5 Steps to Writing a Dance Teacher Resume (With Template)

Updated 2 August 2023

A dance teacher uses their knowledge of various styles of dance to teach individuals or groups. To be considered for a dance teacher position, you typically require strong technical skills, effective teaching methods and the ability to foster a learning environment that's positive and inclusive. Knowing what elements to include in an effective dance teacher resume can help you write one that highlights your suitability and professionalism. In this article, we define the role of a dance teacher, share steps for writing a dance teacher resume, include some beneficial skills to add and provide a resume template and example.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a dance teacher?

A dance teacher is an instructor who specialises in teaching one or more styles of dance. They may teach and train individuals in private lessons or teach multiple students at a time in group dance classes. A dance teacher usually works in a dance studio, fitness centre, school or community centre. Their tasks include planning lessons, teaching various dance techniques and choreography and offering their students guidance and constructive feedback.

Besides teaching people how to dance, a dance teacher may also conduct a range of administrative duties. For instance, they might schedule classes, maintain studio records and communicate with students, parents or guardians. There's usually also a requirement for a dance teacher to maintain up-to-date knowledge of dance trends and developments. Depending on their schedule and employer, they may work on a casual, part-time or full-time basis and potentially work outside of regular business hours.

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How to write a dance teacher resume

Below, you can explore a general guide to writing a dance teacher resume:

1. Start with your contact information

Clearly displaying your contact information at the top of your resume ensures that hiring managers can contact you quickly and easily if they're interested in discussing your application further. Appropriate contact information for your resume can include your full name, mobile number, professional email address and the city and state or territory where you reside. You may also consider including a link to your professional networking profile or, if you have one, your website advertising your dance teaching services and skills.

2. Write your professional summary

After your contact details, you can include a well-written professional summary that highlights your dancing experience and qualifications in a few sentences. Customising your summary for the specific dance teacher job you're applying for can increase the relevance of your resume and your chances of securing an interview. Below, you can review a few examples of what a good professional summary for a dance teacher's resume may look like:

Passionate dance teacher with over eight years of experience teaching ballroom and modern dance to teenage and adult students. Confident in creating lesson plans in alignment with state-specific dance syllabuses. Committed to creating a happy learning environment that encourages students to be creative, express themselves and develop technical proficiency.
Enthusiastic dance teacher with proficiency in developing lesson plans that reflect the country's unique cultural heritage, including Indigenous dance styles. Confident in adjusting teaching methods to meet the unique requirements of students and passionate about providing a supportive learning environment.
Highly qualified dance teacher with extensive experience teaching ballet in some of the country's top dance schools. In-depth knowledge of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and proficiency in preparing students for RAD exams. Dedicated to providing personalised support to students of all ages, while fostering artistic expression.

3. List your dance experience

Next, you can list your related work experience in reverse chronological order. When listing your work experience, you can include your job title and employment dates, the name and location of the dance school or institution you worked for and your primary responsibilities and achievements. Examples of work experience you might find on a dance teacher's resume include previous positions as a dance teacher, choreographer or dance therapist.

4. Highlight your expertise

Providing details of any dance qualifications, including training and certifications you've completed, can highlight your expertise to hiring managers. If you've obtained any related state or territory teaching registrations, you can also include them in this section. Below, you can explore examples of qualifications you might add to your resume to highlight your expertise as a dance teacher:

Certificate IV in Dance
Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance)
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Exams
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance).

5. Share your technical skills and personal attributes

There can be several technical skills and personal attributes hiring managers seek in an ideal dance teacher. You can look through the job description to find which particular skills and attributes the hiring company is interested in. Below, you can find some skills and attributes you might add to your resume for a dance teacher's position:

Technical proficiency: Working as a dance teacher requires an in-depth understanding of the technicalities associated with one or more dance styles, including body alignment, movement vocabulary and musicality. Equipped with technical proficiency, you can teach the dance style to your students effectively.
Creativity: When teaching students how to dance, creativity can help you develop engaging lesson plans that cater to the varied requirements of diverse student populations. Equipped with a creative mind, you can design exciting choreography, select fitting music and inspire and motivate your students.
Organisation skills: As a dance teacher, organisation skills can help you manage your class timetable and maintain accurate records effectively. These skills can also help you keep calm under pressure, plan your time efficiently and maintain a high level of professionalism while teaching.
Interpersonal abilities: When working as a dance teacher, there's generally a requirement for you to build positive relationships with your students, parents, guardians and teammates. You can use your interpersonal skills to communicate well, resolve conflicts with ease and create a sense of belonging in your classroom.

Resume template for a dance teacher

Below, you can review a detailed resume template for a dance teacher job application:

[Given name] [Family name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences highlighting years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Skills

Education

[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

Certificates

[Certification name], [Host organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume example for a dance teacher

Here, you can find an example resume for a dance teacher position:

Emma Thomas, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management

(02) 5550 3444 | emma.thomas@email.com.au | Sydney, NSW

Professional Summary

Enthusiastic dance teacher with over seven years of experience teaching ballet. Confident in planning lessons that promote creativity, discipline and technical proficiency and certified in First Aid and CPR. Dedicated to inspiring students to pursue their love of dance.

Experience

Dance Teacher | Jan 2019–Current
Alex's Dance Studio | Sydney, NSW

creating lesson plans with a focus on technical proficiency, musicality and self-expression to provide students with comprehensive dance education
helping students develop their own dance routines so they can express themselves creatively and develop their own artistic voice
assessing students' progress to ensure they meet learning objectives and identifying areas where they may require extra support
creating original choreography for dance performances and community events to promote the dance school and attract new students
ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment in the classroom by encouraging collaboration, celebrating achievements and providing constructive feedback

Dance Teacher | May 2016–Dec 2018
Dance Dynamics | Melbourne, VIC

taught jazz, tap and contemporary dance to students ranging from beginner to advanced to increase their technical skills
designed and implemented lesson plans with an emphasis on technical proficiency to promote high student retention rates
assisted with the choreography of dance performances for community events to increase interest in dance education

Skills

Education

Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, Brent Street Studios Sydney – 2015

First Aid and CPR Certification, Aus Cross – 2022

5 Steps to Writing a Dance Teacher Resume (With Template)

What is a dance teacher?

How to write a dance teacher resume

1. Start with your contact information

2. Write your professional summary

3. List your dance experience

4. Highlight your expertise

5. Share your technical skills and personal attributes

Resume template for a dance teacher

Resume example for a dance teacher

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