I would only highlight the names of teachers who you studied with on a longer term and workshop teachers who had an impact on your dancing an styles.

If a teacher can't pick you out of a line up chances are you should leae them off you bio.

Question for you: are these events for the general populace (who wouldn't have a clue who Rachel Brice or Jillina is) or for other dancers to whom those names would have meaning?

The reason I ask is because bios (like resumes) should be tailored to the audience.

For yourself, you should keep a dance equivalent of a CV (curriculum vitae, if I spelled it correctly) which will make it easier for you to come up with tailored bios (or dance resumes).

Agreed with the other posters...and I can always tell when someone is just puffing up their bio with stuff that sounds sort of good but doesn't really mean anything. I mean, to say something like "I'm inspired by Rachel Brice and Zoe Jakes" is nice but has nothing to do with your skills, history, etc. And yes, I have actually seen that on a bio.

Also, having taken one workshop doesn't really mean anything either...an intensive speaks a bit more to your dedication and skill level perhaps, but one workshop that anyone can sign up for? I don't think that really counts. I agree that you shouldn't use the "studied with" term with a teacher unless they would remember you.

I keep mine nice and simple...I start with what my style is and what my dance background is, go on to my history and which companies I was in and what roles I had in each, list a few other styles I've studied and with whom, end with a short list of performance highlights and what I'm up to now.

Hope that helps!

I've had this problem to. I don't know what to put in or what to keep out. I mean I don't have a long bio because I have only been dancing for 5 years, but recently I did a bio I wouldn't normally do. I sent it to the bellydancer who wrote the programs for the event and as it was spoken, I noticed some of it was taken out, which I was glad for because when I had typed it up I just felt like I was inflating myself, which I never do. Maybe I am underestimating myself too much? I don't know. But, still it felt that way and after I got back home I eraser everything I had typed and just sat starring at a blank page, and still I have no idea as to what to include for the next round of performances that are likely to hit this fall. *sigh*

Why is it sooooooooo hard NOT to be my worst critic? :-(

I'm a bit confused about what the original poster's bio is for - I am assuming that an event bio is what you'd be giving to event organizers for their publicity. Based on that assumption: Every event is different and may need a slightly different approach, but on the whole, keep it brief. Your name, what you sell (teacher, performer, studio owner, dance company director), your base city if performing away from home, a few focused descriptive words about the current performance to whet interest (Moroccan tray dance, dance meditation with two and four veils, sword dance duet by two midgets), credits for music and/or choreography, and a POC (website address if possible). If the audience likes you, that's all they'll need to remember you. If they don't like you, why embarrass yourself? Did Samira say word-of-mouth is key? yes ma'am, I am in total agreement. Even the most cunning bio doesn't earn much word-of-mouth; it is the performance that people remember!

As far as a website bio: Beware. You are more likely to establish yourself as a pompous ass than a leading-edge dancer by coy musings on past struggles, dreams and accomplishments. Unless you are a Morocco or an Artemis, I'd put teachers, workshops and past venues in an online resume and let the rest of the website manifest who and what you are.