Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your choreographic creativity and ability to inspire students can be a daunting prospect for a dance teacher. Our guide provides targeted advice and robust examples, ensuring you can articulate your teaching philosophy and highlight your performance credentials to stand out to potential employers.
- Answer job requirements with your dance teacher CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your dance teacher CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
How to ensure your profile stands out with your dance teacher CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your dance teacher CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your dance teacher CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your dance teacher CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a dance teacher CV
- Professional dance experience showcasing your performances helps assess your practical skills.
- Dance teaching history demonstrates your ability to educate and lead in dance.
- Choreography and creative work reflect your creativity and influence on dance pieces.
- Educational background in dance is essential to validate your technical knowledge.
- Relevant certifications and workshops prove continuous learning and expertise in dance.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your dance expertise by detailing your formal training, styles you are proficient in, and any notable performances or competitions you've participated in. Mention if you've worked with any renowned choreographers or dance companies, as this showcases credibility and experience.
- Emphasise your teaching experience by including information on the age groups and levels you've taught, curriculum development, and any successful showcases or recitals you've organised. If you've created original choreography for your students, make sure to point that out as it demonstrates creativity and leadership.
- Include certifications and qualifications relevant to dance teaching, such as recognised teaching certificates, first aid training, or child protection courses. Sharing your commitment to continuous professional development assures employers of your dedication to maintaining high teaching standards.
- Provide evidence of your ability to work collaboratively, whether with other dance teachers, school administrators, or as part of a creative team. Mention experiences where you've worked cohesively in a professional dance environment, articulating your teamwork and communication skills.
- Articulate your understanding of health and safety in dance, including injury prevention and knowledge of proper body mechanics. Demonstrate your commitment to promoting a safe and supportive learning environment by noting any relevant workshops or seminars attended.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your dance teacher CV header
Right at the very top of your dance teacher CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for dance teacher:
- Principal Ballet Instructor | Royal Academy of Dance Certified | Choreography Specialist | 10+ Years of Experience
- Contemporary Dance Educator | MFA in Dance | Improvisation & Composition Expert | 15 Years Teaching
- Senior Latin Dance Coach | World Dance Council Adjudicator | Salsa & Bachata Focus | 20 Years in Dance
- Hip-Hop Dance Mentor | Urban Choreography Prodigy | Youth Engagement | Teaching Since 2008
- Junior Ballroom Dance Trainer | IDTA Qualified | Competitive Dance Preparation | 5 Years Coaching Experience
- Tap Dance Specialist | ISTD Certification | Rhythm Technique & Performance | Over 12 Years Teaching
Your dance teacher CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
dance teacher candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you dance teacher CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a dance teacher job:
- With over 10 years of experience in classical ballet instruction and a track record of leading dance troupes to national competitions, this seasoned dance instructor brings a rich background in choreography and performance technique to inspire the next generation of dancers.
- Dynamic professional with 7 years of experience in contemporary dance, specialising in modern and jazz, adept at creating bespoke choreographies and fostering an encouraging environment for students of all levels to develop their passion and skills in dance.
- Accomplished musician turned dance instructor, possessing a deep understanding of rhythmic patterns and performance, seeking to leverage 5 years of experience in music education to enrich dance instruction with a strong sense of musicality and creativity.
- Dedicated sports coach with a passion for movement and expression, transitioning into dance teaching with a solid 3-year background in team management and performance coaching, eager to combine athletic discipline with dance technique in a creative setting.
- Seeking to embark on a dance education journey, armed with an enthusiastic approach to learning and a commitment to mastering the art of dance instruction, while contributing a fresh perspective and a dedicated work ethic as a burgeoning dance professional.
- Aiming to begin a career in dance teaching with an avid interest in cultural dance forms, ready to immerse myself in the pedagogical aspects of dance and employ my excellent interpersonal skills to foster a nurturing environment for aspiring dancers.
Best practices for writing your dance teacher CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Choreographed and taught a diverse range of dance styles including ballet, contemporary, and jazz to students aged 5 to 18, enhancing their technical skills and artistic expression.
- Implemented a progressive dance curriculum, tailored to different age groups and skill levels, promoting students' physical fitness and appreciation of dance as an art form.
- Prepared students for various dance examinations and competitions, achieving a high pass rate and multiple awards for both individual and group performances.
- Coordinated end-of-year dance recitals and showcases, which involved choreographing pieces, organising rehearsals, and liaising with parents and venue staff.
- Actively provided feedback and guidance during classes to support students' development, using positive reinforcement to encourage a growth mindset.
- Conducted private lessons and workshops for advanced students, focusing on technique refinement, performance quality, and preparation for professional auditions.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive studio environment, staying up-to-date with child safeguarding policies and first aid certification to ensure student wellbeing.
- Collaborated with other dance instructors and arts professionals to develop interdisciplinary projects that expanded students' exposure to various forms of performing arts.
- Utilised social media and online platforms to promote dance classes, engage with the dance community, and provide resources and support for students' at-home practice.
- Choreographed and taught over 15 different dance styles to a diverse group of students aged 5-18, resulting in a 30% increase in students' performance skills.
- Organized biannual dance recitals showcasing students' talents, with attendance of over 300 spectators, contributing to increased local community engagement.
- Implemented a dance fitness program that improved the overall physical health of students by 20% within a year, as measured by stamina and flexibility tests.
- Led a successful campaign to fund new studio equipment through community outreach programs, raising over $10,000 in contributions.
- Pioneered a competitive dance team that placed 1st in regional contests three years in a row, enhancing the studio's reputation.
- Conducted specialized workshops for advanced-level students in contemporary dance, helping students win scholarships for prestigious dance schools.
- Designed a comprehensive dance curriculum that increased student enrollment by 25% in the first six months of implementation.
- Coordinated with local theaters to provide performance opportunities for students, leading to wider exposure and practical stage experience.
- Spearheaded a student mentorship program collaborating with professional dancers, which advanced the technical abilities of students by 40%.
- Developed an online dance tutorial series, increasing brand visibility and reaching an international audience.
- Transformed the annual dance showcase into a high-profile event with sponsorship, attracting 500+ attendees and generating significant studio revenue.
- Collaborated with local schools to integrate dance into their physical education program, influencing over 500 students' appreciation for the arts.
- Orchestrated a cultural exchange program featuring international dance styles, which broadened students' global perspectives and attracted media coverage.
- Customized individual training plans for students with special needs, ensuring their full participation and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Facilitated a partnership with a technology company to integrate virtual reality in dance training, enhancing the learning experience for students.
- Revolutionized the dance instruction methodology with a focus on digital media platforms, driving a 50% increase in online class engagement.
- Mentored new instructors in developing their unique teaching styles, which improved the overall quality of the teaching staff.
- Optimized class scheduling to maximize studio space usage, leading to a 20% increase in class offerings without incurring additional costs.
- Introduced a health and wellness program focused on dancer's nutrition and injury prevention, decreasing student injury rates by 15%.
- Pioneered a community outreach initiative through dance, which fostered cultural understanding and brought in funding for underprivileged students.
- Engaged with national dance companies to organize master classes, providing students unprecedented access to industry professionals.
- Developed a performance tracking system to evaluate student progress, resulting in a more personalized approach to instruction and a 35% increase in student skills acquisition.
- Initiated a successful after-school dance program, which contributed to a 40% growth in student participation in extracurricular activities.
- Led the adoption of an eco-friendly studio environment, reducing the company's carbon footprint through sustainable practices.
- Implemented an integrated dance education program combining dance theory and practical application, enhancing the academic performance of dancers.
- Produced a highly acclaimed annual charity dance event that raised over $15,000 for local non-profits, demonstrating strong community involvement.
- Increased student retention by 20% through the development of a student recognition system celebrating achievements in dance technique and performance.
- Initiated and managed a competitive dance program resulting in students ranking top 5 in national dance competitions two years in a row.
- Created a summer dance intensive program that led to a 50% growth in seasonal enrollment, attracting students from across the region.
- Established a successful online marketing strategy for dance classes, increasing web traffic by 300% and conversion rate by 200%.
How to ensure your dance teacher CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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PRO TIP
Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your dance teacher CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your dance teacher CV:
Choreography expertise
Diverse dance style proficiency
Dance instruction
Knowledge of dance theory
Physical fitness and endurance
Performance techniques
Music rhythm and timing
Lesson planning
Teaching methodology
First aid and injury prevention
Communication
Leadership
Creativity
Patience
Empathy
Adaptability
Interpersonal skills
Time management
Motivational skills
Cultural sensitivity
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Listing your university education and certificates on your dance teacher CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your dance teacher CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
