Top Dance Teacher Resume Tips
Here are eight helpful resume tips that make a real difference. Each one focuses on something that hiring managers actually care about. Follow these and your resume will be ready to shine.
1. Start a dance teacher resume summary
Your dance teacher resume summary is like the opening number, it really sets the tone. Aim for three to four lines that show who you are, what particular dance styles you teach, and what you bring to the studio or school.
Here’s a strong example:Keep your summary simple and professional. Focus on what you teach, how you teach, and what makes you stand out. Avoid generic claims and let your dance teacher resume objective speak for itself.
2. Showcase your teaching experience clearly
Don’t just list where you worked. Show what you accomplished in each role. Use bullet points, start with action verbs (like choreographed, trained, taught, led), and keep it to the point. Highlight achievements like student progress, successful recitals, or curriculum development to make your impact clear.
Here’s what that might look like:- Taught weekly ballet, jazz, and lyrical classes for ages 6–18
- Choreographed 15+ routines for annual recitals and competitive performances
- Prepared students for national-level dance competitions, with a 90% placement rate
- Organized summer dance intensives and led creative movement workshops for kids
Focus on what you did and the results you got. If you improved student turnout or helped win awards in Zumba classes, include that. Add the location, studio/school name, job title, and dates for each role.
3. Highlight achievements, not just duties
Don’t just say you “taught dance.” Show how you made a difference. Think about how your teaching helped students grow, how you added value to your team, or how your choreography received recognition.
Examples of achievements:- “Choreographed a contemporary routine that won 1st place at [Competition Name] in 2023”
- “Increased class enrollment by 30% by launching beginner adult tap classes”
- “Recognised as ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ by students and parents in annual awards”
Numbers help. Mention the size of your classes, how many routines you created, or how many students you prepped for exams. Whether it’s a big recital or a small breakthrough moment, include it if it shows your impact. You can look at resume examples online off how it is done right.
4. List certifications and formal dance training
Dance teaching often requires more than talent. Show that you’re trained and certified where it counts. If you’ve completed a dance teaching qualification or performance degree, include it under Education or a separate Certifications section.
Examples:- National Dance Education Organization Certificate in Ballet Teaching – 2021
- ISTD Modern Theatre Dance Associate – 2019
- Bachelor's Degree in Dance Performance, University of the Arts – 2018
Other great things to include:
- First Aid/CPR certification (if you teach kids)
- Safeguarding/Child Protection training
- Yoga, Pilates, or anatomy workshops
- Choreography or pedagogy masterclasses
Even short workshops can add value if they show you’re serious about professional development.
5. Add the right skills
Use your Skills section on your dance instructor resume to show what you can actually do, and not just what sounds nice. Mix hard skills (teaching, choreography, technique) with soft skills (patience, creativity, communication).
Tailor this section based on the job posting. If they mention “beginner hip-hop for teens,” include that if it fits your experience. Don’t list diverse dance styles you don’t teach or dance teacher skills you can’t back up.
6. Highlight Your Soft Skills with Real Examples
While your dance training and performance experience are important, employers also want to see your soft skills, like communication, leadership, patience, and adaptability. But don’t just list them. Show them in action.
For example, instead of writing “excellent communicator,” say something like, “Led weekly parent-teacher updates and coordinated recital details across a team of five instructors.”
Use short, specific examples that prove your strengths. This makes your resume more memorable and gives hiring managers a clear picture of how you work. Focus especially on skills that are crucial in a teaching role, such as motivating students, resolving conflict, or adapting dance lessons for different age groups or skill levels. These details can set you apart.
7. Keep the layout clean and fluid
You don’t need fancy fonts or lots of colour. Let your experience do the dancing. Choose a readable font like Arial or Calibri, use bold for section headers, and keep formatting consistent.
Here’s a layout that works:
- Name and Contact Info
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education and Certifications
- Key Skills
- Optional: Performances, Awards, or Affiliations
Keep it to one page if you’re just starting out. Two pages are okay if you have 10+ years of experience and lots of relevant achievements.
Make sure your formatting doesn’t distract from the content. Your resume should be as easy to read as a well-rehearsed choreography sequence.
8. Tailor your resume for each job
Different studios and schools want different things. A competitive hip-hop academy will look for different strengths than a local ballet school. Read each job posting carefully and adapt your summary, skills, and experience to match.
Example:Dance Teacher Resume Examples
A good resume doesn’t ramble. It shows your teaching ability, performance experience, and dance background in a clear, structured way. Below are two resume examples: one senior, one entry-level.
Resume Example 1: Experienced Dance Teacher
Alina Rivera
Brooklyn, NY
alina.rivera@example.com
(555) 987-6543
Summary
Experienced and passionate head dance teacher with 10+ years teaching ballet, modern, and lyrical styles. Proven track record in choreography, student development, and preparing classes for competitive and student performance settings. Dedicated to building technique, discipline, and artistic expression in every student.
Experience
Senior Dance Instructor
Movement Arts Dance Studio – Brooklyn, NY
Aug 2016 – Present
- Taught 12+ weekly classes across ballet, lyrical, and modern dance in a positive learning environment
- Choreographed annual recitals and competition routines for 6 age groups
- Mentored junior teachers and developed full-term class syllabi
- Increased teen enrollment by 40% with introduction of advanced technique classes
Dance Instructor
Elite Student Performance Academy – Manhattan , NY
Sep 2012 – Jun 2016
- Prepared students for RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern exams
- Choreographed 20+ solo and group routines for state-level competitions
- Led summer camps and coached dancers for scholarship auditions
Certifications
RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies – 2015
CPR & First Aid Certified – 2023
Skills
Ballet technique, choreography, recital planning, syllabus instruction, competition prep, student mentoring, team collaboration
Resume Example 2: Entry-Level Dance Teacher
Kai Thompson
Los Angeles, CA
kai.thompson@example.com
(555) 321-7890
Summary
Motivated and creative dance teacher with a strong background in hip-hop and jazz. Experienced working with children and teens in community classes and dance camps. Passionate about using movement to build confidence and creativity.
Experience
Dance Camp Assistant Instructor
Rhythm Nation Camps – Los Angeles, CA
Jun 2023 – Aug 2023
- Assisted with daily hip-hop and jazz dance classes for students aged 8–14
- Helped choreograph and rehearse group routine for end-of-camp showcase
- Supported head instructor with class planning and warm-ups
Intern – Youth Movement Program
LA Movement Arts Centre – Remote & On-site
Feb 2023 – May 2023
- Shadowed instructors and assisted with beginner classes
- Created warm-up playlists and helped manage attendance records
- Coordinated with parents during drop-off and pick-up times
Dance Education
BA in Dance Studies – California State University, 2023
Skills
Hip-hop, jazz, group instruction, class assistance, music editing, child engagement, communication
Final Thoughts
Creating a great dance teacher resume doesn’t need to be complicated. Just focus on what you teach, how you teach it, and how your students benefit. Keep things clear, specific, and tailored to the dance teacher job you want.
Even if you’re early in your teaching career, highlight your potential, passion, and any related experience you have: from choreographing multiple dance styles to class assistance. Show studios or schools that you bring energy, structure, and a love of dance to every class.
And if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at more professional dance teacher resume templates or use a resume builder to put it all together. Make every word count, and let your resume perform as well as you do.
