You are a dance and choreography professional, constantly moving to the beat of your own rhythm. But when it comes to writing a resume, finding the right steps can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore valuable tips and tricks to help you showcase your skills, experience, and passion in a way that captivates potential employers and lands you the role of your dreams. So get ready to pirouette into the world of resume writing and discover how to make your application stand out from the crowd.
Formatting Your Resume
Choose a clean and professional layout
When it comes to formatting your resume as a dance and choreography professional, it’s important to choose a clean and professional layout. This means keeping the design simple, with a focus on readability and clarity. Avoid using fancy fonts or excessive colors that may distract from the content of your resume. Remember, the goal is to present your information in a professional and easily digestible format.
Include relevant contact information
Your resume must include relevant contact information so that potential employers or clients can reach out to you. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and professional website or online portfolio, if applicable. Be sure to use a professional email address that reflects your name or profession, rather than a personal or casual email address.
Use clear headings and bullet points
To make your resume easy to navigate, use clear headings and bullet points. This helps the reader quickly find the information they are looking for. For example, use headings such as “Summary,” “Education,” “Professional Experience,” “Choreography Experience,” “Technical Skills,” and “References.”
Keep the resume concise and focused
When it comes to resumes, less is often more. Keep your resume concise and focused by including only the most relevant information. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments, but avoid including unnecessary details or information that doesn’t directly relate to the position or opportunity you’re applying for. Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience that warrants additional pages.
Highlighting Your Skills and Experience
Start with a compelling summary statement
Begin your resume with a compelling summary statement that serves as an introduction to your skills and experience. This statement should be concise and capture the reader’s attention, summarizing your key qualifications and highlighting what makes you a strong candidate. Focus on your unique strengths and experiences that set you apart from other dance and choreography professionals.
Include a section for dance training and education
In the dance and choreography field, training and education play a crucial role. Include a section in your resume where you can list your dance training and any relevant educational background. Include the names of the institutions or schools you attended, the years of study, and any degrees or certifications obtained. If you have received any special accolades or recognition during your training, be sure to mention those as well.
Emphasize professional experience in dance and choreography
Your professional experience in dance and choreography is one of the most important aspects of your resume. Create a section where you can detail your past positions, including the companies or organizations you worked with, the time period during which you were employed, and the specific roles or responsibilities you held. Be sure to highlight any notable accomplishments or achievements that demonstrate your expertise and success in the field.
List any additional relevant skills or certifications
In addition to showcasing your dance and choreography skills, it’s important to include any additional relevant skills or certifications on your resume. This could include skills such as improvisation, partnering techniques, dance notation, or proficiency in specific dance styles. If you have received any certifications or completed additional training that is relevant to your field, such as teaching certifications or specialized workshops, be sure to include them in this section.
Showcasing Your Performance Experience
Include a separate section for performance experience
When it comes to showcasing your performance experience, it’s important to dedicate a separate section in your resume to this aspect of your career. This allows you to highlight your roles and achievements as a performer. Include the name of the production or show, the role you played, and the company or organization you performed with.
List each performance in reverse chronological order
List your performances in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This allows potential employers or clients to see your most recent and relevant experience first. Include the dates of each performance to provide context for your timeline.
Provide details of the production, role, and company
In addition to listing the name of the production, role, and company, it’s important to provide further details that give insight into your performance experience. Include information such as the genre or style of the production, the duration of the performance, and any notable aspects of the production.
Highlight any notable performances or awards
If you have had any notable performances or received awards for your performances, be sure to highlight them in this section. This could include performances at prestigious venues or festivals, solo performances, or recognition received for your outstanding talent or technique.
Demonstrating Choreography and Teaching Experience
Create a section specifically for choreography experience
As a dance and choreography professional, it’s important to demonstrate your experience in creating and choreographing dances. Create a specific section in your resume where you can showcase your choreography experience.
Detail the choreography works you have created
In this section, detail the choreography works you have created. Include the titles of the pieces, the dates they were choreographed, and any relevant information about the process or inspiration behind each piece. If your choreography has been performed by other dancers or companies, be sure to mention that as well.
Outline any teaching or coaching experience
Teaching and coaching experience are valuable skills in the dance and choreography field. Outline any teaching or coaching positions you have held, including the organizations or schools you have worked with, the age range or level of the students you have taught, and any notable achievements or successes as a teacher or coach.
Include any relevant certifications or qualifications in teaching
If you hold any relevant certifications or qualifications in teaching or coaching, be sure to include them in this section. This could include certifications in specific teaching methodologies, dance pedagogy, or qualifications from recognized dance education institutions.
Including Dance and Choreography Projects
Add a section for notable projects or collaborations
In addition to your performance and choreography experience, it’s important to include a section in your resume where you can highlight any notable projects or collaborations you have been a part of. This could include collaborations with other artists, projects with renowned companies or organizations, or innovative dance projects you have been involved in.
Include details of the project and your role
For each project or collaboration you include in this section, provide details of the project and your role within it. Describe the nature of the project, the artists or companies involved, and your specific contribution or role. This helps to showcase your versatility and involvement in diverse and impactful dance projects.
Highlight any unique or innovative dance projects
If you have been involved in any unique or innovative dance projects, be sure to highlight them in this section. This could include interdisciplinary collaborations, site-specific performances, or projects that explore new and experimental approaches to dance.
Mention any collaborations with renowned artists or companies
Collaborating with renowned artists or companies adds significant value to your resume. If you have had the opportunity to work with well-known artists, companies, or organizations, be sure to mention them in this section. This helps establish your credibility and shows that you have experience working at a high level in the dance and choreography industry.
Showcasing Technical Skills and Training
Highlight any technical skills or knowledge in dance
Technical skills and knowledge are essential in the dance and choreography field. Highlight any specific technical skills you possess, such as ballet technique, contemporary dance technique, or acrobatics. This helps potential employers or clients understand your areas of expertise and the unique contributions you can make to their projects.
Include any specialized training or workshops attended
If you have attended specialized training programs or workshops that have enhanced your technical skills, be sure to include them in this section. Specify the name of the program or workshop, the duration of your training, and any relevant details that highlight the value of the training in relation to your work as a dance and choreography professional.
Mention proficiency in various dance styles or techniques
Proficiency in various dance styles or techniques is a valuable asset. Mention any dance styles or techniques in which you are proficient, such as classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, or ethnic dance forms. This showcases your versatility and adaptability as a dancer and choreographer.
List any certifications or degrees related to dance
If you hold any certifications or degrees related to dance, be sure to list them in this section. This could include degrees in dance performance, dance education, or certifications in specific dance methodologies or techniques. Including these qualifications demonstrates your commitment to ongoing education and professional development in the dance and choreography field.
Adding Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Include any professional organizations or associations
Being a member of professional organizations or associations in the dance and choreography industry is highly advantageous. Include any relevant organizations or associations you are a member of, such as dance teacher associations, choreography networks, or industry-specific organizations. This illustrates your commitment to your profession and involvement in the dance community.
Highlight any leadership roles held within the dance community
If you have held any leadership roles within the dance community, be sure to highlight them in this section. This could include serving on committees, holding positions in professional organizations, or leading dance workshops or intensives. Leadership roles demonstrate your ability to take initiative and contribute to the growth and development of the dance community.
Mention any affiliations with renowned dance companies or groups
Affiliations with renowned dance companies or groups can have a significant impact on your resume. If you have any affiliations or associations with well-known dance companies or groups, be sure to mention them in this section. This adds credibility to your experience and showcases your ability to work alongside esteemed professionals in the field.
List any memberships in choreography networks
If you are a member of any choreography networks, list them in this section. Choreography networks provide opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional development. Membership in these networks demonstrates your commitment to connecting with other choreographers and staying current with industry trends and opportunities.
Sharing References and Testimonials
List professional references from within the dance industry
Including professional references from within the dance industry can greatly enhance your resume. List individuals who can vouch for your skills, experience, and work ethic. These references should ideally be individuals with whom you have worked closely or who have observed your work firsthand, such as directors, choreographers, or colleagues.
Include contact information and their relationship to you
When listing professional references, be sure to include their contact information and their relationship to you. This includes their full name, title or position, phone number, and email address. Providing this information makes it easy for potential employers or clients to reach out to your references for further information or recommendations.
Consider including testimonials from directors or colleagues
In addition to listing professional references, consider including testimonials from directors or colleagues. These testimonials can provide valuable insight into your abilities, work ethic, and professionalism. Choose testimonials that highlight your strengths and unique contributions as a dance and choreography professional.
Highlight any positive reviews or recognition received
If you have received any positive reviews or recognition for your work, be sure to highlight them in this section. This could include reviews from performances, feedback from colleagues or mentors, or recognition received from industry professionals or organizations. Including these highlights adds credibility to your resume and demonstrates your track record of success in the field.
Creating a Video Portfolio
Consider creating a video portfolio to showcase your skills
In today’s digital age, creating a video portfolio can be an excellent way to showcase your skills as a dance and choreography professional. Consider putting together a compilation of excerpts from your performances, choreography works, and teaching or coaching sessions. This allows potential employers or clients to see your work in action and get a better sense of your artistic style and abilities.
Include excerpts of performances, choreography, and teaching
When creating your video portfolio, include excerpts that showcase a range of your skills and experiences. This could include footage of your performances, excerpts from your choreography works, and snippets from your teaching or coaching sessions. Be sure to include variety and diversity in your selections to demonstrate your versatility as a dance and choreography professional.
Ensure the videos are of high quality and professionally edited
To make a strong impression with your video portfolio, ensure that the videos you include are of high quality and professionally edited. This means investing in good lighting, sound, and camera equipment, as well as working with a professional editor to create a polished and cohesive final product. A high-quality video portfolio demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail.
Provide a link or QR code to access the portfolio
Once you have created your video portfolio, provide a link or QR code that allows potential employers or clients to easily access and view your work. This could be a link to your online portfolio or a dedicated webpage that hosts your videos. Providing a convenient way for others to access your portfolio increases the likelihood of it being viewed and considered during the application or hiring process.
Tailoring Your Resume for Specific Roles
Customize your resume for each job application
When applying for specific roles in the dance and choreography field, it’s important to customize your resume to match the requirements and expectations of the specific job. This means reviewing the job description and tailoring your resume to highlight the skills, experiences, and attributes that align with the position.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences
As you customize your resume, be sure to highlight the relevant skills and experiences that directly relate to the job you are applying for. This may require rearranging or rephrasing certain sections of your resume to emphasize the most relevant information.
Match your resume to the job description and requirements
To increase your chances of being considered for a job, make sure your resume closely matches the job description and requirements. Use the same language and keywords found in the job posting to demonstrate your understanding of the position and show that you are a good fit.
Focus on key attributes sought by the employer
Finally, focus on the key attributes sought by the employer and make sure they are prominently featured in your resume. Whether it’s strong technical skills, experience in a specific dance style, or a proven track record of successful choreography, highlight these attributes to showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
By following these resume tips for dance and choreography professionals, you can create a comprehensive and compelling document that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the art form. With a well-formatted and tailored resume, you are sure to stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on potential employers or clients. So, take the time to craft a resume that truly reflects your unique talents and experiences in the dance and choreography industry. Good luck on your journey to finding your rhythm and achieving success in your career!