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A dance CV, or resume, is your ticket to landing auditions and securing roles in a competitive industry. Unlike a standard CV, a dance CV is designed to showcase your unique skills, experience, and potential as a performer. From training history to audition photos, every detail matters. This guide will break down exactly how to create a standout dance CV that grabs attention and gets you noticed.

What Makes a Dance CV Different?

Dance CVs are much more specialised than regular resumes. Directors and companies are looking for information that helps them envision you in specific roles. That means your CV should highlight physical characteristics like height, training history, and key performances. In addition, audition photos offer a visual glimpse into your skill and versatility as a dancer.

Unlike corporate CVs, artistic resumes take a more creative yet clean approach, focusing on clarity and concise details.

Getting the Layout Right

Before diving into the sections, your CV needs to look polished and professional. Here’s how to present it:

• Use simple fonts: Avoid italicised or decorative fonts; stick to clean and easy-to-read options.
• Neutral colours: No bright or distracting colours. Black, white, and greys have a sleek, professional touch.
• Balance the design: Add subtle details, like a border, to avoid a stark, plain look without going overboard.
• Stay organised: Clear sections with headings make it easy for directors to skim and find key details.

Always save your final CV as a PDF. This locks in the layout and ensures no unwanted edits are made when it’s viewed.

Essential Dance CV Sections

Contact Information

Your contact details are the first thing directors look at. Make sure this section is clear and prominent. Include:

• Full Name: Always use your first and last name.
• Address: Include your location and, if needed, a postal address.
• Email: Use a professional email address.
• Phone Number: For international applications, add your country code.

Make it as easy as possible for someone to contact you. Skipping details can cost you an audition.

Personal Details

Casting decisions can depend on various factors, so specific personal details are standard in a dance CV. Include:

• Age: Some roles may require dancers within certain age ranges.
• Height: Directors often have height preferences for partnering or staging.
• Weight: This is optional but can be helpful for some auditions.
• Date of Birth: This avoids confusion if age is a requirement.
• Nationality: In some cases, companies are looking for international diversity or specific cultural backgrounds.

Eye and hair colour are optional but could be added to your profile when relevant.

Employment and Professional Experience

Experience speaks volumes in the dance world. This is where you outline your past contracts and performances:

• List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
• Include the dates, the company or production name, and your role.
• Example: The Royal Ballet, Principal Dancer, 2014–2018.

While major companies add to your credibility, don’t hesitate to include smaller roles that show your versatility and commitment.

Training and Education

Your training background lays the foundation for your skills as a dancer. This section is essential for both emerging and professional dancers.

• List programs, schools, or workshops you’ve attended.
• Start with the latest and work backwards.
• Include dates and the names of trainers or mentors if they’re notable.

For example:

• The Royal Ballet School, 2009–2011.
• Prudence Bonnett’s School of Dance, 2008–2009.

If you’ve participated in intensives or masterclasses, add those as well—they show you’re continually refining your craft.

Awards and Achievements

Accolades can make your CV stand out. They demonstrate excellence, dedication, and recognition from the community.

• Focus on significant awards rather than small local ones.
• Use bullet points for clarity.

Example:

• Gold Medal, Youth America Grand Prix, 2013
• Finalist, Prix de Lausanne, 2012

If you’re still building your career, leave this section blank rather than include smaller achievements that might not resonate with directors.

Repertoire Performed

Your repertoire showcases the depth of your experience. Break it down clearly so directors see what you’ve done at a glance.

• List major ballets, performances, or works you’ve been part of. Include choreographer names when relevant.
• Example: Swan Lake (Principal Role, The Royal Ballet) or Sleeping Beauty, Choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan.

If you lack professional experience, include significant training performances, such as solos or ensemble roles in local productions. Always note whether they were staged in a professional or amateur setting.

Audition Photos

Photos are a must for dance CVs and should be included within the document. This saves directors time and ensures they see them when they open your CV.

Include 1–3 images. Each photo should be:

• Professionally shot (no grainy mobile phone pictures).
• Simple and clean, showcasing your technical ability and lines.
• Tailored to the company or role you’re applying for. For example, use ballet poses for classical companies and contemporary shots for modern dance auditions.

Types of photos to consider:

• A full-body shot in formal dance attire.
• A clean headshot showing your facial features.
• A technical pose highlighting your skills.

Make sure the photos match the tone of your application.

The Role of a Cover Letter

Some companies will ask for a cover letter alongside your CV. This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain your interest in their company or role.

A cover letter should be short and specific. Address it to the right person, if possible, and include a brief summary of why you’re a strong candidate. Avoid repeating everything from your CV—this is just an introduction.

Customisation is Key

Every CV and cover letter should be tailored for the job or audition. Directors will notice if you’ve ignored their specific requests (e.g., page limits, photo types). Following instructions not only shows professionalism but also demonstrates that you value their time.

Final Tips for Polishing Your Dance CV

• Double-check for spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Proofread to ensure formatting and details are consistent.
• Don’t clutter it with irrelevant information—focus on what’s essential.
• Ask a mentor or peer to review your CV for feedback.

Your dance CV isn’t just a list of your experience—it’s an opportunity to showcase your passion and potential. Whether you’re applying for your first big audition or aiming for a top company, attention to detail can make all the difference. By presenting yourself professionally and thoughtfully, you’ll give directors every reason to choose you for their next role.

Need further tips, or have questions? Leave a comment below, and let’s continue the conversation!