Ask the Experts: Faculty Bios
November 1, 2014

Q: How can I keep my faculty members’ bios from becoming outdated so quickly? Do you have any writing tips for bios?

A:Your bio should tell your story, but it is not your resumé. With that in mind, know your audience and be clear on what is most important for them to learn about you and your teachers. One of the best ways to keep bios current is to review and revise them at least once a year, before your new season starts, to reflect any changes. Since updating your social networks and website is easy, we recommend you create multiple versions: a social-media bio of 140 characters or less; a short bio of 100 words or less; and a long version of up to a few paragraphs.

Write in the third-person and be direct. Start with your name and your primary role or position at the studio. Highlight the area of expertise for your teachers, whether it’s preschool, ballet or pre-professional classes. State accomplishments early, making the first sentence the most memorable. From there, list education, training, performance experience and career highlights. You can also list special skills, interests or hobbies. A teacher’s bio should reflect her professional background, personality and the special contribution she makes to your studio. It is a living piece of information that will stay fresh when you balance the relevant details with anecdotes showing what makes your studio unique.

Kathy Blake is the owner of Kathy Blake Dance Studios in Amherst, New Hampshire. She and Suzanne Blake Gerety are the co-founders of DanceStudioOwner.com.

 

Photo by B Hansen Photography, courtesy of Suzanne Blake Gerety

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