The Do's and Don'ts of Contacting a Collegiate Dance Team Coach

The Don'ts

1. Don’t DM Their Personal Account

Why It’s Important: Coaches maintain a professional boundary between their personal and professional lives. Direct messaging their personal accounts can come off as intrusive and unprofessional unless they explicitly state otherwise.

Alternative: Use official channels such as the coach’s professional email or the team’s contact form. This ensures your communication is both formal and respectful.

2. Don’t Send an Introductory Email Without a Highlight Reel or Resume

Why It’s Important: Coaches receive numerous emails from potential recruits. Providing a highlight reel or resume helps them quickly assess your skills and determine if you’re a good fit for their program.

Alternative: Send them a link to your Studio 2 Stadium profile so all information is organized in one place and make sure your recent highlight videos are up to date.This demonstrates preparedness and seriousness about joining their team.

3. Don’t Have Your Parents Email Them

Why It’s Important: Coaches want to see that you are taking responsibility for your journey. Having your parents email them can give the impression that you’re not mature enough to handle the communication yourself.

Alternative: Take the initiative to email the coach yourself. It shows maturity, independence, and genuine interest in their program.

4. Don’t Contact Them Without Doing Research First

Why It’s Important: Coaches’ time is valuable. Reaching out without knowing basic information about the program can waste their time and reflect poorly on your preparation.

Alternative: Research the team, its achievements, coaching style, and what they look for in recruits. Tailor your email to reflect this knowledge and show that you’re truly interested in their program.

5. Don’t Text or Call Them Late at Night

Why It’s Important: Coaches have lives outside of their professional responsibilities. Contacting them late at night can be seen as disrespectful and intrusive.

Alternative: Reach out during normal business hours. If you’re unsure when that is, a safe window is typically between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.

6. Don’t Speak Poorly About Other Schools or Programs

Why It’s Important: The dance community is small and interconnected. Negative comments can travel quickly and harm your reputation.

Alternative: Focus on the positive aspects of the program you’re interested in and your goals. Maintaining a positive and professional tone is key.

7. Don’t Accept an Interview If You’ve Been Rejected Academically

Why It’s Important: Coaches invest time and resources in recruits who are eligible to join their institution. If you’ve been rejected academically, continuing the recruitment process wastes both your time and theirs.

Alternative: Ensure you meet the academic requirements before pursuing a spot on the team. If you’re rejected academically, consider other schools where you meet the criteria.

8. Don’t Ask for Their Personal Email or Phone Number

Why It’s Important: Privacy and boundaries are important to maintain a professional relationship. Asking for personal contact information can make the coach uncomfortable.

Alternative: Stick to the contact information provided officially. If the coach offers personal contact details, it should be on their own terms.

The Do's

1. Do Email Them During the Off Season

Why It’s Important: The off-season is a less hectic time for coaches, allowing them to review your materials thoroughly and respond more promptly. Since it is their off season don't expect a reply straight away and wait at least a month before reaching back out. Coaches need vacation time too!

How to Do It: Craft a well-thought-out email introducing yourself, attaching your resume, and including a link to your S2S profile. Mention your interest in their program and why you think you’d be a good fit.

2. Do Ask to Set Up a Call or In-Person Meeting

Why It’s Important: Building a relationship with the coach can significantly impact your chances. Personal interactions allow you to learn more about the program and make a stronger impression.

How to Do It: After your initial email, follow up with a request for a phone call or meeting. Express your eagerness to discuss the program further and learn more about their expectations.

3. Do Have Questions Prepared

Why It’s Important: Coaches often ask if you have any questions at the end of a meeting. Being prepared shows your interest and diligence.

What to Ask: Inquire about the team’s culture, expectations for recruits, and opportunities for growth. Thoughtful questions can demonstrate your commitment and curiosity.

4. Do Thank Them for Their Time

Why It’s Important: Coaches often go out of their way to meet with recruits without additional compensation. Showing appreciation for their time is courteous and leaves a positive impression.

How to Do It: Send a thank-you email after your meeting, expressing gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in the program.

5. Do Be Honest with Them

Why It’s Important: Transparency about your goals and other universities you are considering helps build trust. Coaches appreciate honesty and clear communication.

How to Do It: In your communications, be upfront about your aspirations, other programs you’re looking at, and any potential obstacles. Honest conversations can lead to better guidance and support from the coach.

Personal Thoughts and Experiences

From my experience I’ve seen firsthand how following these do’s and don’ts can impact a recruit’s journey. Coaches appreciate candidates who show respect, preparedness, and genuine interest. It’s not just about your dance skills but also how you present yourself as a responsible and mature individual.

For example, when I was recruiting one of my prospects made the mistake of having their parent handle all communications with me. Despite being a talented dancer, this lack of personal accountability negatively affected my perception. On the other hand, another dancer I recruited took the time to research the program thoroughly, personalized their communications, and followed up diligently. She is still currently dancing at the collegiate level and is very successful.

In conclusion, approaching the recruitment process with professionalism, respect, and preparedness can significantly enhance your chances of success. Coaches are looking for talented dancers who are also reliable, mature, and genuinely interested in their program. By following these guidelines, you can make a positive impression and set the stage for a successful collegiate dance career.