Dance Audition Resume Template

Landing a dance audition is a huge accomplishment, and your resume is your first impression. In the competitive world of dance, a polished and professional resume can be the key to opening doors and showcasing your unique skills and experience. Forget generic templates! This dance audition resume template is specifically designed to highlight your performance abilities, training, and relevant experience in a way that resonates with casting directors and artistic teams.

This template provides a structured framework, complete with essential sections like performance experience, training history, special skills (including dance styles, partnering, and other relevant abilities), and education. It's designed to be easily customizable, allowing you to showcase your individual strengths and adapt it for various audition types, from ballet to contemporary, musical theatre to commercial work. Simply fill in your details, tailor the language to reflect your specific talents, and you'll have a compelling resume that captures your potential as a dancer.

With this template, you can present yourself as a confident and prepared professional, ready to impress. Let's get started crafting a resume that will help you shine and land your dream dance role!

Why dance audition resumes matter

In the competitive world of dance, securing auditions is the first crucial step toward landing a role. A well-crafted dance audition resume serves as your professional introduction, highlighting your skills, experience, and training to potential choreographers and directors. It's more than just a formality; it's a vital tool that can set you apart from other talented dancers.

Your resume acts as a comprehensive snapshot of your dance journey. It showcases your technical proficiency in various dance styles (ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, etc.), your performance history, and any specialized training you've received. By clearly presenting this information, you empower casting directors to quickly assess your suitability for the specific demands of their project.

Think of your dance audition resume as your personal marketing document. It demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to your craft. A polished and well-organized resume immediately conveys a sense of competence and reliability, making a positive first impression on those making the casting decisions. Furthermore, a targeted resume demonstrates that you've researched the company or project and understand what they are looking for.

Ultimately, a compelling dance audition resume helps you get noticed. In a sea of talented individuals, a strong resume increases your chances of securing an audition and ultimately achieving your dance career aspirations. It's an investment in your future and a powerful tool for showcasing your unique skills and accomplishments.

Essential dance resume sections

A well-structured dance resume is crucial for making a strong first impression at auditions. It should highlight your skills, experience, and training in a clear and concise manner. Recruiters and choreographers often have to sift through numerous applications, so an organized resume will make it easier for them to identify your strengths and potential.

Here are the key sections that should be included in every dance resume:

• Contact Information: This is arguably the most important part. Include your full name, phone number, email address, city and state of residence (or where you are willing to relocate), and a link to your professional website or online portfolio if you have one. Make sure your email address is professional (e.g., not [email protected]).
• Objective/Summary (Optional): A brief statement highlighting your career goals and key qualifications. This is most useful for dancers who are just starting out or transitioning into a new style. If you have considerable experience, a summary highlighting your most relevant skills and accomplishments is more impactful.
• Training: This section details your dance education and includes schools, instructors, workshops, and master classes. List them in reverse chronological order (most recent first), and include the dates of attendance, style of dance, and instructor's name if applicable. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Performance Experience: List your professional dance experience, including the name of the production, company, choreographer, role, and dates of performance. Highlight any significant roles or accomplishments. This section provides concrete evidence of your abilities and experience on stage.
• Skills: This section should list your specific dance styles (ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, etc.) and any related skills (singing, acting, acrobatics, musical instruments, etc.). You can also include skills such as improvisation, partnering, pointe work, and knowledge of dance history.
• Education (Non-Dance): Include any non-dance-related education, such as high school, college, or university degrees. This demonstrates your overall academic ability and well-roundedness.
• Special Skills/Additional Information: Include any special skills or qualifications that are relevant to dance, such as languages spoken, certifications (CPR, First Aid), awards, or honors.

By including these essential sections and tailoring your resume to each specific audition, you can significantly increase your chances of landing the role. Remember to keep your resume updated and proofread it carefully for any errors.

Formatting & Visual Appeal

The visual presentation of your dance audition resume is crucial. In a field as visual as dance, your resume serves as a first impression. A cluttered or poorly formatted resume can immediately disqualify you, regardless of your talent. Prioritize readability and clarity to ensure that the audition panel can quickly grasp your key skills and experience.

Choose a clean and professional font. Avoid overly decorative or script fonts that may be difficult to read. Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica are generally safe choices. Maintain a consistent font size throughout the document. Use bolding, italics, and capitalization sparingly to highlight important information, such as your name, headings, and company names. Avoid using excessive colors or graphics, as they can be distracting and may not be well-received by all audition panels.

Pay close attention to the layout of your resume. Use clear and concise headings to organize your information into logical sections, such as "Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Performance History." Utilize white space effectively to create visual breathing room and prevent the resume from feeling overwhelming. A well-structured resume allows the audition panel to easily navigate your qualifications and identify the information they are looking for. Consider using a one-page resume format if possible, especially if you are early in your career. If you have extensive experience, prioritize the most relevant information and keep the resume concise.

Bullet points are essential for breaking down information and making it easy to scan. Use them to list your accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities. Each bullet point should be concise and action-oriented, highlighting the impact you made in each role. Proofread your resume carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Even small errors can detract from your professionalism and credibility.

Skills & Training Emphasis

This section of your dance audition resume is crucial for highlighting your specific skills and the training you've received, demonstrating your preparedness and suitability for the role. It should be tailored to match the specific requirements of each audition, emphasizing the skills and training most relevant to the style and choreography being presented. Remember to be specific and avoid generic terms; showcase your unique strengths and what sets you apart from other candidates.

When listing your skills, categorize them for clarity. This could include categories like technical skills (e.g., specific ballet techniques, jazz styles, partnering skills), performance skills (e.g., improvisation, character work, stage presence), and related skills (e.g., choreography, teaching experience, music theory). For each skill, consider adding a brief description or level of proficiency to provide context. For example, instead of simply listing "Ballet," you could write "Ballet: Advanced level training in Vaganova technique; experience in classical variations and pointe work."

Your training should be presented in a clear and concise manner. List the institutions or instructors you've studied with, the duration of your training, and any significant certifications or qualifications you've obtained. Be sure to include workshops, master classes, and summer intensives, as these can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development. If you've received scholarships or awards related to your training, be sure to include those as well.

Consider including a separate section for "Special Skills" if you possess any unique or unusual abilities that could be beneficial in a dance performance setting. This could include skills such as acrobatics, singing, acting, musical instrument proficiency, or proficiency in a particular cultural dance form. Always remember to tailor this section to the specific requirements of the audition, highlighting the skills that are most relevant and impressive to the audition panel.

Finally, remember to keep this section updated as your skills and training evolve. Regularly review and revise your resume to reflect your latest accomplishments and ensure that it accurately represents your current capabilities. A well-crafted Skills & Training section is a powerful tool for showcasing your potential and securing your place in the dance world.

Performance Experience Showcase

This section is the heart of your dance audition resume. It's where you demonstrate your capabilities and experience to potential choreographers, artistic directors, and casting agents. Focus on presenting your performance history in a clear, concise, and impactful way. Highlight the roles, productions, and companies that best showcase your skills and artistry. Remember to tailor this section to each audition by emphasizing the experiences most relevant to the specific style or genre required.

When describing each performance experience, include the production title, your role (principal, soloist, corps de ballet, etc.), the company or organization, the venue (if notable), and the year. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of stating "Performed in The Nutcracker," consider "Performed as Clara in The Nutcracker, reaching over 5,000 audience members during the holiday season." If you performed in a piece choreographed by a renowned artist, be sure to mention their name.

Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and contributions. Strong verbs like "originated," "interpreted," "collaborated," "rehearsed," and "executed" add weight to your descriptions. Consider including a brief, one-sentence description of the piece or your specific contribution if the title is not widely known. For example, you might say, "Swan Lake - Performed as a swan in the corps de ballet, demonstrating precise synchronization and strong classical technique."

Beyond formal performances, include workshops, masterclasses, and intensive training programs, especially if they involved working with respected instructors or exploring unique styles. This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing development and your versatility as a dancer. Consider including residencies, community outreach performances, and any other experience that showcases your performance abilities.

Prioritize the information based on relevance and impact. Put your most impressive and relevant experiences at the top. If you have extensive experience, you might categorize your performance history (e.g., "Ballet," "Modern," "Jazz," "Musical Theatre") to help the reader quickly identify your strengths. Always aim to present a well-rounded picture of your dance journey, highlighting your adaptability and passion for the art form.

Headshot & Video Reel Inclusion

In the competitive world of dance, a compelling headshot and professionally produced video reel are vital components of your audition resume. These visual aids provide casting directors and choreographers with a crucial first impression, showcasing your physical appearance, dance style, and technical abilities in a way that words simply cannot.

Your headshot should be a high-quality, current representation of you. It should be well-lit, professionally photographed, and accurately reflect your look. Avoid distracting backgrounds or excessive editing. The focus should be on your face and overall presence. Choose a shot that conveys your personality and energy. Remember, this is often the first image a casting director will associate with you.

Your video reel, also known as a demo reel or performance reel, is an essential tool for demonstrating your dance skills. It should be a concise compilation of your best performances, showcasing your versatility and strengths in various dance styles. Keep the reel brief and engaging, ideally under 2-3 minutes. Highlight your most impressive and relevant work, ensuring the audio and video quality are excellent. If including group performances, clearly identify yourself.

When submitting your resume electronically, include easily accessible links to both your headshot and video reel. These links can be placed prominently at the top of your resume, alongside your contact information. Ensure the links are active and lead directly to the intended content. Common platforms for hosting video reels include Vimeo and YouTube. Consider creating a professional online portfolio to showcase your headshot, reel, and other relevant materials in a centralized location.

Resume Example: dance audition resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to dance audition resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Dance Resume FAQs

Creating a dance resume for auditions can be daunting, but it's crucial to present your skills and experience effectively. Many dancers wonder about the best format, what information to include, and how to tailor their resume for different types of auditions. This section answers some frequently asked questions to help you craft a compelling dance resume.

What information should I include? Your resume should showcase your dance training, performance experience, special skills (like singing or acting), education, and any awards or recognitions you've received. Contact information is paramount, including your email, phone number, and potentially a link to your dance reel or website. Always tailor your resume to the specific style and requirements of the audition. For example, a ballet audition resume might highlight pointe work and pas de deux experience, while a contemporary audition resume would focus on improvisation and modern techniques.

How long should my dance resume be? Ideally, your dance resume should be concise and fit onto one page. Recruiters often have limited time, so prioritize the most relevant and impressive information. Use clear and concise language, and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Bullet points are your friend! Keep your font readable (10-12pt is generally acceptable) and ensure there is enough white space for easy readability.

What if I don't have much professional experience? Don't worry! Focus on your training, workshops, master classes, and any student performances or projects. Highlight your skills and potential. Include information about significant teachers or choreographers you've worked with. A strong "Training" section can compensate for a lack of professional credits, demonstrating your dedication and foundational knowledge.

Should I include a headshot? Yes, absolutely! A professional headshot is a standard requirement for dance auditions. Attach a high-quality headshot to your resume, ensuring it accurately represents your current appearance. Some dancers include it directly on the resume, while others attach it separately. Just be sure the attachment is clearly labeled with your name.

Action Verbs & Language

Choosing the right action verbs and language is crucial for a dance audition resume. Your resume needs to quickly convey your skills, experience, and potential to casting directors and choreographers. Strong action verbs create a dynamic and compelling narrative, showcasing your accomplishments and abilities in a memorable way. Passive language can make you seem less confident and less experienced than you actually are.

When crafting your resume, focus on verbs that highlight your performance capabilities, collaborative skills, and dedication to the craft. Instead of saying "Was involved in a performance," use stronger verbs like "Performed," "Collaborated," or "Originated." Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Choreographed a dance," say "Choreographed a dance for a cast of 12, resulting in a sold-out performance." This provides concrete evidence of your skills and impact.

Here are some examples of action verbs tailored to dance resumes:

• Performed: Showcases your experience on stage.
• Choreographed: Highlights your creative abilities and leadership.
• Rehearsed: Demonstrates your commitment to preparation and precision.
• Collaborated: Emphasizes your teamwork and communication skills.
• Trained: Shows your dedication to continuous improvement and learning.
• Adapted: Displays your versatility and ability to work in different styles.
• Originated: Highlights your creative contributions to new works.
• Mastered: Conveys a high level of skill and expertise.
• Instructed: Indicates your teaching abilities and knowledge.
• Managed: Showcases your organizational and leadership skills within a dance context (e.g., managed costumes, stage crew).

Beyond action verbs, pay attention to the overall language you use. Be specific about dance styles (ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, etc.), techniques (Graham, Limón, Horton), and repertoire (specific ballets, musicals, or operas). Use industry-specific jargon appropriately. Avoid generic terms and tailor your language to match the requirements of the auditions you're targeting. Research the style of the company or choreographer and use keywords that reflect their aesthetic.

Finally, always proofread your resume carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Ask a fellow dancer or mentor to review your resume before submitting it. A polished and well-written resume demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail, increasing your chances of landing an audition.

Perfect Your Performance: Final Touches

We hope this dance audition resume template has provided a solid foundation for showcasing your unique talents and experience. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific audition, highlighting the skills and qualities that align with the role's requirements. Refine your language, double-check for errors, and ensure your personality shines through.

This template is just a starting point! Feel free to revisit our site for more tips, resources, and inspiration as you continue on your journey to achieving your dance dreams. We wish you the very best of luck in your auditions!