Dance Resume Examples & Templates for 2024
Create Your Resume NowA dancer conveys ideas, emotions, and narratives through movement and choreography, using their body as the medium. They significantly contribute to cultural enrichment and inspire audiences with their performances. To secure opportunities and recognition in the dance world, it's essential to have a well-prepared portfolio and a captivating statement included in a dance resume.
By reviewing 11 million resumes made in our builder, we discovered that:
- Dance Instructors usually list 14 skills on their resumes.
- The most common skills for dance instructors include choreography expertise, team collaboration, dance program development, professionalism, and creating choreography.
- Resumes for dance instructors are, on average, 2 pages long.
Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.
Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
Dance Resume Example
Isabella Valencia
Professional Dancer
123-456-7890
isabellavalencia@email.com
linkedin.com/in/isabella.valencia
Summary
Creative and dedicated professional dancer with 7+ years of experience. Excited to support the Alabama Dance Arts Theater in enriching its dance repertoire and delivering stunning performances by leveraging extensive experience on prestigious stages. Choreographed and led a 20-person ensemble in a performance that received a standing ovation at the Birmingham Dance Festival.
Experience
Lead Dancer
Southern Rhythm Troupe, Birmingham, AL
June 2019–Present
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Choreographed and performed in over 50 shows, receiving consistent praise for creativity and physical ability.
- Trained 10+ new troupe members, teaching them company routines and fostering team cohesion.
- Led warm-ups and post-dance cool-downs to prevent injuries.
Key Achievement:
- Choreographed and led a 20-person ensemble in a performance that received a standing ovation at the Birmingham Dance Festival.
Principal Dancer
Magnolia Theatre Dance Company, Birmingham, AL
May 2017–May 2019
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Performed in all company productions, showcasing versatility in contemporary, ballet, and jazz dance styles.
- Collaborated with choreographers to refine routines and improve performance quality.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote the company and engage with local supporters.
Key Achievement:
- Recognized as “Dancer of the Year” for exceptional performance and contribution to the company.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
August 2013–May 2017
Relevant extracurricular activities
- Dance Club President
- Volunteer Dance Instructor for the University Community Outreach Program.
Skills
- Ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance
- Choreography
- Team leadership
- Physical fitness and conditioning
- Teaching and mentoring
- Creativity
Certifications
- Certified Dance Instructor, Dance Masters of America, 2019
Awards
- 2018, Dancer of the Year, Magnolia Theatre Dance Company
Memberships
- Member of the Dance Masters of America since 2019.
Languages
- English—Native proficiency
- Spanish—Fluent proficiency
Interests
- Pilates for physical fitness and strength.
- Writing dance-related blog posts for personal website.
Entry-Level / Junior Dancer Resume Example
A junior dancer is an entry-level position in the field of performing arts. Their primary role is to assist in dance productions, contribute fresh ideas, and support senior dancers and choreographers. They help ensure that dance performances are executed smoothly and creatively. Here’s a sample entry-level/junior dancer resume:
Emily Rogers
Junior Dancer
555-123-4567
emily.rogers@email.com
linkedin.com/in/emilyrogers
Summary
Energetic Junior Dancer with a passion for contemporary and classical dance. Eager to bring fresh energy and innovative moves to DanceMotion Company. Recognized for captivating performances in university showcases. Successfully performed in a series of promotional events that increased audience attendance by 20%.
Experience
Junior Dancer
DanceMotion Company, New York, NY
August 2022–Present
- Assisted senior dancers in rehearsals and performances.
- Participated in choreography sessions to develop new routines.
- Managed costume and prop organization for performances.
- Engaged with audience members post-performance to gather feedback.
Key Achievement: Successfully performed in a series of promotional events that increased audience attendance by 20%.
Intern Dancer
Artistic Steps Studio, New York, NY
June 2021–August 2022
- Assisted in the development of dance routines for local events.
- Supported senior dancers with warm-ups and technique improvement.
- Helped maintain the studio's rehearsal space and organized community workshops.
- Interacted with visitors and provided information about dance classes and performances.
Key Achievement: Contributed to a group performance that won 2nd place at the New York Dance Festival 2022.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
New York University, New York, NY
August 2017–May 2021
Relevant extracurricular activities
- Active member of the university’s dance ensemble.
- Volunteered in dance outreach programs for local schools.
Academic achievements: Graduated Cum Laude.
Skills
- Creative choreography
- Proficiency in contemporary and classical dance techniques
- Strong communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Stage presence and performance skills
Certifications
- Certified Dance Instructor, Dance Education Association, 2022
Awards
- 2022, 2nd Place, New York Dance Festival Group Performance
Languages
- English—Native
Spanish—Basic
Interests
- Exploring new dance techniques.
Participating in local dance festivals and workshops.
Mid-Level Dancer Resume Example
A mid-level dancer occupies a role between entry-level and senior positions within the performing arts hierarchy. This position typically involves more complex tasks and greater creative responsibility and often includes mentoring junior dancers. Here’s a sample resume for a mid-level dancer:
Jordan Smith
Dancer
555-321-4321
jordan.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jordansmith
Summary
Experienced Dancer with 7 years in the performing arts industry. Proven ability to develop captivating and innovative dance routines. Seeking to elevate the performances at RhythmWave Dance Company. Noted for choreographing a successful solo performance in 2022.
Experience
Mid-Level Dancer
RhythmWave Dance Company, Chicago, IL
April 2017–Present
- Developed and performed original dance routines for a variety of productions.
- Collaborated with choreographers and directors to create visually stunning performances.
- Led dance workshops and masterclasses for community programs.
- Managed the company's costume and prop department, organizing materials for shows.
Key Achievement: Choreographed and performed a solo piece that attracted over 500 attendees and received rave reviews.
Junior Dancer
Creative Dance Studio, Chicago, IL
January 2014–March 2017
- Assisted senior dancers in the creation of performance-specific routines.
- Participated in the development of large-scale dance productions.
- Provided customer service and maintained relationships with patrons.
- Assisted in organizing community dance events and workshops.
Key Achievement: Performed in a community outreach project that was featured in local media.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
August 2009–May 2013
Relevant extracurricular activities
- Organized and participated in student dance performances.
- Volunteered in dance therapy programs for children.
Academic achievements: Graduated with Honors.
Skills
- Artistic and creative choreography
- Proficiency in various dance styles including contemporary and jazz
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Project management
- Adaptive performance techniques
- Traditional and modern dance techniques
Certifications
- Advanced Dance Techniques Certification, National Dance Academy, 2018
Awards
- 2022, Best Solo Performance, Chicago Dance Festival
Languages
- English—Native
French—Conversational
Interests
- Leading dance workshops for underprivileged youth.
Experimenting with mixed dance forms.
Experienced / Senior Dancer Resume Example
A senior dancer is a highly experienced professional responsible for leading major dance productions and guiding the artistic direction of performances within a company. They manage teams of dancers, interact with choreographers and directors at the highest levels, and ensure that performances meet both artistic and technical standards. Their role involves a significant amount of leadership, innovation, and decision-making. Here’s a sample senior dancer resume:
Sophia Martinez
Dancer
555-789-1234
sophia.martinez@email.com
linkedin.com/in/sophiamartinez
Summary
Accomplished Senior Dancer with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts industry. Expert in leading dance teams and managing large-scale productions. Seeking to bring exceptional artistic vision and leadership to Elevate Dance Company. Recognized for creating award-winning performances and mentoring emerging dancers.
Experience
Senior Dancer
Elevate Dance Company, Los Angeles, CA
March 2015–Present
- Led a team of 10 dancers in creating innovative and high-quality performances.
- Oversaw the conceptualization and execution of large-scale productions and showcases.
- Provided mentorship and professional development for junior and mid-level dancers.
- Collaborated with choreographers and directors to integrate artistic elements into performances.
- Managed budgets and timelines for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
Key Achievement: Created an award-winning public performance that received national recognition and was featured in Dance Monthly magazine.
Lead Dancer
Creative Horizons Dance Studio, Los Angeles, CA
June 2010–February 2015
- Directed the artistic vision for various client projects, from initial concept to final execution.
- Coordinated with clients to ensure performances met their expectations and artistic standards.
- Conducted workshops and seminars to share knowledge and techniques with fellow dancers.
- Played a pivotal role in the studio's rebranding efforts, resulting in a 30% increase in audience engagement.
- Evaluated and implemented new dance techniques to enhance the studio's creative output.
Key Achievement: Successfully led a team in creating a dance piece for a major corporate event, which was highlighted in local media and increased the client's brand visibility.
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Dance
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
September 2006–May 2010
- Graduated with Distinction.
Relevant extracurricular activities
- Guest lecturer at various dance schools and universities.
- Active participant in dance community outreach programs.
Skills
- Advanced choreography and creative visualization
- Proficiency in a wide range of dance styles
- Leadership and team management
- Strong communication and client relationship management
- Project management and budgeting
- Innovative performance techniques
Certifications
- Master Dancer Certification, International Dance Association, 2015
Awards
- 2020, National Performance Award, Dance Monthly magazine
Languages
- English—Native
Italian—Conversational
Interests
- Mentoring aspiring dancers and conducting advanced dance workshops.
- Exploring new dance forms and techniques in mixed media and digital performances.
Resume Templates for Dancers
After analyzing 11 million resumes created with the Zety Resume Builder, we've identified the top 3 template picks for dancers:
Cascade
A clean white background combined with black text creates a simple yet elegant look. This innovative resume template combines the best of infographic and traditional designs for a seamless blend. Ideal for job seekers who prefer a reverse-chronological format, it features a narrow sidebar on the left, perfect for mapping out your career timeline.
Concept
Featuring a modern design with an eye-catching timeline, this resume template is both professional and sophisticated. It's an excellent choice for office jobs and managerial positions. The elegant layout ensures your credentials stand out, offering a perfect balance of style and functionality.
Crisp
Designed to showcase your creativity, this unique resume template keeps the focus on the content. With unconventional content placement and distinctive icons, it provides a visually appealing format that sets you apart from the crowd.
How to Write a Dance Resume:
1. Choose the Best Format for Your Dance Resume
Imagine stepping onto a brightly lit stage, your audience eagerly anticipating your performance. The first impression is everything, just like the format of your resume. Choose a reliable resume structure, like the reverse chronological format, to ensure your resume shines right from the start.
Here’s how to format a dancer’s resume template:
- Format: use the reverse-chronological resume format to underline your most recent and significant achievements.
- Resume fonts: stick with professional fonts such as Calibri or Didot.
- Line spacing: 1 to 1.15.
- Font size: 11–12 points.
- Resume headings: 13–14 points.
- Resume margins: 1 inch all the way around.
- File type: PDF format is best unless the company specifies otherwise.
- Length: aim for a one-page resume. If needed, omit less critical information and focus on your most impressive achievements.
Add these resume sections:
- Header: Your name and contact information.
- Summary: A brief overview of your top accomplishments and skills.
- Experience: Highlight your finest dance roles and achievements.
- Education: Detail relevant training and academic achievements.
- Skills: List skills that match the job description.
- Other sections: Add relevant certifications, performances, awards, or projects.
Pro Tip: Wondering how long should your dance resume be? Go for one page. Casting directors won’t read any more than this.
The reverse-chronological format is your best choice in most situations, but you may also consider other resume types. This guide will show you the difference: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples].
Still not sure about the design rules for a job-winning dancer resume? See our dedicated guide: Resume Layout: 20+ Templates, Examples & Design Guide.
2. Describe Your Dance Work Experience Effectively
Think about the thrill of nailing a perfect performance. Your work experience section should bring that same excitement to the person reviewing your resume. Here’s how to make it impactful.
Begin with your most recent position and ensure it corresponds with the job description, so you’ll likely make a WOW effect.
- Put your newest job title first.
- Add the company’s name and start and finish dates.
- Write a short dancer job description.
- Add six bullet points.
- Show achievement with the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula.
Here are some examples of responsibilities for a dance resume:
Dancer Keywords for a Resume
- Perform and execute original dance routines, ensuring high-quality and captivating performances.
- Develop choreography and dance sequences, collaborating with creative teams to meet production goals.
- Utilize various dance styles and techniques, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.
- Conduct dance workshops and training sessions, fostering skill development and creativity.
- Manage dance projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely rehearsals and performance readiness.
- Organize and participate in dance showcases, coordinating with directors and other dancers.
- Engage with audiences to enhance the performance experience, providing memorable interactions.
- Use music editing software to create and modify soundtracks for dance performances.
- Stay updated with industry trends and techniques, continuously improving dance skills.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to create promotional dance videos and social media content.
Remember to incorporate action verbs that effectively highlight your responsibilities and achievements. Here are some action verbs for a dancer's resume:
Dancer Resume Action Verbs
- Performed
- Choreographed
- Led
- Collaborated
- Taught
- Executed
- Produced
- Mentored
- Directed
- Organized
3. Craft a Comprehensive Education Section
Reflect on your days in dance school, where you honed your craft and built the foundation for your career. Your education is a crucial part of your journey, and where you place it on your resume matters. If you’ve recently graduated from a top dance academy, showcase it proudly at the top. If it’s been a while since you graduated, position it lower on your resume.
Start your education section with the basics:
- College Name and Location.
- Years in School.
- Degree.
Then, add details that say more about your dancer achievements and skills.
Note: Just planning to study dance? Choose from dance schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities that are NASD-accredited. You can also check out a list of the best college dance programs here.
Want your resume education section to shine like Misha Baryshnikov on stage? Check out our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples].
4. How to Put Skills on a Resume for a Dancer
Your skills are your toolkit, the elements that make your performances unforgettable. Carefully review the job offer and highlight the required skills. Source additional relevant skills from other job postings online. Then, list the most important ones in a dedicated section of your artistic resume.
Dance Resume Skills
Soft skills:
- Motivation
- Discipline
- Resilience
- Stamina
- Agility
- Flexibility
- Sense of balance and coordination
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Stress management
- Mental endurance
- Communication
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Sense of community
- Creative skills
- Active learning
- Capacity for feedback
- Attention to detail
Hard skills:
- Knowledge of chosen dancing techniques (ballet, contemporary, jazz, street, hip hop, etc.)
- Understanding music
- Movement memory
- Facial expression
- Gestures
- Pathways
- Weight transfer
- Stillness
- Floor work
- Dynamics
- Movement patterns
- Movements size
- Dancing in duets and trios: mirroring, reactions, formations
- Rhythmics
- Understanding space
The examples combine soft skills and hard skills of a successful professional dancer.
Pro Tip: If you're aiming for a grant or other non-job goal, you can omit skills. In some cases, listing them might appear unnecessary.
5. Add Extra Sections to Your Dance Resume
Showcase the full range of your talents and experiences by adding extra sections to your dance resume. Here are some examples:
1. Performances & Productions
List significant performances and productions you've been a part of, including the role you played and the company or theater.
2. Dance Competitions
Include details of any dance competitions you have participated in, highlighting any awards or recognitions.
3. Workshops & Masterclasses
Detail any workshops or masterclasses you have attended or conducted, which show your commitment to continuous learning and sharing your expertise.
4. Choreography
Highlight any choreographic work you have done, whether for performances, competitions, or teaching.
5. Teaching Experience
If you have experience teaching dance, this section can detail where and what styles you have taught.
Need more ideas for sections to add to your dancer resume? Use our guide with expert tips and samples: Additional Resume Categories that Matter.
6. Write a Captivating Dance Resume Summary or Objective
Imagine your resume summary or objective as the grand opening of your performance. It needs to be captivating and memorable, grabbing the attention of the person reviewing your resume instantly.
Here’s how to write a resume summary or objective:
- Start with an adjective like creative or passionate.
- Add your title (e.g., Dancer, Junior Dancer, Senior Dancer).
- List years of experience (e.g., 1, 2+, 5).
- State your goal (e.g., to elevate performances at DanceMotion Company).
- Mention your biggest accomplishment (e.g., performed in an award-winning show).
- Proofread to avoid mistakes and typos.
Pro Tip: Before sending your resume for an audition, make sure it has all the required information. Dance companies usually specify their requirements in the audition description. Sometimes they want to know your height, weight, eye color, or even hair color. You can include these in your resume header.
Want to see more examples of the best resume summaries and objectives? See our guides: Resume Summary Examples (30+ Professional Summary Statements) and 50+ Resume Objective Examples: Career Objectives for All Jobs (+Tips).
7. Write a Dancer Cover Letter
It takes two to tango. So your resume needs a partner—a well-composed dance cover letter. Without it, your application might seem incomplete. Show your genuine passion for the position and explain why you are the perfect fit.
To write a convincing dance cover letter:
- Format your cover letter professionally.
- Start your cover letter with the hiring manager’s name.
- Write an opening sentence that captivates and engages them.
- In the second paragraph, demonstrate your understanding of the role and its duties.
- Highlight what your dance skills and experience can bring to the table.
- End your cover letter with a compelling statement that leaves a positive impression.
Pair your cover letter template with a matching resume template. In the creative industry, such as dance, this attention to detail will be noticed.
A dance cover letter written this way can be a real game changer.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Are you more than just a dancer? Check out our other resume guides for creative industry pros:
- Acting Resume Sample
- Artist Resume Sample
- Art Director Resume Sample
- Art Teacher Resume Sample
- Music Resume Sample
- DJ Resume
- Model Resume Sample
- Performing Arts Resume Sample
- Theater Resume
- Professional Resume Examples
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