job

Each choreographer role may seek different specialties—from commercial dance to theatrical productions. Customize your resume by analyzing the job description and integrating relevant keywords and skills. This approach improves your chances to pass ATS filters and resonate with recruiters.

5. Tools

• Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing)
• Final Cut Pro
• Motion capture software (e.g., Motive)
• Labanotation software (LabanWriter)
• Benesh Movement Notation tools
• Microsoft Office Suite (schedules & presentations)
• Google Workspace
• Project management tools (Trello, Asana)
• Zoom and video conferencing platforms for remote rehearsals
• Music editing apps (Ableton Live, GarageBand)

6. Metrics

• Audience sizes (e.g., “Engaged over 5,000 viewers in a two-week run”)
• Successful productions (e.g., “Choreographed 12 full-length shows in 4 years”)
• Awards and recognitions (e.g., “Recipient of Emerging Choreographer Award 2022”)
• Revenue impact (e.g., “Boosted ticket sales by 25% with innovative choreography”)
• Number of performers managed (e.g., “Directed a cast of 30 dancers in a collaborative production”)

7. Education

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, New York University, 2017
• Certified Dance Instructor, American Dance Therapy Association, 2018

8. Format

• Use clean, sans-serif fonts for readability
• Maintain consistent spacing and clear section headings

9. Concise

Your resume should ideally fit into two pages max. Prioritize relevant content and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Use bullet points and action verbs for clarity and impact.

10. Bonus

• Include links to your portfolio/videos—either a personal website or Vimeo/YouTube
• Mention any collaborations with well-known companies or artists to add credibility

Examples

• “Conceptualized and choreographed a digital dance series viewed by over 50,000 people worldwide within the first month.”
• “Spearheaded a male-female contemporary duet that won ‘Audience Favorite’ in the Regional Dance Competition, 2021.”

Conclusion

In the competitive world of choreography, your resume is your professional story—an opportunity to demonstrate your creative vision, leadership abilities, and analytical thinking. By emphasizing measurable achievements, relevant skills, and clear formatting, you can craft a resume that not only passes ATS scans but also resonates deeply with hiring teams. A strong choreography resume that showcases impact and versatility is essential for advancing your career and securing exciting new opportunities.