Dancer’s Promo Package
How to effectively
market yourself as a dancer: Do you have what it takes?
As I am sitting over the final proofs of the new playbill
for a Nutcracker Ballet and agonizing about having everything in place to meet
the print deadline, I am frantically searching for all the dancer’s bios and
headshots.
Our dance company has a big photoshoot prior to the
production, assuring that all cast groups are featured in the program. It is a
great opportunity for all the local soloists and demi soloists to have their
photo taken for the program and purchase for their future use. Auditions for
summer intensives are fast approaching!
Unfortunately some dancers didn’t come to the photo day
event. Now what? There are two options. Use old photos, but those will not have
the same look. Or worse - the dancers
will not be featured in the program at all. Not the best idea for your career
and your dance portfolio. It makes me very sad as I am going over the cast
list, recognize all the wonderful dancers, and see that several will not be in the
program.
As a former professional dancer and graphic designer, I
obviously have a special relationship to the dance industry. Now I have two
little kids that are discovering their love for ballet and dance. Thanks to
them, I am again getting involved in the wonderful life of ballet. We got very
fortunate that we moved to a city where we found a great ballet studio with
classical Vaganova training. We are involved
with a terrific company that produces a semi professional production of the
Nutcracker -inviting soloists from all over the world. Of course I could not
resist getting involved behind the scenes.
I see many wonderful dancers in our production. Many of them
would like to give a shot to take it to the professional level and enter a university
with good ballet programs. And many are trying to find a good dance company
match for them to continue what they love to do. Professional or amateur paths
require auditioning skills and great technique, and also the ability to market
yourself. Dancers have to submit their
headshot, bio, and cover letter to the new company. And when you do get the gig
the company might need those items for marketing and promotional materials for
their production. Especially if you are a guest and out of town dancer. In the
world of social media, and due to the constant need for reminding your audience
of your production, they will need a lot.
Photographs
Even in this digital photography world you should always use
good quality high resolution photos. Selfies taken on a phone will not work.
Take advantage of photo days that are available when you participate in any
production. If you do not have such an opportunity, please hire a professional photographer.
You can call your local talent agency for recommendations.
The headshot photo should be an 8” x 10” photo in 300 dpi
resolution. Full body shots should be taken
in ballet attire against a simple background.
And, of course, the ubiquitous photo of you in first arabesque is always
handy, especially if you plan to audition for summer intensive. Also include any
available production photos. (Most dance companies do hire a professional
photographer to take action shots for the performances. ASK!)
Resume & Bio
You should have your short bio and long bio available. Highlight
points that you always want to keep just in case it has to be shorten due to
design space.
A full-length resume that lists all
your experience
A half page biography (in
sentences)
A one paragraph biography (focus on
recent achievements)
It’s good to have all of the above ways to deliver. Make
sure to have hard copy to leave behind and a soft copy in high resolution. If
the production materials will go in print, the designers and the printer will
need your 8 x 10 head shot or pictures in 300 dpi resolution at least. It is
always easy to make it smaller for the web purposes than the other way around.
Book
Like every model or actress, I believe that dancers should
have a book. Collect pictures from your productions and keep your current
measurements on records.
I highly recommend taking advantage of any photoshoots that
the production company you are participating with is offering. This will give
you a chance to have very nice, professionally done photos for future use in
your portfolio, website, or any social media page. Also, don’t forget to keep
several copies of all the playbills and programs of the productions you’ve been
in and keep them in your “book”. Three-ring binder with pockets and page
protectors should work well. Don’t forget to credit everyone involved.
Video
Many companies record their shows. Find out if they do and
make sure you get your copy. You do not have to have a full 1.5 hour Nutcracker
on your website. You can use the part of you dancing only. I am sure you can contact the video maker and
ask her to make you a snippet. Make sure you have their permission.
Some summer programs accept video auditions. There are many
ways to submit your video. Read their guidelines carefully. Use a video of you dancing solo, not in a
group. It’s hard for the faculty to see what they need, you want to introduce
yourself not your drill team.
Web presence
If you are really serious about going professional, create an
online profile not only on well-known social media but also use websites like
actorsaccess.com and castnet.com and keep them updated.
Merde
Barbara Dillard @Dvisualstudio
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