How to Write a Dance Resume

Writing a dance resume might seem like a daunting task, especially when you're trying to capture the fluidity and passion of dance in a static document. But don’t worry! With a few key pointers, you can create a resume that shines as brightly as your performances. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, I'll guide you through the essentials of building a dance resume that captures your unique style and experience.

Start With the Basics

Every resume, regardless of the field, needs a strong foundation. For a dance resume, this starts with your contact information and a brief introduction. This section is simple, but it's the gateway to the rest of your resume. Let’s make sure it’s on point.

• Name and Contact Information: At the top, list your full name followed by your phone number, email address, and professional website or social media handles if applicable. Avoid including personal details like your home address.
• Professional Headshot: Dancers often include a headshot in their resumes. Choose a professional image that reflects your personality and style. It doesn‚Äôt have to be a static pose; something that shows your energy can be great.
• Objective Statement: A brief statement about your career goals and what you're seeking in a role. Keep it concise and focused on what you bring to the table. For example: "Energetic and passionate contemporary dancer seeking opportunities to perform and grow with a dynamic company."

Here’s a quick example of how this might look:

Jane Doe
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: jane.doe@email.com
Website: www.janedoe.com
Instagram: @janedoe

Objective: Versatile dancer with expertise in ballet and jazz looking to join a collaborative dance company to further develop my skills and contribute creatively.

Listing Your Experience

Now comes the heart of your resume. Your dance experience should highlight your performances, teaching roles, and any other relevant experience that showcases your skills.

• Performance Experience: Start with your most recent roles. Include the name of the production, your role, the company, and the year. If the production was particularly notable or you worked with a famous choreographer, mention it!
• Teaching Experience: If you‚Äôve taught dance, include these roles as well. Specify the type of dance, the level of students, and the duration of your teaching.
• Other Relevant Experience: This could include workshops, masterclasses, or anything else that adds value to your resume. Tailor this section to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're applying to a classical ballet company, emphasize your ballet experience.

Here's an example:

Experience:

Contemporary Dancer – ABC Dance Company, 2022
- Performed lead role in "Shadows," a contemporary piece choreographed by John Smith
- Collaborated with an international team to develop innovative choreography

Dance Instructor – XYZ Dance Studio, 2020-2021
- Taught beginner and intermediate jazz and ballet classes
- Developed a new curriculum for youth summer dance camp

Education and Training

Your educational background and training are crucial in the dance world. This section not only includes formal education but also workshops and intensives that showcase your dedication to the craft.

• Formal Education: List any degrees or diplomas related to dance. Include the institution's name, degree type, and graduation year.
• Professional Training: Highlight any specialized training programs, workshops, or masterclasses. Mention the institution, the focus of the training, and the year.

Consider this example:

Education and Training:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance – University of Dance, 2019
- Focus on modern dance and choreography

Summer Intensive – World Dance Academy, 2021
- Completed 6-week program focused on contemporary and jazz techniques

Showcasing Skills and Strengths

Every dancer has unique strengths and skills that set them apart. This section allows you to highlight those abilities beyond your performance experience.

• Technical Skills: Mention specific dance styles you excel in, such as ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary.
• Strengths: Describe attributes like adaptability, creativity, or the ability to learn choreography quickly. These qualities are often just as important as technical skills.
• Languages: If you speak multiple languages, include them here. It can be a significant advantage, especially if you‚Äôre working with international companies.

An example might look like this:

Skills and Strengths:

- Proficient in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance
- Strong improvisational skills and creative choreography
- Fluent in English and Spanish

Finding the Right Format

Presentation matters just as much as content. A well-organized resume can make a strong first impression, so choose a format that highlights your strengths.

• Chronological: This format lists your experience and education in reverse chronological order. It's ideal if you have a solid work history.
• Functional: Focuses on skills and abilities rather than specific jobs. This format works well if you're new to the field or have gaps in your experience.
• Combination: Merges elements of both chronological and functional formats. This is great if you want to showcase both your skills and your detailed work history.

Here's a quick overview of how a chronological format might be structured:

Name and Contact Information
Objective Statement
Experience (listed from most recent)
Education and Training
Skills and Strengths

Polishing Your Language

Strong language can make your resume stand out. Use active verbs to describe your roles and achievements. This not only makes your resume more engaging but also showcases your contributions effectively.

• Use Active Verbs: Words like "performed," "collaborated," and "developed" convey action and initiative.
• Be Specific: Quantify your achievements when possible, such as "Led a team of 10 dancers" or "Choreographed a piece performed by 100 students."
• Tailor Your Language: Adjust your wording to fit the job description. Use similar language to the posting to highlight your fit for the role.

Consider these examples:

- Choreographed and led a team of 15 dancers in a nationally televised performance
- Collaborated with international artists to produce a cross-cultural dance piece

Proofreading: The Final Touch

Nothing can derail a great resume faster than typos or formatting errors. Proofreading is your chance to catch those mistakes and polish your document to perfection.

• Read Aloud: Reading your resume out loud can help catch awkward phrasing or errors you might miss when reading silently.
• Get a Second Opinion: Have a friend or mentor review your resume. They can offer valuable feedback and catch errors you might overlook.
• Use Tools: Spell checkers and grammar tools can be helpful, but remember they aren‚Äôt foolproof. Double-check any suggestions they make.

Interestingly enough, Spell can help with this, too. By using AI to refine your resume language, you can ensure clarity and professionalism.

Adapting for Digital and Print

In today's world, having both digital and print versions of your resume can be beneficial. Each format has its own set of considerations.

• Digital Resumes: Ensure your file is in a widely accepted format, like PDF. This prevents formatting issues when opened on different devices.
• Include Hyperlinks: For digital versions, including hyperlinks to your professional website or social media profiles can be useful.
• Print Resumes: Use high-quality paper and ensure your layout is clean and easy to read. Avoid overly decorative fonts that could distract from your content.

Here’s a simple tip: when sending a digital resume, you can use Spell to format and polish it, ensuring it maintains its professional appearance no matter where it’s viewed.

Updating Regularly

Your dance resume should be a living document. Update it regularly to reflect your most recent experiences and achievements. This not only keeps your information current but also makes applying for new opportunities much easier.

• Set a Schedule: Consider updating your resume every few months or after significant performances or training.
• Reflect on Your Growth: Revisit your objective and skills sections to ensure they still align with your career goals.
• Keep a Master Copy: Maintain a master version of your resume with all your experiences. You can tailor copies of this master for specific job applications.

By keeping your resume up to date, you’ll always be ready to seize new opportunities. With tools like Spell, updating and refining your resume becomes a quick and seamless process.

Final Thoughts

Creating a dance resume that's both professional and personal might seem challenging, but it's all about showcasing your unique journey and skills. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your artistry and dedication. And if you ever need a helping hand, Spell is here to make the process faster and easier, offering a polished result that matches your talent.