Crafting the Perfect "10-Second Resume"

Here’s how to build one:

Resume vs. CV: Understanding the Difference

• Resume: A concise, one-page document showcasing your most relevant and impressive highlights. This is what you’ll submit for auditions.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae): A comprehensive list of everything you’ve ever done in your career. Think of it as your personal archive. While rarely requested, it’s a valuable tool for pulling information to tailor your resume.  If a company asks for a CV, they almost always mean your 1 page resume.

Top of the Page: Essential Information

Make sure the first glance at your resume delivers the key details. Include:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Height
• Country of Residence (visa considerations are often important)
• Contact Information (email is essential; include a phone number if you’re a professional-level dancer)
• Social Media Handles (optional, but recommended if they showcase your dance journey professionally)
• Headshot: Adding a headshot helps directors associate a face with your name quickly.

Pro Tip: No need to include your full mailing address. Few companies rely on physical mail anymore.

Highlighting Connections: The Key to Opportunities

Connections are everything in ballet. Document the following in your CV and select the most relevant ones for your resume:

• Repertoire: Include notable roles and productions.
• Faculty: List instructors and masterclass teachers, especially those with ties to the companies you're applying to.
• Choreographers and Repetiteurs: Always mention who staged or choreographed a piece you performed—it shows credibility and connection.

Real-World Example:
When I auditioned for Houston Ballet Academy, I listed a teacher on my resume who was friends with the school’s director. The director reached out to that teacher, who vouched for my hard work and improvement. That endorsement played a critical role in my acceptance.

Lesson: If possible, tailor your resume for each audition, emphasizing connections that might resonate with the directors.  Don't be afraid to notify your teachers of your plans to auditions in case they get a call!

Organizing Your Resume

Keep your resume structured and easy to read:

1. Personal Information and Headshot (top of the page).
2. Professional Experience (If you have it): Highlight companies, roles, and key performances.  Again, also highlight the choreographer's and repetiteurs.
3. Training: Include notable programs, schools, and summer intensives.  I personally like to separate the summer intensives from the year-round training.
4. Skills and Awards: Mention other dance styles, musical talents, languages, or any accolades.

Pro Tip: When listing repertoire, start with the choreographer or repetiteur's name before the ballet. This emphasizes the connections you’ve made.

Keep It Clean and Concise

• Avoid bright colors, fancy fonts, or unnecessary graphics that distract from your information.
• Use consistent formatting to make your resume visually appealing and easy to scan.
• Leverage font sizes, bold, and italics to path the eye to important information.

Final Tips for Success

1. Document Everything: Update your CV regularly with new experiences, repertoire, and teachers.
2. Tailor for Each Audition: Adjust your resume to highlight connections relevant to the company.
3. Show Your Unique Strengths: Include musical skills, awards, or other talents that make you stand out.

Crafting a stellar ballet resume may take time, but the effort is worth it. It’s your calling card—a snapshot of your artistry and professionalism. Start building your 10-Second Resume today, and let your hard work and connections pave the way for your next big opportunity!