This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through quantified teaching achievements, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian dance schools and studios are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re transitioning from performing to teaching or bringing your dance education expertise to a larger studio, we’ve got you covered.
Dance Teacher Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Emma Chen
[email protected]
0429 876 543
linkedin.com/in/emmachen
Brisbane, QLD
8 October 2025
Ms Jennifer Roberts
Studio Director
Brisbane Academy of Dance
123 Ann Street
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Dear Ms Roberts,
When I discovered that Brisbane Academy of Dance is seeking a Dance Teacher to lead contemporary and jazz programs across your expanding student base, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As someone who taught 180+ students weekly at Northside Dance Studio—achieving 95% student retention, guiding 12 students to State Dance Championships finals, and developing curriculum that increased enrolments by 34% through engaging, age-appropriate progressions—I’m thrilled at the prospect of combining technical excellence and student development for your acclaimed dance programs.
Over the past six years as a Dance Teacher working throughout Brisbane’s dance education sector, I’ve repeatedly delivered results that match perfectly with your needs. I’ve taught ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop to students aged 3-18 across recreational and competitive levels, developed lesson plans aligned with RAD and AIDT syllabi ensuring technical progression and student engagement, choreographed award-winning performances for end-of-year concerts and competitions, managed classroom behaviour creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, communicated with parents regarding student progress and performance opportunities, and ensured studio safety including injury prevention and emergency procedures. My background spanning recreational classes, competitive teams, and performance preparation has shown me that exceptional dance teaching merges technical expertise with nurturing mentorship—precisely what you require for comprehensive dance education programs.
What really attracts me to Brisbane Academy of Dance is your commitment to holistic dancer development and your reputation for excellence in contemporary dance. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) from Queensland University of Technology, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, and maintain current First Aid and Working with Children Check. I’ve completed professional development in dance pedagogy, anatomy for dancers, and inclusive teaching practices through Ausdance. I bring 8 years of professional performance experience including tours with Queensland Ballet and independent contemporary companies. I’m convinced that dance teachers aren’t merely instructors—we’re mentors who foster artistic expression, build confidence and discipline, ensure safe technical development, and inspire lifelong love of dance while nurturing each student’s unique potential.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to teach engaging classes while developing technically proficient, passionate dancers can enhance Brisbane Academy of Dance’s educational outcomes. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Kind regards,
Emma Chen
[email protected]
0429 876 543
linkedin.com/in/emmachen
How to Format a Dance Teacher Cover Letter
- Length: Max 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Dance Teacher Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Dance Teacher cover letter needs to follow a results-focused structure that showcases both teaching expertise and student outcomes:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Right Opening: “When Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School announced its expansion requiring experienced dance educators to develop contemporary dance curriculum—teaching VCE Dance, choreographing student works, and preparing students for tertiary auditions—I instantly recognized where my background teaching 120+ secondary students achieving 90% VCE Dance scores above 35, choreographing works selected for Top Acts showcase three consecutive years, and guiding 15 students into professional dance programs at VCA, WAAPA, and QUT could advance your commitment to nurturing Australia’s next generation of dance artists while maintaining academic excellence.”
Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Dance Teacher position that was advertised online. I have a dance background and enjoy working with children. I believe I would be a good fit for this role at your studio.”
Entry-Level Dance Teacher Cover Letter Tips
- Highlight student teaching, assistant teaching, or volunteer instruction experience
- Showcase your performance background and technical training demonstrating expertise
- Demonstrate understanding of age-appropriate pedagogy and class management
- Emphasize relevant qualifications (dance degree, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching)
- Reference any choreography, performance coordination, or studio assistant experience
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Dance Teacher
Right Entry-Level Approach: “While completing my Bachelor of Dance at Queensland University of Technology over the past three years, I’ve progressively developed teaching capabilities including assisting with 15+ classes weekly for students aged 5-16, teaching beginner ballet and jazz under supervision receiving excellent feedback from lead teachers, choreographing student showcase pieces performed at Metro Arts, completing student teaching placement at Expressions Dance Company’s youth program teaching 40+ students across 8-week term, and working as casual instructor at holiday intensive programs. I hold Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, current First Aid, and Working with Children Check. This blend of performance training (8 years RAD ballet, 6 years contemporary) and emerging teaching experience demonstrated that effective dance education harmonizes technical knowledge with patience, creativity, and ability to inspire young dancers—capabilities I’m excited to contribute in a dedicated teaching capacity.”
Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I’ve been dancing since I was young and I think I’d be a good teacher. I love dance and enjoy working with kids. I’m looking for an opportunity to start teaching. Please consider me for this position.”
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Dance Teacher Cover Letter
- Being vague about class sizes, student numbers, or achievement outcomes
- Focusing only on your performance career without emphasizing teaching skills
- Overlooking student retention, progression, or competition/exam success
- Not mentioning relevant teaching qualifications or Working with Children Check
- Ignoring classroom management, safety awareness, or parent communication
- Generic applications without researching the studio’s teaching philosophy or styles
- Forgetting to mention specific dance styles you’re qualified to teach
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Match to their dance styles (ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, tap, musical theatre)
- Address specific age groups they mention (preschool, juniors, teens, adults)
- Reference their teaching approach (RAD, Cecchetti, AIDT, Vaganova, recreational)
- Highlight relevant experience level (competitive teams, exam classes, recreational)
- Align with their studio culture (competition-focused, inclusive, performance-based)
How to Sign Off Your Dance Teacher Cover Letter
- Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (optional)
Cover Letter Signature Example
Kind regards,
Sarah Johnson
[email protected]
0438 765 234
linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson-dance
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. EmmaChen_CoverLetter.pdf)
- Include copies of teaching qualifications and Working with Children Check
- If submitting via email, include brief intro with availability for trial classes
Final Tips for Writing a Great Dance Teacher Cover Letter
- Lead with quantified teaching outcomes (retention rates, exam results, competition success)
- Balance technical expertise with nurturing, student-centered teaching approach
- Show understanding of age-appropriate pedagogy and differentiated instruction
- Emphasize safety consciousness, injury prevention, and inclusive teaching practices
- Demonstrate passion for student development beyond just technical skill
- Mention performance background but focus primarily on teaching accomplishments
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for teaching and education roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for school-based dance teaching positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the dance teacher they need. Concentrate on specific teaching achievements that demonstrate both technical excellence and student-centered pedagogy, express genuine interest in their studio culture and teaching philosophy, and always emphasize how you’ll inspire students while ensuring safe, progressive technical development from day one. With Australia’s dance education landscape evolving through inclusive teaching practices, contemporary pedagogies, and holistic dancer wellness, studios and schools are seeking dance teachers who can balance technical rigour with creative expression and competitive excellence with supportive, nurturing environments. Develop your professional credentials through organizations like Ausdance and maintain current teaching qualifications through Working with Children Check and First Aid certification to ensure your application reflects current dance teaching expectations and child safety requirements.
