how to write a dance resume for college

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9 Dance Resume Examples [& Templates]

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Dancer Resume

Dance Resumes by Education
Dance Resumes by Type

Anyone who’s seen a performance of The Nutcracker or Sleeping Beauty can’t help but be dazzled and mesmerized by the sheer talent dancing across the stage.

As a dancer, you make it look so easy, but we all know that your ability to hold your audiences captive through movement hasn’t come easy. With countless hours spent strengthening and conditioning your body, the last thing you want to do is expend more energy in writing a resume or making a cover letter .

But don’t worry. If you’re looking for your next opportunity to shine in 2024, use our nine dance resume samples and writing guide that complement our free resume maker that gives you a competitive edge and elevates you to the next level as a dancer.

or download as PDF

Dancer resume example with 13 years of experience

Why this resume works

If you have other kinds of experience, like internships, certifications from a program, or time spent touring, include those on your resume as well.
In other words, your most recent experience should go at the top of your resume, and your oldest experience at the bottom.
Action words such as supervised, managed, led, and implemented are a few ways to impact a hiring manager.

Dance Instructor Resume

For instance, did your students show improvement in dancing proficiencies? Did you boost registration for dancing classes? Also, mentioning your certification in Dance Masters of America adds to your advantage.

Dance Teacher Resume

As a dance instructor, numbers, such as the age group of students you taught, how many you taught, and how many routines were performed, are appropriate metrics to include.
Be sure that any additional certifications, in addition to your degree, are listed. Also, be sure to keep any additional certifications current.
Make good use of space to avoid diverting attention away from your resume.
Including a resume summary is one way to attract the attention of hiring personnel. This succinct paragraph showing your many years in the industry (10+ for a summary) will give employers a quick indicator of whether they should continue reading.

Dance Student Resume

Do this by sprinkling in matching keywords from the job description while describing what you’re looking for, the experience you have, and a little about your skills in a nutshell.
In essence, your objective is a place to briefly sum up the best of your experience.
Be sure to mention the business by name to show you’re not just cranking out generic resumes to the masses.
Your resume skills section should be reflected throughout your work experience, demonstrating how you worked with a team, participated in special events, and supported fundraising.

Dance Coach Resume

You want an option that enhances readability and relevant details. It should be user-friendly and easy to edit and customize, with a blend of fonts and colors that won’t compromise the professional look.

Dance Audition Resume

Penelope using Altspace, DaVinci, Adobe Premier, and Skillshare to expand the student base, reduce production time, and generate extra revenue at Urban Evolution Dance Studio makes for a great example of such a section.

Professional Dance Resume

Therefore, let your professional dance resume show a trail of fans who were left asking for more. Your power to command attention and admiration will help you sail through even in stiff competition.

Competitive Dancer Resume

Do this by using as many relevant keywords from the job description as possible.
Your resume is often the first impression a potential artistic employer has of you. Even if you’ve won a score of awards, it won’t matter if your resume looks underwhelming.
Avoid underwhelming your resume reader by using our free resume checkup tool where you’ll receive expert tips to help your resume stand out.

Ballet Dancer Resume

There are many opportunities in dance to learn, work, and contribute to a production. All responsibilities will make a difference to an artistic director.
If you’ve performed, choreographed, taught, sewed costumes, or organized anything, discuss it in your work experience bullet points.
Your understanding of various theatrical aspects can show ambition, talent, and progress.
While content is supreme, organizing your masterpiece well is a close second. For best results, use one of our free Word resume templates , or try a Google docs resume template if you prefer, and don’t be afraid to shine with a splash of tasteful color!

Related resume guides

• Led performances in over 50 shows per year, resulting in increased ticket sales by 25%.
• Collaborated with choreographers to create innovative dance routines, leading to a nationally televised performance.
• Trained and mentored junior dancers, enhancing their performance skills and confidence.
• Participated in promotional events, boosting audience engagement on social media by 40%.
• Performed in international tours, expanding the company's global presence and securing sponsorship deals.
• Contributed to the creation of an educational program for aspiring dancers, resulting in a 30% increase in program enrollment.
• Performed solo roles in major productions, attracting critical acclaim and audience praise.
• Worked closely with renowned choreographers to refine and perfect dance pieces.
• Engaged in community outreach programs, teaching dance to underprivileged youth.
• Developed and implemented warm-up routines, improving dancer performance and reducing injuries by 20%.
• Assisted in costume design and selection, ensuring visual consistency and artistic integrity in performances.

5 Dance Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Dance plays a vital role in expressing emotions and telling stories through movement. When crafting your resume, highlight your performance experience, any formal training or education, and your ability to collaborate with others. Consider incorporating skills like improvisation, choreography, and stage presence to illustrate your versatility. Mentioning notable performances and any awards or recognitions received will effectively demonstrate your impact in the field.

Resume Guide

Dance resume sample, dance resume format.

Dance resume experience

Resume with no experience

Skills on your resume

Certifications and education

Resume summary

Additional sections

In conclusion

By Experience

Dance Student

Competitive dancer, dance teacher.

Dance is making a comeback, rebounding from significant losses during the pandemic . The future for dancers holds promising perspectives, as the dancer job market is expected to grow by 6.1% in the next few years. We’ve crafted this resume guide to help you make your application shine on this competitive stage.

Dancers often pursue various roles—performers, teachers, choreographers—to establish a sustainable career, and displaying this versatility on a resume can be complex.

Regardless of your resume audience—whether it’s dance company directors, casting agents, or school officers—each seeks specific qualities and qualifications. It’s tricky to create a one-size-fits-all resume. This article provides tips on tailoring your resume to the specific job post you’re interested in, with advice on how to show your unique personality, so that your dance resume can move people like no other!

Key takeaways

The combination resume format will put equal importance on both your skills and experience, for a well-rounded application.
Creative designs and bold use of color are welcome on a resume for the artistic dance role.
Your resume can shine regardless of your experience level. Focus on your strengths and achievements, and always tailor your application to the job posting.
Dedicate a separate section to your hard skills, and intersperse your soft, or people skills, in your resume profile and experience section.
Choose between a resume summary or objective depending on your experience.
Optional sections on your resume can show your unique character traits.

Let's explore an example that illustrates these key points.

You might wonder what a dance resume looks like. You can use Susan’s resume as template for yours, or create a new one from scratch with our Enhancv resume builder . We guarantee it’ll only take a few minutes!

Susan Jones Professional dancer [email protected] | @LinkedIn | Los Angeles, California

Summary Dynamic and passionate professional dancer with over 5 years of experience in contemporary and classical ballet. Proven track record of inspiring audiences and collaborating creatively with renowned choreographers and musical artists. Committed to using dance to convey powerful stories and emotions, and skilled in a variety of dance styles. Ready to take on challenging roles in the entertainment industry and contribute to innovative dance projects.

Experience Lead dancer California Ballet Theatre, Los Angeles, CA June 2019 – Present

Performed a diverse repertoire including classical ballets like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker,” as well as interdisciplinary contemporary works combining poetry and dance.
Starred in over 20 major productions, interpreting complex narratives through dance.
Collaborated closely with choreographers to develop new dance pieces that were critically acclaimed.
Led workshops and rehearsals, providing mentorship to junior dancers.

Dance Instructor danceworks Studio, Los Angeles, CA March 2016 - May 2019

Taught contemporary, ballet, and jazz to students of various age groups, enhancing their technique and performance skills.
Choreographed routines for studio showcases and competitions, consistently winning top awards.

Education Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance Performance University of California, Los Angeles Graduated: 2015

Certifications

Certified dance Educator (CDE)
CPR and First Aid Certification
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
Choreography
Stage Presence
Physical Stamina
Team Collaboration
Emotional Expression
English (Native)
Spanish (Conversational)

When you’re a dancer, it’s more than welcome, and even expected, to get creative. So, express yourself with colors and interesting designs. You can look for inspiration in our selection of top creative resumes , and then dive into our creative resume templates.

Resume format

As a dancer, your experience and your skills go hand-in-hand. They are both equally important to your success, and it’s sometimes difficult to say which one has more weight. That’s why we recommend choosing the hybrid resume format , which gives equal importance to your experience and your abilities.

Resume designs

Even though you can experiment with different designs and be a visionary on your dance resume, you still need to conform to some classic resume conventions. We’ve created a list of things to follow—and don’t worry, these still leave space for originality.

Being a dancer means you’re able to express yourself even without words. Well, we won’t ask you to do that on your resume, but try to be as concise as possible . Recruiters appreciate a 1-page resume .
Let the recruiters’ eyes move through your resume as if watching a beautiful dance flow. A two-column format is comprehensible and easy to scan.
Speaking of flow, you never want your resume to get cramped. Keep your margins 1” on each side .
The good thing about the creative resume layout is you can be bolder with colors. Don’t overdo it, though. Choose a primary, secondary, and an accent color to highlight elements of different importance. Then, choose a easy-to-read font , such as Lato, Bitter, or Rubik, to draw attention to important information.

Contact information

Choose a resume header that clearly states your contact info : name, job title, email, and phone number. Match your job title to the position you’re applying for—if possible. Remember to never lie on your resume : it’s just not worth it and definitely won’t help you get your dream job.
If you’ve got a strong LinkedIn profile or a personal website, add those to your header.
Photos can be a cause for bias , so generally skip them, unless the job ad says otherwise.

Even if they don’t need a picture, hiring managers will probably be interested to see you in motion. So, why not create a dance portfolio , which can include photos and videos from performances you’ve participated in? You can even add a QR code that recruiters can scan!

You might wonder if ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) will be able to read your creative resume design. We've done some research and established that fonts, colors, column structure, and the length of your resume do not influence ATS performance. ATS could have a harder time recognizing important information hidden in images, but companies always rely on a human to weigh in on whether your resume is a match, or not anyway.

That’s why, align your resume with the wording of the job description and pay attention to formatting aspects like date formats and bullet points, as these can impact ATS readability.

File formatting

Avoid causing confusion with your file name. Keep it simple and to the point, using this popular naming convention : FirstName_LastName_JobTitle.

As for format, we recommend using PDF so you keep all the elements of your resume in place. But check with the job description as some places will require a different format.

Top sections on a resume

Your resume sections can vary, but here are the ones you shouldn’t miss:

Personal information
Performance experience
Special dance skills
Training and education
Projects/Additional information

We’ve provided info on each of these sections below. Meanwhile, why don’t you test your existing resume against our AI-powered resume checker !

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

After nailing the resume format, let's delve into showcasing your professional experience effectively.

How to write your dance resume experience

Your experience section should provide an engaging overview of your work path. Definitely let your potential employers know if you’ve been on a TV dance format, such as Dancing with the Stars , or featured in a music video for a top-charting artist.

But even if these aren’t a part of your resume, we’re sure you’ve still got plenty to be proud of. Perhaps you choreographed a contemporary dance piece for a national dance competition, winning first place. Or completed an intensive dance program at a world-renowned dance academy. Make sure your experience section includes all your greatest accomplishments .

Tailor your resume to the job description

Whatever achievements you decide to include on your resume, make sure they match the position you’re after. Use specific keywords from the job description to show recruiters you’re a great fit. Let’s find a real job ad, and then—look at an experience section tailored to that posting.

Position overview

We are looking for a results-driven dance Teacher to join our community.

Responsibilities

Build a classroom culture in which scholars develop a love of dance.
Collaborate with dance teachers across the network to build a world-class dance program, while investing the community in the vital role of the arts in education.
Engage students with a repertoire that centers scholar learning on creating connecting, performing and responding to artistic works within dance.
Execute movement to demonstrate dance technique and choreography.
Design and execute professional-quality dance performance opportunities for all scholars.
Engage in training with school leaders and benefit from targeted, in-the-moment feedback regarding instruction, which accelerates learning and growth.

Requirements

Have or will receive a Bachelor’s degree prior to your start date.
Achieved outstanding academic results.
Have professional training in a rigorous dance program or extensive professional performance credits.
Are passionate about dance and learning.
Enjoy working with children and implementing effective dance instruction.
Set ambitious goals for yourself and others, and are not afraid of putting in the hard work it takes to achieve them.
Have confidence and presence—you enjoy taking the lead and inspiring others with your passion and commitment.
Enjoy collaborating with others (i.e., playing on an athletics team, or in a band or orchestra);
Have leadership experience (i.e. leadership position on a club or team; experience overseeing/managing people or organizing activities).
Pay strong attention to detail, and have experience juggling multiple responsibilities and planning around competing priorities.
Have experience working with a group of children.
Embody the character traits we value in our ETHOS - Excellence, Teamwork, Humor, Ownership, and making sure our Scholars are top of mind.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive dance curriculum, resulting in a 30% increase in student enrollment over three years.
• Collaborated with a team of 10 dance teachers to create a cohesive and dynamic dance program, enhancing student performance scores by 20%.
• Directed and choreographed annual school dance performances, attended by over 500 community members, receiving outstanding feedback from parents and local media.
• Executed daily dance classes for students of various age groups, focusing on technique, choreography, and performance skills.
• Engaged students with a diverse repertoire, fostering a love of dance and improving their artistic abilities.
• Participated in professional development workshops, receiving in-the-moment feedback to enhance teaching methods.

It works because it mentions:

The experience section includes specific metrics, such as a 30% increase in student enrollment and a 20% improvement in student performance scores, demonstrating the candidate's effectiveness in their role.
Highlighting collaboration with a team of dance teachers and leadership in directing annual performances aligns with the job ad's emphasis on teamwork and leadership experience.
Mentioning participation in professional development workshops shows a commitment to continuous improvement and aligns with the job ad's requirement for engagement in training with school leaders.

Now that we’ve covered professional experience, let's focus on quantifying your achievements to stand out.

How to quantify your experience on resume

Quantifiable achievements on a dance resume spotlight a dancer's ability to deliver tangible results, which can be particularly compelling to directors and choreographers seeking proven talent. Including specific metrics, such as the number of performances, roles, or awards won, not only validates a dancer's skills but also sets them apart in a competitive field. Below, you can find a few ideas how to list numbers on your resume :

Indicate your proficiency in multiple dance styles to demonstrate your adaptability and skill breadth across genres.
Mention the significant roles you have performed to highlight your experience and responsibility level in past productions.
Specify your attendance at professional dance workshops or programs to signal your ongoing commitment to improving your skills.
Include your total hours of weekly practice to reflect your dedication and discipline, which are crucial for a professional dancer.
Mention the number of successful auditions to reveal your perseverance and competitive edge, desirable traits for challenging dance roles.
You can win recruiters over with your skill set regardless of your experience level. See how in the next section.

How do I write a dance resume with no experience

Even if you’ve got limited experience as a professional dancer, you can still shine. We bet you’ve been dancing from a young age, which has given you enough time to develop your skills. But how do you structure your experience section?

Choose the skill-based resume format to bring attention to your strengths. This one’s perfect for entry-level candidates as it doesn’t put that much focus on experience.
Mention any dance trainings and classes you’ve attended. Include the specific styles or techniques learned.
Highlight transferable skills like flexibility, choreography, and musicality. Or soft skills such as teamwork and communication.
List your performances, even if they were informal or school-related.
Include any volunteer work that involved dance, such as teaching dance at community centers or participating in dance-related charity events.
Mention any hobbies or interests that demonstrate your passion for dance and your commitment to personal growth. Perhaps you create unique dance routine in your spare time?

Resume objective

Finally, write a brief statement about your goals and what you aim to achieve in your dance career. Your resume objective should include:

Up to 3 sentences emphasizing your goals and aspirations.
A quick overview of your skills and achievements.
A clear statement on what you bring to the company.

This objective works because it highlights the applicant's passion for dance and their enthusiasm for helping others. Additionally, it emphasizes the applicant's commitment to exceptional customer service and creating a positive learning environment, which are key attributes sought in the job posting.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

A skills section is integral to your dance resume. It’s the quickest way for recruiters to see if you’re a good fit for the role they’re offering.

Include your hard skills , such as specific dance techniques and styles you’ve mastered, in a separate section to make them easily scannable. Here are our suggestions:

Best hard skills for your dance resume

Hip-hop technique
Modern dance
Tap dance technique
Choreography creation
Improvisation
Pointe technique
Conditioning and fitness
Musical theatre
Body alignment
Ethnic dance forms
Rhythm and timing
Partnering work
Stage performance
Dance notation
Ballroom dance

Soft skills build strong relationships with fellow dancers and choreographers and allow you to navigate complex rehearsals and performances smoothly. Instead of listing them in a separate section, which might not convey their full impact, incorporate them with examples throughout your resume. Like in your experience section or your personal profile . Consider highlighting skills such as:

Best soft skills for your dance resume

Collaboration
Communication
Persistence
Time management
Flexibility
Physical stamina
Positive attitude
Performance under pressure
Reading and interpreting music
Showmanship
Quick learning
Body awareness

Unlike other fields where platforms like LinkedIn are prevalent for job discovery, dancers often rely on live auditions and niche job posting sites, which requires constant engagement and adaptability. So, try to develop those skills as much as possible.

With skills addressed, let's proceed to your education and relevant certifications.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Higher education offers more than just academic growth—it provides invaluable experiences and networks that can shape a professional dance career. Reflecting on their university journey, one dancer shared on Reddit :

The 4 years I spent at university, I was dancing/training way more than I ever would have in my life. I got to work with so many renowned choreographers I never would have worked with otherwise.

Aschulz604, a Reddit user

Furthermore, university education offers a safety net, allowing students to explore their passions while securing a versatile foundation for the future. University can thus be a pivotal stepping stone, providing both specialized training and broad educational experiences that empower dancers to succeed in their careers and beyond.

Make sure your education entry:

Clearly states your degree and major .
Mentions the educational institution for credibility.
Specifies your graduation year (the month is unnecessary).
Mention any dance classes and courses.
If you’ve been on the Dean's List , graduated Cum Laude , or received a scholarship , point it out in your application.

Let’s look at a well-written education section :

• Graduated with honors, demonstrating high academic achievement in dance theory and performance.
• Completed a capstone project focused on innovative dance performance that enhanced learning outcomes for local school children.
• Participated in and led multiple performances each semester, developing strong leadership and collaborative skills.

This example excels in several key areas. It lists a high GPA and graduation honors, mentions leadership in performances and collaboration on projects, and frequent performances demonstrate practical application of dance skills.

Enrich your education section even more by adding relevant certifications . This proves you’re interested in becoming a pro in your field, dedicating time and resources to developing additional competencies. Here are our suggestions:

Best certifications for your dance resume

RAD - Royal Academy of dance Certification
Cecchetti Method Classical Ballet Certification
Zumba Instructor Certification
Vaganova Method Ballet Certification
NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) Certification

Now that we’ve covered education and certifications, let's look at crafting a compelling resume summary.

How to write your dance resume summary

If you’re an experienced dancer, a compelling summary at the top of your resume will distinguish your application.

Here’s what to include:

Summarize your professional dance experience, including major performances and roles in various dance genres in 3-5 sentences.
Highlight your dance education and training.
Outline essential personal qualities such as creativity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
Mention your proficiency in specific dance techniques and other skills like choreography or teaching.
Most importantly, highlight what you can do for the company.

Here’s a dance teacher resume summary targeting the job ad above.

This summary is effective because it highlights the candidate's educational background, experience, and teaching philosophy, directly linking these attributes to the job requirements. It presents a clear picture of the candidate's capability to enrich the dance program and positively impact student learning.

Finally, we'll discuss additional sections that can enhance your resume.

Additional sections for a dance resume

Additional sections on a dance resume can prove your unique talents and industry-specific experiences, making you stand out in a competitive field. They highlight personal achievements and attributes that don't fit neatly into standard resume sections . Take a look at our suggestions:

Performances and roles : List notable roles and performances, including the venue and production.

A repertoire entry could look like this:

Ephemeral Existence, Contemporary Performance, 2023

Choreographer: Alex Chen

Role: Lead Dancer

Venue: The Joyce Theater, New York City

Workshops and master classes : Showcase advanced training and professional development.
Awards and recognitions : Highlight any accolades or recognitions received within the industry.
Professional affiliations : Include memberships in dance organizations or unions.

Don’t waste precious resume space to list professional references . Instead, be ready to provide contacts who can attest to your skills and work ethic.

A well-crafted dance resume is your ticket to capturing the attention of directors and choreographers, showing your unique blend of experience, skills, and educational background. By following expert formatting tips, you can effectively highlight your artistic prowess and land your next audition or role.

Dance resume examples

Explore additional dance resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Dance Teachers impart dance skills across different genres. Showcase your skills in classical dance forms, contemporary or hip hop, depending on your specialty, and how you've encouraged physical fitness through dance. Indicate how you have leveraged dance to instill discipline and work ethic in students, e.g., 'Increased student participation in group ensemble performances by...'. This shows your power to elicit growth and develop skills.

Looking to build your own Dance resume?

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