Update October 15, 1997
Casey Banks, a 13-year-old dancer from Sydney, Australia, writes:

"I was really interested in the information about resumes, but the example (below) you gave was way too advanced compared to my experience (in professional performances). Could you give me some ideas of how I could set up my resume. I have lots of training, and compete constantly in competitions."

Good point, Casey! At your stage of the game, list your training first if that's what's most impressive, or start with the competitions if you've placed. Young dancers can certainly also list school performances, particularly local Nutcrackers or any community service performances in parks, schools or homes for the elderly. Recitals are less interesting unless you were featured in some way. If so, I'd list the piece, the choreographer and the studio without mentioning the word "recital." (For example: The Girl in Green . . "Rainbow Rondo". . .Jane Doe, choreo, Doe Studio of Dance.) Don't worry. No one expects you to be a professional at 13! But do use the format I showed for the older dancer -- the three columns with abbreviations to make it all fit.

PHOTOS
Invest in top quality headshots and get them made up as 8" x 10" glossies with your name imprinted. Type your resume on one page, and trim the 8 1/2" x 11" paper to fit the headshot. Staple the resume to the back of the photo.

Dancers sometimes get full body shots and carry them as well as head shots. Also, versatile people often prepare several resumes (Dancer who sings, Dancer who acts, Jazz/tap/ballet dancer, etc.) and whip out whichever one fits the audition at hand.

RESUMES
There are very specific formats for performing artist/dancer resumes. Usually, you list your education and experience in a three-column format with acceptable abbreviations such as "dir." for "director." Here's an example:

For complete information about resumes, order a copy of the revised and enlarged third edition of "The BACK STAGE Handbook for Performing Artists: The How-to and Who-to Contact Reference for Actors, Singers, and Dancers," compiled and edited by Shirley Eaker.

Send your name, address and a check or money order, or a credit card number with expiration date (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) to:

BACK STAGE HANDBOOK, Attn: BPI Book Store, 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10036

The cost is $18.95 per copy. Shipping and handling is another $5.00. Residents of NY, NJ, CA, TN, MA, VA, IL, PA and Washington DC, add approproate sales tax.

I know this book is expensive, but it's worth every penny. People here call it the "Show Business Bible." You really can't afford to be without it. (Why not ask somebody to give it to you for an early holiday present?)

Another important note: The September 26th issue of BACK STAGE will have a special supplement on photographers and resume services. Don't miss it! Call (212) 536-1455 to order single and back issues of the paper. If you get the answering machine, the message will say you've reached "The Company Book Store." You can also write the address on this postcard.