Thread: Performance History on Résumé

I'm working on writing up a dance résumé, and I'd like to get people's opinions on how to organize the performance history section. I'd like to give a select performance history only and list perhaps three or four particularly interesting past performances that I've done as a soloist and three or four more that I've done with my troupe.

I'm thinking of doing it this way because, personally, I find that I can't get through long lists of a dancer's previous performances, but, on the other hand, I wouldn't want to give the reader the impression that the few performances listed are all that I've done. That's why I would specify "Select Performances" or maybe "Performance Highlights," but I'd love to get second opinions on whether this is a good or a bad idea.

Note: I haven't had any regular gigs (e.g. at a restaurant), so I'm dealing with one-time or annual events only.

You could list "select performances" in different categories. A few "weddings", a few "outdoor festivals", a few "full theatrical shows", a few "private parties", etc. Then add a notation for soloist or troupe member.

It's nice to give a range of the *types* of gigs you do, rather than just a laundry list of shows and dates, because it may give the reader new ideas. If they are looking at the resume to hire you for a street fair, but see that you've also done weddings, they might think "oh! this would be great for my sister's bridal shower". It shows versatility, too.

You can always say "full performance history available on request."

Mira

Personally I never understood why dancers list long performance histories on their resumes. Especially when they include every hafla they've ever done. I think keeping it to performance highlights is best--it emphasizes the more important shows you've done so they don't get lost in long lists of things like "student show at Mo's Restaurant."

Yup. I think you are on the right track. As someone who looks at resumes to see if I'd consider hiring them, I definitely want to see the overall picture. Not a laundry list of stuff. I'll get the idea pretty quickly if they will meet our needs with an overview.

I like Mira's suggestion about making it clear that you've had a range of experiences. Restaurant work is nice, but it's not the only thing out there.

I'm doing this right now.

My titles so far are broken into 2 main categories (with sub categories)

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Television
Art Galleries (because the resume is for an art gallery)
Festivals
Ethnic Dining Establishments (because I've also done Ethopian, Asian, Indian, etc)
Upscale Nightclubs & Lounges
Recreation Centres

INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE
Workshops
Weekly Classes

I think Mira is on the right track with her post.
By using that method, you could show case your
versatility.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice! Mira, I really like your suggestion of using performance categories -- I think that's a great way to make the performance history meaningful, rather than just a list of names and dates.