Resume Writing Tips for Dancer: How to Showcase Your Talent and Experience

Introduction

Dance is an art form that relies heavily on physical expression, but when it comes to professional opportunities, a dancer’s resume must communicate their qualifications clearly and efficiently. Unlike traditional resumes in corporate fields, dance resumes highlight performance skills, training, repertoire, and professional experiences. Crafting a resume that balances artistic achievements with industry standards while also being ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly ensures your profile reaches casting directors, choreographers, and employers. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 essential tips to enhance your dancer resume with practical advice on summary statements, skills, achievements, formatting, and more.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch on paper. It should succinctly convey who you are as a dancer and what value you bring to prospective employers. This section sets the tone for your entire resume and should be personalized for each opportunity.

Example: “Energetic contemporary dance performer with 5+ years of professional experience in national and international tours. Skilled in ballet, jazz, and improvisation, known for dynamic stage presence and collaborative spirit.”

2. Key Skills

Highlight specific dance-related skills and complementary abilities in a dedicated section. Use keywords relevant to the jobs you’re targeting to optimize for ATS and human readers alike.

• Classical Ballet Technique
• Contemporary Dance
• Jazz and Hip-Hop Styles
• Choreography and Composition
• Partnering and Lifts
• Improvisation and Freestyle
• Stage Presence and Expression
• Dance Conditioning and Injury Prevention
• Performance Adaptability
• Teaching and Workshop Facilitation

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

When describing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Quantify accomplishments and specific contributions that demonstrate your impact.

Example: Instead of "Performed in dance productions," write "Performed lead role in a nationally touring production, contributing to sold-out shows with audiences exceeding 1,000 per performance."

4. Tailoring to Job Descriptions

Customize your resume for each audition or role by aligning your skills and experience with the job description. Use the same keywords as listed in the casting call and emphasize relevant styles or techniques sought by the employer to increase your chances of being shortlisted.

5. Tools

• Dance notation software (LabanWriter, Benesh Movement Notation)
• Video editing tools (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Music editing software (Logic Pro, Ableton Live)
• Microsoft Word / Google Docs (for resume creation)
• Online casting platforms (Backstage, DanceNYC)
• Project management tools (Trello, Asana)
• Body conditioning apps (Pilates, yoga apps)
• Virtual audition platforms (Zoom, Casting Networks)
• Performance analytics apps (Motion capture)
• Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok for self-promotion)

6. Metrics

• Number of performances (e.g., “Participated in 20+ dance performances nationwide.”)
• Audience size (e.g., “Performed front-row at events attracting over 500 attendees.”)
• Years of professional experience (e.g., “7 years of contemporary dance experience.”)
• Awards or recognitions (e.g., “Recipient of the 2023 Regional Dance Excellence Award.”)
• Workshops taught or attended (e.g., “Conducted 15+ masterclasses in jazz dance.”)

7. Education

• Degree or Diploma in Dance or Performing Arts (e.g., “Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, New York University, 2020”)
• Relevant Certifications (e.g., “Certified Pilates Instructor, American Council on Exercise”)

8. Format

• Use clean, readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain consistent font sizes.
• Keep margins balanced with enough white space to avoid clutter, ideally a 2-page limit.

9. Concise

Keep bullet points crisp and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Use action verbs and active voice to maximize impact without overwhelming the reader.

10. Bonus

• Include a professional headshot and a link to your showreel or portfolio.
• Mention any leadership roles such as dance captain or choreographer to highlight your organizational and teamwork skills.

Examples

• “Led a team of 10 dancers as dance captain during a 3-month Broadway tour, resulting in zero performance cancellations.”
• “Choreographed a 15-minute contemporary piece showcased in a festival attended by over 2,000 people, receiving positive critical reviews.”

Conclusion

Writing an effective dance resume is about more than just listing performances — it’s about showcasing your impact, leadership qualities, and analytical approach to your craft. Highlighting measurable achievements, relevant skills, and adaptable experience demonstrates your professionalism and dedication within the dance community. By tailoring your resume, emphasizing your unique talents, and presenting your qualifications clearly, you enhance your chances of standing out in competitive auditions and advancing your career.