Resume Examples for Choreographers

A choreographer’s resume or CV varies significantly based on experience level. Explore tailored templates for entry-level to seasoned professionals, and use our Resume Builder to craft your own unique presentation of skills and accomplishments.

Entry-Level Choreographer Resume

Ideal for recent graduates crafting a resume for the first time, this template is also helpful for those moving into choreographer roles from other artistic backgrounds.

Choreographer Entry Level Resume
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Why this resume works:

This example highlights a solid educational background with a master’s degree in dance and experience in choreography. Presenting relevant training and accomplishments allows entry-level applicants to showcase their creativity and leadership skills, which are highly valued by hiring managers in the performing arts industry.

Mid-Career Choreographer Resume

A good fit for choreographers with relevant experience, this template highlights recent performances and supports advancement into more creative or leadership roles.

Choreographer Mid Level Resume
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Why this resume works:

Strong action verbs such as “designed,” “drove,” and “mentored” showcase creative expertise, compelling results, and leadership skills. For example, the resume highlights a “20% increase in performance attendance” and “50+ routines designed,” presented in clear, concise bullet points for easy readability.

Experienced Choreographer Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned choreographers with over 10 years of experience, this template is tailored for those seeking advanced leadership roles in dance and performance arts.

Choreographer Experienced Resume
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Why this resume works:

This resume illustrates a dynamic career trajectory with a focus on choreography, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and compelling leadership in dance education. Advanced roles as choreographer and dance director, along with certifications (e.g., Certified Dance Educator), reflect readiness for senior positions in the performing arts sector.

Choreographer Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format for a choreographer resume to copy, paste, and tailor directly in your document.

Tao Johnson

Crestwood, KY 40023

Professional Summary

Experienced Choreographer with 7 years in creative dance direction and instruction, enhancing student engagement and performance quality. Proven track record in designing award-winning choreographies and driving class growth across various studios. Fluent in multiple languages and adept at collaborating with international artists.

Work Experience

June 2024 – June 2026

Rhythm Dance Studio – Crestwood, KY

Choreographer

  • Directed 30+ performances annually.
  • Increased class enrollment by 25%.
  • Collaborated with 50+ industry professionals.

May 2020 – May 2024

Creative Moves Collective – Crestwood, KY

Dance Instructor

  • Developed curriculum for 200+ students.
  • Improved student retention by 15%.
  • Led workshops with 100+ attendees.

June 2019 – April 2020

Artistic Expressions Guild – Crestwood, KY

  • Performance Coach Coached 60+ performances for national events.
  • Boosted audience engagement by 40%.
  • Orchestrated training for 10+ teams.

Education

May 2018
Juilliard School New York, NY
Master of Fine Arts Dance Choreography

May 2016
New York University Tisch School of the Arts New York, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Performance

Certifications

  • Certified Dance Educator – National Dance Council
  • Advanced Choreography Certification – International Association of Dance

Skills

  • Contemporary Dance
  • Choreography
  • Creative Direction
  • Performance Coaching
  • Dance Composition
  • Stage Management
  • Event Coordination
  • Dance Instruction

How to Write a Choreographer Resume

As a choreographer, understanding how to write a resume involves showcasing your artistic vision, technical skills, and relevant experience in a format that captures the attention of potential employers. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the specific positions you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including personal information such as your Social Security number, age, or photographs unless explicitly requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory statement, typically two to four sentences long. It serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, designed to captivate their interest and motivate them to explore your qualifications further.

This profile appears prominently at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each with distinct purposes. Understanding these differences will help you craft a more targeted approach:

  • A resume summary emphasizes your unique artistic vision, choreography techniques, and notable performances. This format is particularly beneficial for those with previous dance experience or transferable skills who wish to highlight their creative impact in the competitive world of choreography.
  • A resume objective highlights your future aspirations and emphasizes what you aim to accomplish in your career. It’s particularly beneficial for recent graduates, individuals shifting careers, or those with less experience, such as entry-level artists or dancers transitioning into choreography.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Choreographer resume summary example:

Dynamic choreographer with 6+ years of experience in theatrical productions and competitive dance environments. Proficient in choreography creation, dancer coaching, and performance direction. Celebrated for innovative routines that captivate audiences and improve dancers’ abilities through tailored guidance and constructive feedback.

Choreographer resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a degree in dance choreography eager to launch a career in a dynamic performance setting. Committed to artistic expression and collaboration, ready to contribute creativity and strong leadership skills to a dance company or performing arts organization.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important selling point. Employers examine your job history to understand not just where you’ve worked but the creative impact you’ve made in choreography.

Your background showcases how your diverse experiences and innovative contributions qualify you for the role of choreographer.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to highlight achievements and skills relevant to the choreographer role you seek. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Choreographed,” “Directed,” “Innovated”) to create a dynamic statement that emphasizes your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Specific numbers, such as audience size or performance ratings, illustrate your impact and set you apart from other job seekers in the field.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Choreographed 30+ original dance routines for a 12-member company, improving performance quality and audience engagement by 25% during annual showcases.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Increased audience attendance by 40% through innovative choreography and strategic marketing collaborations.

Explore more work experience examples for choreographers further down the page.

4. Skills

This skills section provides a concise overview of the abilities relevant to a choreographer’s role. It allows hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications in choreography and dance.

Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

  • Soft skills are interpersonal abilities that shape how choreographers collaborate with dancers and production teams. Qualities like creativity, adaptability, communication, and leadership are essential for fostering artistic expression and ensuring a harmonious working atmosphere in the performing arts.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For choreographers, examples include creating dance routines, understanding music theory, and using choreography software.
  • Technical skills refer to the specialized abilities required to perform tasks within a specific field. In choreography, this includes skill in dance notation software, experience with stage lighting systems, and knowledge of various dance styles and techniques.

In general, aim to present a diverse array of relevant skills that align with the job requirements to showcase your artistic and technical capabilities. Find additional choreographer skills examples further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer choreographer, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume right after your summary. If you have more experience, it’s better to position this section lower while weaving your skills into your work history for a seamless narrative.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is essential for making a strong first impression. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type along with the name of the institution.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), honors received, and any relevant coursework that can support your qualifications.

Choreographer resume education section example:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
Juilliard School, New York, NY
Graduated: 2024 | Cum Laude

TipPRO TIP

If you’re progressing from an Associate Degree in Dance to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, or have earned another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume can demonstrate your expertise, especially if you have limited practical experience. Although not a standard section in every resume, it holds significant value for most choreographers and dance professionals. Employers often seek specific certifications for roles in performance settings or specialized dance styles, making this information important.

Include only certifications relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Keeping these credentials current and clearly formatted will improve your candidacy and show your commitment to the field.

Choreographer certification examples:

  • Certified Dance Artist (CDA) | National Dance Education Organization | Expires: 04/2028
  • Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) | Yoga Alliance | Expires: 09/2027
  • Pilates Method Alliance Certification | Pilates Method Alliance | Expires: 01/2028
  • Dance Education Certification | National Dance Education Organization | Expires: 11/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is more than a list of job titles. It’s an opportunity to illustrate the measurable impact you’ve achieved in choreography, such as successful productions or innovative routines that improved performances. Including this information can also lead to an ATS-friendly resume, ensuring it can be easily scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

A strong work history should be tailored to the choreographer position you’re targeting, using keywords and phrasing that match what employers are seeking. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description. By identifying repeated skills, dance styles, or production settings mentioned, you can aim to reflect those elements in your experience descriptions where possible.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Choreographed and directed 5 large-scale performances, increasing audience engagement by 40%.
  • Developed innovative dance routines for a team of 20 dancers, improving overall performance quality and cohesion.
  • Collaborated with musicians and lighting designers to create immersive experiences for audiences.
  • Mentored aspiring choreographers in technique and creativity, fostering talent within the dance community.
  • Used video analysis tools to improve dancer techniques and optimize rehearsal efficiency.

Example of Skills for Choreographers

Including the right skills for your resume shows employers and ATS that you have the abilities needed to thrive in choreography. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, make sure your skills align with the job description and remain both focused and relevant.

The list below highlights what is currently appreciated in the choreography field. These abilities often stand out in choreographer resumes and appeal to hiring managers seeking skilled job seekers for their teams.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Artistic vision development
  • Team leadership skills
  • Effective communication techniques
  • Cultural sensitivity awareness
  • Conflict resolution strategies

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Choreography creation
  • Dance notation (Labanotation)
  • Rehearsal direction
  • Performance staging
  • Collaboration with composers (Finale, Sibelius)

What’s a Fair Choreographer Salary?

Understanding choreographer salaries across the country helps you evaluate job offers, negotiate better pay, and make informed career decisions. The data below comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflects the most recent nationwide averages for choreographers.

Factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the type of production can significantly affect your actual earnings. Choreographers working in large cities or with prestigious dance companies often command higher salaries, while those in community theaters or educational settings may earn less due to budget constraints.

Alabama$39,430
California$72,810
Florida$44,980
Illinois$32,660
Kansas$38,940
Louisiana$52,730
Maryland$63,330
New York$108,470
North Carolina$73,630
Ohio$58,340
South Carolina$45,910
South Dakota$45,890
Tennessee$62,430
Texas$47,010
Utah$48,150
Virginia$46,730

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each audition. Use the language from the job posting to highlight relevant experience and skills, aiding both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable accomplishments to demonstrate your impact. Include metrics like dance performance ratings or number of successful productions (e.g., 10+ sold-out shows) to differentiate yourself.
  • Pick a resume format that fits your career stage. Emerging choreographers may opt for a functional layout, while seasoned professionals often use a chronological format.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my choreographer resume?

There are three main resume formats suitable for choreographers. Your choice should align with your experience level and the skills or achievements you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume emphasizes your work experience by detailing your responsibilities and achievements. This format is ideal for applicants with a consistent and relevant job history that reinforces their qualifications and showcases their growth in choreography.
  • Functional: Also known as a skills-based resume, the functional resume emphasizes a qualifications summary and an expanded skills section to showcase your choreography talents. This format minimizes focus on work history, making it particularly useful for those without relevant experience or significant gaps in their employment.
  • Combination: A combination resume integrates chronological and functional formats, showcasing both skills and work history. This approach is beneficial for choreographers as it allows them to emphasize their creative abilities alongside their professional journey. It’s particularly suitable for those advancing in their careers or exploring new opportunities.

Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your application for a choreographer position. A well-crafted cover letter complements your resume by providing insight into your creative process and passion for choreography. It allows you to showcase unique projects or performances that highlight your skills and vision, setting you apart from other applicants.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to write a cover letter, there are numerous resources available to guide you. You can find helpful articles on how to structure your cover letter, along with examples tailored specifically for dance and choreography roles. Exploring various formats can also help you present your qualifications in the best light.

For those looking to simplify the writing process, tools like a cover letter generator can assist in producing a polished document quickly while offering tailored suggestions based on the job description.

How long should a choreographer resume be?

When crafting a choreographer resume, aim for one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Focus on showcasing your performance history, notable productions, and specific choreography styles. This concise format allows you to highlight your skills without overwhelming potential employers.

For those with extensive experience or specialized roles, a two-page resume is appropriate as long as the content remains relevant and focused. Use this space to detail major accomplishments, collaborations, and advanced techniques that set you apart in the competitive dance industry.

Should I include personal dance projects or community performances?

Yes, you should include personal dance projects and community performances, especially if you’re early in your career. Highlighting these experiences demonstrates your creativity and versatility as a choreographer, which can be invaluable when formal job experience is limited.

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Toni Frana Career Advice Expert

Toni Frana is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, and career expert who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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