You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for dance
Explore additional dance cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Dance Instructor
- Emphasise the importance of diverse dance styles and skills in jazz and hip-hop, aligning with the needs of the arts and youth mentoring roles.
- Highlight the proven track record of choreographing award-winning performances, which demonstrates success and capability in the dance instructor position.
- Underline the community engagement aspect, such as organising dance workshops and outreach programmes, which integrates well with the role of a community-centric arts specialist.
- Mention the Youth Worker Certification as it provides additional authority and expertise in youth mentorship, reinforcing the applicant's qualifications for working with young people.
Senior Dance Therapist
- Highlight relevant certifications and education, such as a Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, to establish expertise in the field of therapeutic recreation.
- Emphasise leadership capabilities and accomplishments, like pioneering community programmes and leading a team to implement an accurate EHR system, reflecting both initiative and teamwork skills.
- Showcase a track record of measurable results, such as increasing participant engagement by 30% and boosting community partnerships by 50%, to demonstrate the impact on past roles.
- Include specific skills relevant to the role, such as EHR proficiency, person-centred planning, and community engagement, tailored to the responsibilities of a Recreation Therapist.
By Role
Dance Instructor
- Emphasise measurable achievements, such as the 30% increase in student participation, which demonstrates effectiveness in engaging students and improving programme outcomes.
- Highlight relevant experience in organising and delivering events, like the children's talent showcase, to showcase project management and team collaboration skills.
- Include specialised certifications, such as the Creative Drama Teaching Certification, to strengthen candidacy by showcasing expertise in innovative teaching methodologies.
- Underscore commitment to child welfare and safety through relevant courses like "Safeguarding Children in Education", assuring organisations of adherence to safety standards.
Dance Therapist
- Emphasise Specialised Experience: The cover letter highlights over 5 years of specialised experience in dance therapy and client care, demonstrating deep industry knowledge and commitment.
- Include Measurable Achievements: By showcasing quantifiable improvements such as a 45% increase in client satisfaction, the letter effectively demonstrates the tangible impact of past work.
- Highlight Collaborative Skills: Mention of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams fortifies the candidate's suitability for integrated therapeutic environments, vital for holistic client care.
- Relevance of Advanced Education and Trainings: The cover letter includes advanced studies and continuous education in the field, underscoring the importance of staying updated with latest therapeutic techniques.
Dance Company Manager
- Emphasising specialised skills such as expertise in ballet and jazz, which align directly with the role of a Dance Company Director.
- Highlighting significant achievements, like a 25% increase in student enrolment and a 30% rise in ticket sales, demonstrating the candidate's impact and effectiveness.
- Showcasing relevant certifications such as the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance Certification and Acrobatic Arts Module One, indicating a commitment to safety standards and comprehensive teaching methods.
- Detailing leadership experiences and projects like the creation of competitive team programmes and community dance initiatives, which illustrate strong organisational and mentorship skills.
Dance Notator
- Highlight notable quantifiable achievements, such as the improvement in student reading proficiency by 15%, to underscore success and effective teaching strategies.
- Emphasise collaborative experiences, such as designing an interactive science curriculum and conducting professional development workshops, which showcase teamwork and leadership in educational environments.
- Include specific skills relevant to the role, like Curriculum Development and Technological Integration, to align with the job description and demonstrate professional expertise.
- Draw attention to innovative projects led, such as integrating arts into the science curriculum, to illustrate creativity and commitment to enhancing student learning outcomes.
Dance Costume Designer
- Emphasise specific achievements and contributions, such as successful showcases, improved student feedback scores, and initiatives that resulted in time and cost savings, which demonstrate the candidate's impact and value in previous roles.
- Highlight certifications and courses like "Advanced Pattern Making Techniques" and "Sustainable Fashion Innovation" to underscore specialised skills and commitment to eco-friendly practices highly relevant to the role.
- Mention mentoring and team leadership aspects to showcase ability to enhance performance and foster professional growth, which is essential for an academic role like Assistant Professor.
- Incorporate achievements in sustainability and innovation, such as awards and initiatives recognised for reducing waste and efficiency, to align with growing institutional focuses on sustainable practices.
Dance Photographer
- Specificity in Experience: Olivia’s cover letter highlights relevant roles such as "Senior Dance Photographer" and "Event Photographer," demonstrating clear industry-specific experience, which is crucial for a specialised role like dance photography.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The use of percentage-based achievements like "increasing image quality satisfaction rates by 30%" or "boosting customer satisfaction scores by 10%" provides concrete evidence of her skills and impact.
- Portfolios and Publications: Mentioning the published photography book and winning a photography award adds credibility and showcases her talent and recognition in the field, essential for roles that value artistry and reputation.
- Skills and Courses: Including advanced coursework relevant to the field and specific skills like "Adobe Lightroom" and "Creative direction" highlights Olivia’s dedication to mastering her craft and keeping up-to-date with industry standards.
Dance Critic
- Highlighting Certifications: Mention of advanced choreography techniques and digital dance education courses exemplifies specialised expertise and commitment to continuous professional development, crucial for a dynamic field like dance education.
- Emphasising Community Engagement: Details of organising community events and partnerships underline an ability to expand the reach and impact of dance initiatives, showcasing leadership and collaboration skills.
- Documenting Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific figures, such as percentage increases in student engagement and grant amounts secured, provides concrete evidence of past success and potential future contributions.
- Showcasing Innovation and Adaptability: Successfully pioneering virtual dance classes during pandemic restrictions indicates a capacity for innovation and flexibility, both of which are highly valued in ever-evolving educational and artistic landscapes.
Dance Historian
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements such as coaching a winning team in a national competition, which not only boosts the school's reputation but also increases enrolment by 30%.
- Emphasising Certifications and Courses: Ella mentions certifications and courses like the Advanced Contemporary Technique Certification and Curriculum Development in Dance Education, which showcase her dedication to continuous professional development in dance education.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience: The description of roles and responsibilities at institutions like the Scottish Ballet and Royal Academy of Dance demonstrate her extensive experience and impact in the field, such as increasing student engagement and improving pass rates.
- Passion for Dance Education: Her passion for dance education is woven throughout, expressing enthusiasm for innovative teaching and mentoring young talent, which is crucial for a Dance Educator role.
Dance Lighting Designer
- Highlighting of Achievements: Isabelle effectively showcases her award-winning lighting design and results in technical theatre innovations, underscoring her capability to enhance production quality and win accolades.
- Detailing Leadership and Mentoring Abilities: The cover letter successfully emphasises her leadership in overseeing teams and mentoring budding artists, which is crucial for roles that require managing both projects and people.
- Focus on Training and Educational Contributions: By mentioning her development of student training programmes, Isabelle demonstrates her commitment to education and skill-building, enriching any organisation with future talent cultivation.
- Experience with Technological Advancements: Isabelle's proactive approach to incorporating cutting-edge technology in lighting and sound design speaks to her dedication to innovation within the theatre arts realm.
Dance Production Manager
- Emphasising leadership and mentorship skills is crucial for the role, as demonstrated by Arthur's experience in leading teams and mentoring technical assistants.
- Highlighting technical expertise in stage lighting and sound, essential for a Dance Production Coordinator, with certifications and past roles bolstering these skills.
- Discussing successful management of large-scale events, such as a multi-venue festival with high satisfaction ratings, showcases organisational and logistical planning abilities.
- Incorporating achievements like implementing energy-efficient lighting and winning production design awards underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability in theatrical production.
Dance Marketing Manager
- Specific Experience Highlights: The cover letter effectively showcases direct experience in roles and results relevant to marketing management, such as leading integrated marketing campaigns and optimising PPC strategies.
- Achieved Quantifiable Results: Concrete metrics are shared (e.g., increased engagement by 40%, lowered cost-per-click by 25%) which validate the candidate's impact in previous positions.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: The inclusion of a Certified Digital Marketing Professional course and advanced PPC tactics training underscores the candidate's continued professional development and specialization in digital marketing.
- Essential Soft Skills and Passions: Highlighting teamwork, stakeholder collaboration skills, and personal interests like brand innovation conveys a well-rounded, dedicated professional who is aligned with industry trends and dynamic strategies.
Dance Education Coordinator
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively underscores George Johnson's direct experience in dance instruction, youth development, and events management which aligns seamlessly with the role of Dance Programme Leader.
- Emphasising Measurable Achievements: By detailing specific achievements, such as a 50% increase in student enrolment and 25% improvement in physical fitness, the cover letter showcases impact and results-driven capabilities.
- Education and Certifications: The inclusion of a Master of Education and relevant certifications, such as the Advanced Youth Fitness Certification, underscores the candidate's expertise and commitment to professional advancement.
- Passion and Community Involvement: The letter reflects George's genuine passion for promoting wellness and community involvement, adding personality and alignment with roles focused on youth and community engagement.
Dance Company Artistic Director
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases significant accomplishments, such as increasing student enrolment by 25% and securing financial resources for facility upgrades, demonstrating a strong track record in program development and resource management.
- Emphasising Skills and Experience: It underscores relevant skills like choreography, mentorship, and curriculum development, which are crucial for a Ballet and Contemporary Director, aligning perfectly with the job role's requirements.
- Inclusion of Education and Training: Mentioning advanced courses and degrees pertinent to dance education emphasises the candidate's continuous professional development and commitment to expanding their expertise.
- Passion for Community Engagement: The cover letter expresses a clear passion for fostering artistic growth and community involvement, illustrating the candidate's dedication to supporting and enhancing dance communities.
Dance Company Technical Director
- Highlighting Achievements: The letter effectively showcases notable achievements, such as redesigning a set on a reduced budget and transforming the organisation's strategy, demonstrating an ability to innovate and improve efficiency.
- Emphasising Leadership: By detailing experiences like directing technical setups for 15 productions and spearheading an intern training programme, the letter underscores leadership skills crucial for a Technical Director role.
- Budget Management Expertise: The applicant's ability to oversee and optimise budgets, as mentioned in the cover letter, is a key component for roles that involve significant financial responsibilities.
- Relevance of Certifications and Education: The mention of an M.A. in Theatre Arts and certifications in advanced scenic design aligns the candidate's qualifications with the specialised demands of theatre production roles.
Dance Festival Organiser
- Personalised and Relevant Summary: The cover letter begins with a concise summary that highlights the candidate's enthusiasm and experience in relevant fields such as event planning, community engagement, and a particular passion for feline welfare, directly connecting with the role's requirements.
- Clear Demonstration of Achievements: Each position listed in the experience section includes bullet points showcasing specific achievements, such as increased community participation and significant financial targets. This provides concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness and impact.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: The candidate mentions specific certifications, such as 'Advanced Fundraising Tactics' and 'Event Management for Nonprofits,’ demonstrating a commitment to professional development in areas highly relevant to the role.
- Passion and Values Alignment: The cover letter includes a passions section that ties personal interests, such as feline welfare and baking for charity, to the candidate's professional life, aligning personal values with organisational goals.
Dance Company Rehearsal Director
- Highlighting Leadership and Growth Achievements: The cover letter effectively underscores key leadership achievements by demonstrating how Arthur increased student enrolment by 30% and reduced staff turnover by 40%, emphasising strong organisational growth and team management skills.
- Emphasis on Industry-Specific Skills: The candidate clearly lists skills crucial for the role, such as Dance Program Development, Competitive Dance Instruction, and Event Planning, which are critical in showcasing their technical expertise in the dance industry.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience: The cover letter details a career progression from Senior Dance Instructor to Company Director, with quantifiable achievements at each stage, ensuring the candidate's extensive experience in dance management is prominently featured.
- Incorporating Formal Education and Continuous Learning: Relevant educational background, including a Master of Arts in Dance Studies, along with additional certifications like Advanced Dance Program Management, enhance the candidate's qualifications for a leadership position in dance program management.
Dance Outreach Officer
- Emphasising a proven track record in increasing audience engagement and reach, such as a 35% increase through strategic campaigns.
- Highlighting leadership skills and the ability to manage and mentor teams, which can optimise content quality and improve team morale.
- Demonstrating expertise in digital marketing and content strategy, which are critical for executing multi-platform content campaigns successfully.
- Showcasing achievements and awards, like the Content Campaign Award, which reinforce credibility in successful client engagement and retention.
Dance Company Executive Director
- Relevant Experience: The candidate effectively highlights over 10 years of experience specifically in audience development, arts education, and community engagement, showcasing expertise directly aligned with the role of Director of Audiences and Impact.
- Leadership and Achievement: Mentioning leadership roles and quantifiable achievements, such as a 25% increase in festival attendance and securing £500,000 in sponsorships, illustrates the candidate's capacity to drive significant results.
- Strategic Initiatives: The inclusion of strategic initiatives like audience diversity enhancement and personalised marketing campaigns reflects the candidate's forward-thinking approach and ability to innovate within the arts sector.
- Educational Background: The cover letter effectively connects the candidate's educational qualifications in arts management with practical applications in professional roles, enhancing credibility and relevance to the position.
Dance cover letter example
George Johnson
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+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I have long admired how [Company Name] successfully merges performance artistry with community outreach, aligning seamlessly with my professional philosophy of dance education as a transformative tool. As an experienced professional combining dance instruction and business acumen, I bring over a decade of dedication to growing educational dance programs and inspiring students, as evident in my past roles.
During my tenure as Senior Dance Instructor at Sheffield Youth Dance Theatre, I significantly expanded our program, attracting over 100 new students annually through strategic curriculum enhancements and dynamic marketing initiatives. This achievement exemplifies my capability to blend creative dance pedagogy with rigorous business acumen, fostering both student engagement and financial growth.
I am eager to contribute to [Company Name] by leveraging my experience in dance instruction and business operations to elevate your programs and nurture a thriving community of dancers. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview where we can discuss how my background and skills align with your team's needs. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
George Johnson
Experienced Dance Instructor
Why this cover letter is impressive:
- Alignment with Company Values: Highlight the alignment of your personal philosophy and professional background with the company’s mission and values, as this demonstrates genuine interest and a potential cultural fit.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Include specific metrics, such as increasing student enrollment or program success, to clearly convey your impact and effectiveness within previous roles.
- Combination of Skills: Emphasize the intersection of relevant skills, such as combining dance instruction with business operations, to illustrate a comprehensive and multifaceted professional approach.
- Community and Educational Focus: Discuss your dedication to educational outreach and community engagement, which is particularly relevant for roles that involve dance education and community-building initiatives.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a dance cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your dance cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your dance cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, I am eager to contribute to Dance UK's legacy of transforming contemporary dance into a powerful medium for societal change. With its commitment to inclusivity and innovation, the opportunity to join your esteemed troupe aligns perfectly with my artistic vision and dedication.
RIGHT
How to write your dance cover letter body
A well-written cover letter body goes beyond the content of your CV, expanding on your greatest achievement to form your compelling case.
The narrative you tell within it could focus on a few key elements:
- A concrete and noteworthy achievement: Backed by data and relevant to the job.
- Your hard and soft skills: Presented with measurable outcomes and results.
- A successful project: Showing how you contributed to the final result.
The goal is to tell a story that aligns with the company’s needs and adds a more human touch to your application.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the Artistic Director for the Nottingham Contemporary Dance Company, one of my most significant achievements was the successful production and choreography of 'Eclipse', a contemporary dance performance that was critically acclaimed and significantly expanded our audience base. Tasked with revitalising the seasonal line-up, I applied my choreography expertise to create a piece that not only attracted over 15,000 audience members—a 20% increase compared to previous years—but also elevated our social media engagement by 35% across platforms, through strategic digital content collaboration and targeted promotions. This project highlighted my capacity to blend creative vision with strategic execution, ensuring the financial and artistic growth of the programme.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my skills and passion for dance to your esteemed company and contribute to its vibrant artistic vision. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can make a meaningful impact on your team. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application; I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your company and look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
