Killer dance and performance showreels: how to stand out
Spotlight on Kim Farnum: A Rising Star in Scheherazade
Kim Farnum, a talented dancer from Company of Dreams, performed in their sold-out tour of the Oriental dance show Scheherazade. While she may not have been one of the principal dancers, Kim was an integral part of the company’s unique cast. The dedication of these dancers is truly remarkable, balancing professional-level performances with their day jobs. Their commitment to their art requires relentless energy, time, and financial investment.
Kim’s quiet confidence and technical skill as both a dancer and performer immediately caught my attention. In Scheherazade, she captivated audiences in diverse roles—from a village girl to a ghoul, an assassin, and a powerful siren. Her ability to embody these characters made her stage presence truly mesmerizing.
To celebrate her part in the show, I created a reel of Kim’s performance from a single show. But what’s a showreel? It’s a short video that showcases a performer’s abilities, style, and personality—a powerful tool that speaks volumes about your talent, even when you’re not in the room.
You’ve probably heard the saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, video? It’s worth millions. A showreel not only highlights your abilities, but it can also capture the essence of your performance. Casting directors often require them to narrow down their choices, so having one ready ensures you’re always a contender. Plus, nothing else can show your movement, emotion, and personality as effectively as a reel.
What makes a killer showreel?
7 tips on how to create a winning showreel that will get you the type of work and castings that you really want.
01.
Less is more
Opinions vary, but almost everyone agrees: quality trumps quantity. Roger Ailes, a media strategist, once said, You have just seven seconds to make a first impression. The same applies to your showreel. Keep it tight and only include your best work. Industry experts recommend anywhere between 60 and 120 seconds. For Instagram, you’ll want to stick to 60 seconds or less to fit the platform’s format. Longer reels, around two minutes, are better suited for YouTube or Vimeo for extended viewing.
02.
Show Off Your Skills
Demonstrate your versatility—solo performances, partner work, group choreography, lifts, turns, and pirouettes. Highlight the moves that set you apart from the competition. Facial expressions and character portrayal are just as important, so make sure you convey the emotion behind each role.
03.
Tailor Your Reel
If you’re aiming for a particular type of role, include clips that show you have the skills and style to nail it. It’s essential that casting directors see your suitability for the part from the get-go.
04.
Don’t Forget Contact Info
It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how often people forget this! Include your name, email, social media handles, and website.
05.
Use High-Quality Video
Clips filmed on smartphones by friends usually aren’t good enough for a professional showreel. Shaky footage or poor lighting can make you look unprofessional. If your reel looks amateur, so will you. Good editing and high-quality footage are essential—this is where a professional videographer like myself can make all the difference.
06.
Pick the Right Music
Music can make or break your reel. Choose a track that suits your style and enhances your performance. Be mindful of copyright, though; you may need to purchase the rights unless you use royalty-free music. If you’re incorporating your own voice or live music, ensure you have high-quality sound recording equipment to capture it properly.
07.
Hire a Professional Videographer
As a videographer, I capture various angles and use lighting to ensure the clips flow seamlessly and professionally. If needed, I can incorporate your existing footage and add music, titles, and captions to create a final product that showcases your talents in the best possible light.
You have just seven seconds to make a first impression.
Roger Ailes—MEDIA STRATEGIST
What does it cost?
I offer a flexible pricing structure for filming showreels and event videos, covering everything from our initial meeting to shooting and editing your final reel. For group projects, the costs can be divided, making it a more affordable option for performers or dancers looking to collaborate.
However, pricing may vary depending on additional factors, such as:
Considerations:
Variables:
STARTING FROM
£300
The Workflow: What to Expect from your Shoot
1
CONSULTATION
We’ll start with an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re after a personal showreel or a group project, we’ll cover everything from the style and tone to location, music preferences, and schedule. I’ll provide you with a quote at this stage, and a minimum 50% deposit will confirm your booking.
2
PRE-PRODUCTION
Once booked, I’ll visit the location (if necessary) to assess equipment needs and prepare a detailed shoot plan. This includes organising any special requirements such as costumes, makeup, and lighting setups, so you know exactly what to expect on the day. If you prefer to take control of costumes, make-up, location, etc, that’s fine, I input to make sure you get the best footage possible.
3
THE SHOOT
On the day of filming, I’ll manage all aspects of lighting, sound, and camera work, making sure to get the shots we’ve planned for. I’ll also factor in any costume or makeup changes into the schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly. Test shots will be done in advance to ensure everything is set up perfectly. If it’s a complex shoot I may suggest an assistant to help things run more smoothly.
4
DELIVERY
After the shoot, I’ll get to work editing the footage, ensuring it fits your vision. You’ll receive a preview for feedback and can request revisions if needed. Once finalised, your showreel or event video will be delivered digitally, ready to share.
If you prefer to edit. your own footage or get someone else to do this, the footage will be transferred over after the shoot.
Group Showreels and Custom Projects
Need something more tailored to your show or dance company?
Get in touch for a custom quote, and let’s create a reel that helps you stand out.
If you’re part of a dance group, school, or academy, I offer discounted packages for group showreels. You can share the cost of the shoot and editing, making it a cost-effective way to get a professional video. I also cater to custom projects that combine dance, spoken word, or other creative elements.
Got your own footage? No problem. I can integrate it into your reel or offer editing as a separate service.
Why not send me a quick WHATSAPP?
Want to chat about what kind of videos and photos could work for your dance company or your own personal showreel?
