Whether you’re a ballet, hip hop contemporary dancer, or any dancer looking to showcase your artistic athleticism, getting yourself out there to dance ensembles or tropes is imperative in growing your career. This post is here to help dancers create a list of the different types of images needed to get ahead.
Naturally, having videos and copies of playbills of past and present choreographies will help directors make their selections. However, images describing who you are and what you can do still prove very useful. Here is a list of things you can include in your portfolio.
Headshots for a Dancer
See if you can get a few precise headshots that show your personality and your face. These will likely be images from the shoulders up. Seeing what kind of person you are also adding to landing roles or opportunities in the dance communities you’re considering joining.
Performance Images
Make sure you have dynamic photos taken during live performances or stage productions. These images should show your movement style, energy, and stage presence. Work with your photographer to create pictures highlighting your ability to show emotion and engagement with the audience.
Dance Studio Images
While having these images inside a dance studio or rehearsal space is nice, it can allow directors to see your technique, form, and dedication toward improvement during practice. These images should be candid for authenticity. This is an excellent opportunity for dancers and photographers to collaborate.
Action Images
These can be taken in a staged setting with a professional photographer. These images must show motion, allowing your agility and athleticism to shine! Select parts of a routine with an intense or climactic series of movements for that shot!
Collaborative Dancer Images
If you’ve worked with other dances, include group shots or pairwork images that show how well you can work with others and perform synchronized movements. This is also a nice-to-have image, but it adds more value to your portfolio.
Costume Images for Dancers
Include images that show your dance costumes, especially if they are unique and memorable. These can add variety and versatility to different styles of dance. If you’re a ballerina, showcase your skills in various attention-grabbing skirts and leotards and your portfolio images that show you in standard attire.
A Dancer’s BTS Moments
Candid shots behind the scenes can share small moments in how you prepare and dedicate yourself to your performances. These can be images of how you interact with the other dancers, times of deep focus, or costume and makeup prep.
Artistic and Creative Images
I would be lying if I said this opportunity wouldn’t be music to a photographer’s ears. Working with dancers and bringing their creativity and open-mindedness to life is the lifeblood of a portrait photographer. Speak with your photographer, and even show them inspirations from places like Instagram or Pinterest that show abstract or unique concepts with exciting lighting, props, or unconventional poses.
Putting everything together
The images you select will be a combination of pictures taken by a professional photographer and perhaps taken by a non-photographer. Ensure all your photos are high-quality images representing your best work and highlighting your strengths as a dancer. Be diverse and deliberate in your selection.
Best of luck!
