How to Write a Dancer CV That Gets You Noticed by Casting Directors?

Crafting a dancer CV that stands out requires a strategic focus on specificity and relevance, moving beyond a simple list of roles to present a compelling narrative of your unique artistic identity. Based on our assessment experience, the most effective CVs are tailored documents that immediately signal your suitability for a specific production or company, highlighting key specializations, notable collaborations, and quantifiable achievements.

What is the Most Important Section of a Dancer CV?

The professional summary or personal statement is arguably the most critical element. Casting directors often review hundreds of applications, and this 2-3 sentence section at the top of your CV must instantly capture their attention. It should function as a concise elevator pitch, synthesizing your highest level of training, your key dance specializations (e.g., classical ballet, contemporary, commercial), and a standout accomplishment. For example, instead of stating "experienced dancer," you might write, "A classically trained ballet dancer with a BA (Hons) from the Royal Academy of Dance, specializing in neoclassical repertoire, with featured soloist experience in a national tour of 'Swan Lake'."

How Should You Structure Your Skills and Work Experience?

Structure these sections to demonstrate both technical proficiency and professional versatility. Under skills, create a balanced mix of hard skills (specific techniques like pointe work, contact improvisation, or proficiency in choreographic software) and soft skills (collaboration, adaptability, time management). When listing your work experience, which is often a 'mosaic career' of various short-term contracts, prioritize relevance. List your most significant and recent roles first, using bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements with action verbs (e.g., "Performed principal role in...", "Collaborated with choreographer X to develop..."). For less relevant roles, a simple listing of the production, company, and dates is sufficient.

What Additional Information Adds Credibility?

Beyond the core sections, include details that build a comprehensive picture of your professionalism. Your education and training should list credentials from recognized institutions, such as a CDMT (Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre) accredited school. Membership in professional organizations (e.g., Equity) signals a commitment to industry standards. If relevant to the role, including a thumbnail headshot and a dance shot can be beneficial, allowing directors to quickly assess your physicality for a specific part. Always ensure your contact information, including links to professional networking profiles or a digital portfolio, is up-to-date and error-free.

Before submitting your CV, thoroughly proofread it to eliminate typos and grammatical errors, as this reflects your attention to detail—a crucial skill in rehearsals and performances.

How Can You Tailor Your CV for a Specific Audition?

Tailoring is non-negotiable. Before applying, research the production company and choreographer. If the role requires a specific skill—such as aerial work or a particular cultural dance form—ensure that skill is prominent in your summary and skills section. Emphasize experiences that align directly with the job description, even if they were not your most recent engagements. This targeted approach demonstrates that you have not sent a generic application but have thoughtfully considered how your unique background fits their creative vision.

To maximize your chances: start with a powerful summary, structure your experience for quick scanning, include credible supporting details, and meticulously tailor each application. A well-crafted dancer CV is your first performance; make it count.