Creating a Standout Dance Resume for Auditions and Jobs

Crafting a dance resume that captures attention is crucial for landing auditions and jobs in the competitive dance industry. A well-structured resume not only showcases your talent but also reflects professionalism and dedication, key traits sought by directors and choreographers.

Essential Components of a Dance Resume

A standout dance resume includes several key elements that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of your qualifications and experience. Ensuring each component is thoughtfully crafted can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers.

Contact Information

Begin with your full name, phone number, email address, and professional social media handles, particularly if you have a LinkedIn profile or an Instagram account showcasing your dance work. Including your city and state can be beneficial, especially if you are targeting local auditions or jobs. Make sure your email address is professional—avoid using nicknames or whimsical usernames. This section should be at the top of your resume and easy to find, as it facilitates initial contact and sets the tone for a professional presentation.

Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be a concise, impactful sentence that clearly states your career goals and how they align with the position you are applying for. For instance, “To leverage my extensive training in contemporary dance to contribute to innovative performances with XYZ Dance Company.” Tailor this statement to reflect the specific role and organization, demonstrating your genuine interest and alignment with their mission. This targeted approach not only captures attention but also signals that you have done your homework about the company and understand their artistic vision.

Training and Education

List your formal dance education, including any degrees, certificates, and specialized training programs. Mention the institutions you attended, the duration of your studies, and any notable instructors or mentors who have influenced your development. If you have participated in workshops, masterclasses, or intensives, include those as well, specifying the type and length of the training. Providing this information offers potential employers insights into the breadth and depth of your training, establishing your foundational skills and commitment to continual growth.

Performance Experience

Detail your performance history, starting with the most recent experiences. Include the name of the production, your role, the choreographer, the company or venue, and the dates of the performance. Highlighting key performances, especially those that are relevant to the job you are applying for, can demonstrate your versatility and experience in different styles and settings. If you have performed in notable venues or with renowned companies, make sure these stand out, as they can add significant weight to your resume.

Skills and Specializations

Outline specific dance styles and techniques you are proficient in, such as ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, or ballroom. Additionally, mention any other relevant skills like acting, singing, or acrobatics, which can make you a more versatile performer. If you have experience in choreography, teaching, or dance notation, include these as well. Being clear about your specializations helps employers quickly assess whether your skill set aligns with their needs, making it easier for them to envision you in their productions.

Awards and Achievements

List any awards, scholarships, or recognitions you have received throughout your dance career. Include details such as the name of the award, the granting organization, and the year you received it. Highlighting these accolades can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your dedication and excellence in your craft. Whether it’s a national competition win, a prestigious scholarship, or an industry award, these honors reflect your hard work and talent, providing concrete evidence of your capabilities.

References

End your resume with a section for references, listing individuals who can vouch for your skills and professionalism. Include their name, title, organization, phone number, and email address. Ideally, your references should be well-respected figures in the dance community such as instructors, choreographers, or directors you have worked with. Always seek permission before listing someone as a reference and ensure they are prepared to speak positively about your work. Providing strong references can lend credibility to your resume and reassure employers of your reliability and competence.

Tailoring for Different Auditions

Customizing your dance resume for various auditions is essential to make a strong impression. By highlighting relevant experience, adjusting your objective statement, and emphasizing specific skills, you can better align your resume with the expectations of different directors and choreographers.

Highlight Relevant Experience

When preparing for a specific audition, it’s important to emphasize the experiences that are most pertinent to the role. For instance, if you are auditioning for a contemporary dance company, prioritize your performances and training in contemporary dance. Detail any notable projects or collaborations with contemporary choreographers, and mention any relevant workshops or intensives. This targeted approach not only showcases your suitability for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the company’s style and repertoire. By tailoring your resume in this way, you make it easier for the audition panel to see how your background aligns with their needs, increasing your chances of being selected.

Adjust Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be tailored to reflect the specific audition or job you are applying for. This means revising it to align with the company’s mission and the role’s requirements. For example, if you are auditioning for a musical theater production, your objective might highlight your dance and acting skills, such as, “To utilize my extensive training in jazz and musical theater to contribute to dynamic performances with ABC Theater Company.” This customization shows that you have taken the time to understand the company’s goals and are genuinely interested in contributing to their work. A well-crafted, specific objective statement can set the tone for the rest of your resume, making it clear that you are a thoughtful and serious candidate.

Emphasize Specific Skills

Different auditions may require different skill sets, so it’s crucial to emphasize the skills that are most relevant to the role. If the audition is for a ballet company, highlight your ballet training, technique, and any notable performances in that style. Conversely, if you are auditioning for a hip-hop crew, focus on your hip-hop skills, battles, and related performances. Additionally, if the role requires unique skills such as acrobatics, acting, or singing, make sure these are prominently featured. By clearly presenting the skills that match the audition’s requirements, you help the panel quickly assess your fit for the role, making it more likely that you will stand out among other candidates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a dance resume that stands out requires attention to detail and an understanding of what potential employers are looking for. One of the most common mistakes dancers make is including irrelevant or outdated information. While it might be tempting to list every performance or workshop you’ve ever attended, it’s essential to keep your resume focused and current. Including too much information can overwhelm the reader and dilute the impact of your most significant achievements. Instead, prioritize recent and relevant experiences that highlight your growth and current capabilities.

Another frequent error is neglecting to proofread thoroughly. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting can detract from your professionalism. A resume riddled with errors suggests a lack of attention to detail, which can be a red flag for directors and choreographers. To avoid this, take the time to review your resume carefully or ask a trusted mentor or colleague to help proofread it. A polished, error-free resume reflects your dedication and meticulousness, qualities that are highly valued in the dance industry.

Additionally, many dancers fail to update their resumes regularly. Dance is a dynamic field, and your resume should reflect your most recent accomplishments and experiences. Make it a habit to revise your resume after significant performances, new training, or any awards you receive. This ensures that your resume is always ready for submission and accurately represents your current skills and achievements. Regular updates also help you stay organized and prepared for unexpected opportunities.