Booking Dance Teaching Gigs: Tips for Connecting with Studio Owners
Many professional dancers turn to teaching as a lucrative side income. This was certainly the case for me - I found it to be the perfect compliment to my schedule and in line with my goals. What started out as a side gig quickly turned into another passion.
As a dancer seeking teaching opportunities, connecting with studio owners is a crucial step in securing work. First impressions matter and your approach can make a significant difference in leaving a lasting impression and landing the job.
Here’s what you need to know to effectively approach studio owners and increase your chances of booking teaching work.
1. Do your homework - research the studio!
Before reaching out, gather information about the studio. Get familiar with their teaching philosophy, the styles of dance they offer, their target demographic, and any recent achievements or events. Are they a competitive studio, a recreational studio, or a pre-professional ballet school? What are the backgrounds of the studio owner and currenet staff members? This knowledge will allow you to tailor your pitch and demonstrate genuine interest in being part of their community.
2. Prepare Your Materials
Create a professional portfolio that includes:
Resume: Highlight your dance training, performance experience, teaching experience, and any relevant certifications. This resume will look different than your performance resume - it needs to focus on your teaching qualifications
Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter for each studio, explaining why you are interested in teaching there and how you can contribute to their programs.
Demo Reel: Compile a short video showcasing your choreography and teaching style. This can include performance clips, class footage, and testimonials from students or peers. Choreographing is often a large part of the teaching role, whether it’s for the annual recital, competitions or a concert dance piece. Highlighting your strength as a choreographer can go a long way!
3. Craft a Compelling Email
Your initial email to a studio owner should be concise, professional, and engaging. Here’s a suggested structure:
Subject Line: Make it clear and attention-grabbing, e.g., “Experienced Dance Instructor Seeking Teaching Opportunities at [Studio Name].”
Personalize it: I recently had a studio owner share that she only responds to teaching inquiries that are personalized with her name. It only takes a few seconds and makes a huge difference.
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are reaching out.
Body: Highlight your qualifications, express your interest in the studio, and mention any mutual connections or referrals.
Attachments: Include your resume, cover letter, and a link to your demo reel.
Closing: Thank them for their time and include information about how they can contact you.
4. Follow Up
If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, follow up with a polite email. Studio owners have a lot on their plate and things can get lost in the shuffle. A little nudge can be helpful!
On the flip side - if you hear back from a studio owner, be prompt in your reply. Communication is key to a good work environment. If you are hired, you will receive many emails regarding scheduling or requesting to send in information such as music or costume selections. If you’re hard to track down from the beginning, this can be a huge red flag.
5. Network in the Dance Community
Attend local dance events, workshops, and performances to meet studio owners and other instructors. Building relationships within the dance community can lead to valuable referrals and insider information about job openings.
My first teaching opportunities all came from connections - once I was more established I was able to get jobs on my own merit, but these relationships were instrumental in getting me started!
6. Be Professional and Personable
When you get the chance to meet with a studio owner, either in person or virtually, present yourself professionally. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy and experience. Additionally, demonstrate enthusiasm and a genuine passion for teaching dance.
7. Highlight Your Unique Selling Points
Differentiate yourself by emphasizing what makes you unique as a dance instructor. Whether it’s a specific teaching method, experience with a particular age group, or proficiency in a niche dance style, make sure the studio owner understands what sets you apart.
Bonus points if you can take what sets you apart and demonstrate how you will use your unique skills to help them achieve their mission and grow their studio!
8. Be Flexible and Open to Feedback
Show your willingness to adapt to the studio’s needs and be open to feedback. The more flexible you are with scheduling or open to teaching various styles of dance and age groups, the more work you will typically receive.
When I first started teaching I was willing to teach anywhere and anything. As I progressed in my teaching career, I realized that even if I could teach many styles, I am happiest teaching ballet in a pre-pro setting. Once I had experience under my belt I could afford to be a little choosier and really lean into my strengths.
When I went from instructor to school director, I quickly learned how much studio heads have on their plate. What they really need is someone they can rely on and who understands this:
Teaching is a huge responsibility.
While some dancers fall into this profession reluctantly as a way to pay the bills, teaching is an art form all in itself. The majority of your classes will be for children, and they truly look up to you. What you say and how you act leave a lasting impression on their future. The most important thing you can demonstrate to a potential employer is that you are committed to bringing your best to their studio.
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