5 Things You Should Have on your Dance Résumé
Your dance résumé is a necessary tool for propelling your dance career. It summarizes your dance-related skills and experience, which will help professional dance companies determine whether you meet their criteria for hiring. That’s why it’s important to ensure your résumé is an accurate representation of you and your work.
If you’ve set any dance-related career goals for this year, make sure your dance résumé has the following 5 bits of information.
Related: Perfecting Your Dance Résumé
Website or Social Media Account
Your résumé should be no more than one page long (one side only). If you have a lot of dance experience, you may have a hard time narrowing things down to fit. Adding a link to your website or social media account is how you can direct hiring managers to the other parts of your dance journey that were left out. Only include this information if your website and social media account is strictly professional and dance-related.
Related: 6 Elements of a Professional Dance Website
Dance Training and Education
Of course, hiring managers will want to know what professional training you have received. This includes private lessons, summer intensives, and studio classes. Be specific about the techniques you learned and list your instructor’s name - especially if they are well-known in the industry.
You should also list information about your level of education in school. Even if you aren’t a dance major, showing that you are in college or have graduated can symbolize dedication and responsibility. Be sure to list some of the courses you’ve studied, especially if they relate to the role you’re applying for.
Related: 8 Common Career Paths for Dance Majors
Other Dance Experience
Your experience in dance is not limited to the training you’ve received, so make sure you identify instances where you put your lessons to use. Perhaps you were hired as a substitute dance teacher, or traveled to another state to perform. You can also list choreographers you’ve worked with and even dance-related awards you’ve received.
If you decide to list roles you’ve portrayed in previous productions, make sure they’re similar in some way to the role you’re applying for. If it’s not related, but is a prominent role or production, it’s acceptable to list it. You’ll also need to include when you performed it and which company you were working with.
Relevant Skills
Your current skill set will be a huge factor in setting you apart from other applicants. You should have at least 5 skills listed on your résumé. It’s okay if the skills are not all dance-related, as long as they can be directly beneficial to the role you’re applying for. Being fluent in a foreign language, choreography, tutoring, singing, acting, gymnastics, martial arts, or the ability to play an instrument are all examples of skills that can boost your chances of being hired.
Related: How Being Multifaceted Can Help You Become a Better Dancer
Other Involvements
Other than dance, how do you spend your time? What creative projects are you working on? List those things, as well as volunteer work and organizations you’re a part of. This information builds a clear picture of your character by showing what you’re passionate about. Of course, it’s best to list involvements that can directly relate to the role you’re applying to, or to your dance career in general.
No matter what, never fabricate any information on your résumé. Only list experience you have actually gained and skills you can actually deliver. If you feel like you haven’t gained enough experience to populate your résumé, don’t stress. Make it a goal to invest in your dance expertise and involvements. Find roles you are currently qualified for to improve your dance experience.