To grab the attention of casting directors and hiring managers, write a compelling dance resume that demonstrates your passion and commitment to your craft. As you write your bullet points, focus on exploring the nuances of your creative talents. Illustrate your expertise in specific areas of dance and feature your most stunning performances. Whether you’re pursuing a career as a professional dancer or as an instructor, our dance resume guide has all the tips you need to drive your career forward.

Key takeaways:

  • Emphasize performance versatility: Highlight your experience across various dance styles, such as ballet, modern, ballroom, jazz, or hip-hop.
  • Showcase your dance achievements: Quantify your achievements as a dancer using hard numbers and metrics. Emphasize the number of performances you’ve participated in or the size of the classes you’ve taught.
  • Use dance-specific keywords: Incorporate specific terms that align with the job description to ensure compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS), such as “choreography planning,” “curriculum development,” and “musicality.”

Dancer Resume Example

Why this dancer resume example is strong:

This resume example excels in capturing the dancer’s most impressive performances and accolades. The bullet points draw attention to specific performances and awards, effectively displaying the full scope of their creative talents. 


Dance Teacher Resume Example

Why this dance teacher resume example is strong:

This resume is strong because it blends teaching experience with measurable achievements, The bullet points show the candidate’s ability to nurture talent and develop students using specific numbers, such as drawing attention to their notable retention rates. 


Dance Coach Resume Example

Why this dance coach resume example is strong:

This dance coach resume stands out due to its clear focus on competitive success and measurable achievements, like regional and national titles. The candidate’s leadership and coaching skills are well-demonstrated through quantifiable improvements in team performance.


Beginner Dancer Resume Example

Why this beginner dancer resume example is strong:

This resume example highlights the candidate’s talent as a dancer at the early stages of their career. The bullet points demonstrate their high level of success in both student showcases and regional competitions. And the applicant details their volunteer teaching experience, which helps to illustrate their future leadership potential. 


Dance Student Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Taylor’s resume highlights both performance and mentorship roles, such as “12 productions” and “youth workshops,” showing a well-rounded student practitioner.

Key Tip

Emphasize both technical training and collaborative projects to showcase versatility. For help building a standout portfolio, see How to Make a Resume.


Exotic Dancer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Alex’s resume emphasizes both performance volume and training roles, demonstrating dual expertise.

Key Tip

Quantify audience size and student success rates to illustrate impact. For ideas on presenting unique skills, see Skills to Put on a Resume.


Ballet Dancer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jordan’s resume pairs high-profile lead roles with collaborative premieres, showcasing both individual skill and creative partnership.

Key Tip

Highlight signature roles and premieres to underscore artistic leadership. For guidance on structuring performance credits, see Best Resume Formats.


Competitive Dancer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Morgan’s resume highlights consistent competitive success and leadership in choreography, demonstrating high-stakes expertise.

Key Tip

Feature podium finishes and awards to showcase competitive caliber. For advice on detailing achievements, see How to Write a Resume Summary.


Hip-Hop Dance Instructor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Casey’s resume quantifies student engagement and competitive success, demonstrating both teaching effectiveness and performance impact.

Key Tip

Highlight retention rates and competition outcomes to illustrate both instructional skill and choreographic quality. For ideas on showcasing teaching experience, see How to List Volunteer Work Experience on a Resume.


Zumba Instructor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jamie’s resume ties class-attendance metrics and enrollment growth to her choreography and promotion efforts, showcasing business impact.

Key Tip

Use attendance and signup figures to quantify your class-management success. For tips on structuring wellness-oriented resumes, see What to Put on a Resume.


Dance Studio Manager Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Cameron’s resume quantifies financial and enrollment outcomes, such as “15% cost reduction” and “20% enrollment growth,” demonstrating leadership in both operations and marketing.

Key Tip

Highlight budget savings and enrollment metrics to showcase managerial impact. For advice on managerial resume structures, see Best Resume Formats.


Dance Program Director Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Drew’s resume shows clear programmatic improvements, like “retention up to 85%” and “40% turnover reduction,” highlighting both strategic and leadership acumen.

Key Tip

Use before/after metrics to illustrate program success and staff development impact. For insight on leadership skills, see Leadership Skills for Resumes With Examples.


Contemporary Dance Specialist Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Riley’s resume quantifies audience reach and enrollment growth to demonstrate both creative vision and teaching impact.

Key Tip

Highlight class-enrollment metrics and audience sizes to showcase program reach. For tips on structuring arts resumes, see Best-Looking Resumes.


Tap Dance Artist Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Casey’s resume highlights touring experience and teaching impact, emphasizing both performance pedigree and instructional reach.

Key Tip

Feature touring credits and workshop attendance to underscore professional scope. For advice on showcasing performance credentials, see What to Put on a Resume.


Ballroom Dance Partner Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Alex’s resume quantifies competitive success and audience impact, demonstrating both technical and performance excellence.

Key Tip

Include competition results and workshop outcomes to highlight both skill and teaching impact. For guidance on action-oriented language, see Resume Action Words.


Dance Choreographer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Taylor’s resume pairs volume with accolades, highlighting both prolific output and recognized excellence.

Key Tip

Emphasize the scope of work and awards to underscore creative leadership. For tips on portfolio presentation, see Best-Looking Resumes.


Aerial Silks Instructor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Cameron’s resume ties class-completion metrics and safety improvements to her instructional methods, highlighting both engagement and professionalism.

Key Tip

Use completion and safety-improvement figures to showcase your instructional impact. For ideas on listing niche skills, see Technical Skills in an IT Resume.


Dance Movement Therapist Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Drew’s resume connects therapy outcomes and community engagement to her movement programs, demonstrating both clinical and outreach success.

Key Tip

Quantify therapeutic outcomes and participant reach to highlight program effectiveness. For guidance on framing specialized clinical roles, see What to Put on a Resume.


Jazz Dance Instructor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jordan’s resume ties retention and competition success to her instructional and choreographic initiatives, showcasing both course quality and performance excellence.

Key Tip

Feature both retention and contest metrics to demonstrate teaching impact. For ideas on listing educational credentials, see How to List Education on a Resume.


Modern Dance Ensemble Member Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Morgan’s resume highlights performance breadth and community engagement, showing adaptability and collaborative creativity.

Key Tip

Use performance counts and audience figures to illustrate both experience and reach. For pointers on crafting performance resumes, see Best-Looking Resumes.


Dancer Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates

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  • Dancer
  • Dance Teacher
  • Dance Coach
  • Beginner Dancer
  • Dance Student
  • Exotic Dancer
  • Ballet Dancer
  • Competitive Dancer
  • Hip-Hop Dance Instructor
  • Zumba Instructor
  • Dance Studio Manager
  • Dance Program Director
  • Contemporary Dance Specialist
  • Tap Dance Artist
  • Ballroom Dance Partner
  • Dance Choreographer
  • Aerial Silks Instructor
  • Dance Movement Therapist
  • Jazz Dance Instructor
  • Modern Dance Ensemble Member
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Sarah Johnson
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA | Portfolio

Dynamic performer with expertise in multiple dance styles
A professional dancer with six years of experience performing ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance for world-renowned companies such as Ballet Theatre of New York. Achieved critical acclaim for lead performances in productions Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Dedicated to sharing the transformative power of dance with audiences globally.

Professional Experience

Principal Dancer, Ballet Theatre of New York | New York, NY | January 2018 – present

  • Achieve multiple award nominations for lead performances in over 50 productions, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Apollo
  • Define award-winning dance pieces and choreography for the annual spring performance, resulting in critical acclaim from the New York Times
  • Collaborate effectively with directors, actors, dancers, and stage managers to deliver seamless, high-energy performances

Key Skills

  • Ballet, contemporary, jazz
  • Choreography and improvisation
  • Stage performance
  • Partnering techniques
  • Audience engagement

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance | May 2018
Juilliard School | New York, NY

How To Write a Dancer Resume Example

Writing a dancer resume requires showcasing both your artistic talent and professional achievements in the performing arts world. Before crafting your content, be sure that your template contains the following sections:

  • Contact information
  • Profile summary
  • Key skills
  • Professional experience
  • Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location. Additionally, share links to an online portfolio that shows your dance performances.

Example

Sarah Johnson
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA | Instagram | YouTube Portfolio

2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your dancer qualifications

Leading with a powerful opening summary is essential for any resume. Your profile sets the tone for your document, allowing you to immediately grab the attention of casting directors and dance studios. To make a lasting impression, your introduction should capture the styles of dance you specialize in and provide a snapshot of your most impressive accomplishments.

For example, if you’re pursuing a career as a professional dancer, emphasize your most notable performances and competition awards. If you’re seeking a career as an instructor, your teaching experience should be the focal point of your summary. You might also draw attention to prominent venues and noteworthy productions you’ve participated in.

Experienced Dancer Profile Example

A professional dancer with 10 years of experience performing ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance for world-renowned companies such as Ballet Theatre of New York. Achieved critical acclaim for lead performances in productions Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Dedicated to sharing the transformative power of dance with audiences globally.

Entry-Level Dancer Profile Example

A dynamic and creative dancer with formal training in ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. A proven track record of delivering engaging performances in student showcases and regional dance competitions. Committed to honing technique and exploring creative choreography through rigorous practice and disciplined learning.

3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional dance experience section

The professional experience section of your resume allows you to explore your achievements as a dancer in greater detail. In addition to listing key performances, feature accomplishments that display your unique creative talents, such as any award nominations you’ve garnered for specific roles. If your background is centered around dance instruction and coaching, paint an engaging image of how you’ve nurtured talent and helped your students achieve their potential.

Experienced Dancer Professional Experience Example

Principal Dancer, Ballet Theatre of New York | New York, NY | January 2018 – present

  • Achieve multiple award nominations for lead performances in over 50 productions, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Apollo
  • Define award-winning dance pieces and choreography for the annual spring performance, resulting in critical acclaim from the New York Times
  • Collaborate effectively with directors, actors, dancers, and stage managers to deliver seamless, high-energy performances

Entry-Level Dancer Professional Experience Example

Dancer, Texas School of Performing Arts | Austin, TX | August 2021 – June 2024

  • Performed in 15 student showcases, including lead solo in a contemporary dance piece for the spring recital
  • Collaborated with student choreographers and instructors to develop new routines for performances
  • Delivered engaging performances in three regional dance competitions, receiving third place in the ensemble category for contemporary dance

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

Quantifying your achievements is key and paints a clearer picture for the hiring manager, allowing them to understand the full breadth of your artistic talents. Incorporating numbers is a great way to enhance the impact of your bullet points. For instance, “Performed lead roles in over 50 ballet productions at the New York City Ballet for audiences of over 1,500” is far more impactful than simply stating you “performed in multiple ballet productions for large audiences.”

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application

To maximize your chances of landing the interview, align your resume with the specific dance role you’re applying for. Should the company be looking for a ballet performer, focus on your classical training and experience. If you’re seeking a dance instructor role at an academy, emphasize your ability to plan lessons and design choreography for student performances.

What if you don’t have experience?

Even if you’re new to the field, you can still build an impactful resume that resonates with hiring managers and production companies. In this situation, focus on your dance education and training, including workshops, showcases, or competitions you’ve participated in. Display your diverse knowledge of various dance styles and specific skill sets that match the job posting.

4. Include relevant dance education and certifications

List any degrees and dance conservatories that are relevant to your target role. Include workshops or masterclasses with notable instructors if applicable. If your aim is to pursue a career as a coach or instructor, obtaining a Certified Dance Teacher credential from the American Dance Teachers Association is highly recommended.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance | May 2018
University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA

Certifications

Certified Dance Teacher | American Dance Teachers Association | May 2017

5. List pertinent key dance skills

Create a key skills section that highlights your technical styles, choreography, and performance abilities. If you’re applying for teaching or coaching positions, include skills like lesson planning, student evaluation, and curriculum development. Be sure to analyze the job description and incorporate matching keywords, as some production companies and dance academies will be employing ATS to identify qualified candidates.

Example of key skills for a dancer:
Ballet Ballroom dancing
Choreography Coaching
Contemporary ballet Curriculum development
Dance instruction Hip-hop
Improvisation Injury prevention and warm-up techniques
Latin dance Lesson planning
Modern dance Musicality
Partnering and lifts Rehearsal coordination
Stage presence Student development
Student engagement Team collaboration

Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs

In your professional experience section, use dynamic action verbs to help the hiring manager visualize your achievements, such as “choreographed,” “performed,” “directed,” “collaborated,” and “coached.” This helps to add energy to your bullet points and enhance the overall readability of your dance resume. Below, you’ll find a list of action verbs you can use during the resume-building process:

Action Verbs
Achieved Choreographed
Coached Collaborated
Communicated Coordinated
Created Delivered
Designed Developed
Drove Educated
Enhanced Evaluated
Identified Implemented
Improved Instructed
Performed Planned
Supported Taught

How To Pick the Best Dancer Resume Template

When selecting your resume template, opt for a layout that focuses on your professional achievements and allows for a clear presentation of your artistic abilities. A simple, clean design with sections for skills, work experience experience, and education is ideal for showing your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.

Dancer Resume Example

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dancer Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a dancer job description?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in dance and choreographer occupations over the next decade. Despite these positive indicators, dance professions are highly niche and competitive, with only 3,400 expected each year. To increase your odds of generating interviews and auditions, it's important to align your dance resume with the job description.

For example, if a production company is seeking a dancer with an exceptional talent for classical ballet, your resume should heavily display specific performances that display this expertise. If an academy is seeking an instructor who excels in planning choreography, feature compelling examples of how you've created innovative routines that align with your students' strengths.

What is the best way to use a Dancer resume example as a reference?

A Dancer resume example serves as a great starting point to format and structure your resume. Look at how the professional experience is outlined, how skills are listed, and the overall flow of information. Use these examples to inspire your own resume, but make sure to adjust the content to reflect your unique accomplishments and the specific role you're applying for.

What is the best dancer resume format?

The reverse chronological resume format is ideal for dancers. This format allows you to show your most recent performances or teaching experience at the top of your document, which is key in the dance industry. Avoid functional formats that focus solely on skills without the context of where or how you applied them.

Expert advice:

Include a cover letter with your resume

A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing a dance audition or teaching role. Use the cover letter to further convey your passion for the dance and demonstrate how your unique style and experiences align with the organization’s mission and values.

Check Out Related Examples

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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