After You Accept An Offer: What To Do Next
Accepting a dance team offer is exciting, but what you do next matters just as much. Learn why and how to professionally communicate with coaches from programs you're declining, including email templates and phone call tips that protect your reputation and help other dancers. Your thoughtful response can build lasting relationships in the interconnected dance community.
Congratulations! Being offered a spot on a dance team or program is an incredible milestone in your dance journey. It’s a moment to celebrate all your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But as exciting as this moment is, it’s also a time to think strategically about how you handle communication with the other programs that have considered you.
Celebrate But Keep Perspective
First things first: take a moment to soak it in. Accepting an offer is a big deal, and you should feel proud. Whether this was your dream school or a program that excites you in new ways, you earned this opportunity.
That said, it’s important to remember that the dance community is interconnected, and the choices you make ripple out further than you might realize. Many dancers have likely been in communication with multiple programs throughout the recruitment process. Your decision doesn’t just affect you, it impacts coaches, other dancers, and the trajectory of multiple programs.
Why Communication Matters
Once you’ve accepted an offer, keeping lines of communication professional and thoughtful is essential. Sending a simple, respectful email to a coach whose program you won’t be joining can make a lasting impression. This isn’t about writing a long, dramatic letter—just a few sincere sentences can go a long way.
Here’s what your message should include:
Thankfulness for their time and consideration – Coaches invest countless hours reviewing applications, traveling to combines/competitions, hosting clinics and getting to know dancers. Acknowledging their effort is both professional and courteous.
Appreciation for their program – Mention what you admired about their team, style, or community.
Notification of your decision – Clearly state that you’ve accepted another offer. Keep it simple and respectful.
For example:
Dear Coach [Last Name],
Thank you so much for considering me for your program and for taking the time to get to know me throughout this process. I truly admire your team’s dedication and energy, and I have a lot of respect for the culture you’ve built. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept an offer from another program. I hope our paths cross in the future, and I wish you and your team all the best this season.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
When You’ve Built a Strong Relationship
If you’ve developed a particularly close relationship with a coach during the recruitment process, consider taking your communication one step further. A brief phone call can be a thoughtful way to share your decision personally.
I’ve always had so much respect for dancers who could bravely and openly communicate with me over the phone. It showcases maturity, confidence, and integrity, qualities every coach admires. Many dancers who handled this well have stayed in touch over the years, and I’ve run into several of them down the road, maintaining positive relationships because of their openness.
A phone call doesn’t have to be long or formal—just genuine. This approach not only leaves a lasting impression but also strengthens your professional network in the dance world.
Think Beyond Yourself
While it’s natural to feel thrilled about your acceptance, remember that your decision also affects other dancers. By notifying coaches promptly, you help them move forward with their recruitment timeline. That means another dancer, who may be waiting for a spot to open, can step into the role you’re passing on.
Delaying this communication can unintentionally hold up opportunities for others who are ready and eager to commit. Choosing to respond quickly is not just polite; it’s part of being a thoughtful member of the dance community.
Keep Professionalism at the Forefront
Even if you had multiple offers or were uncertain at some point, your communication reflects your professionalism and maturity. Future opportunities, whether in collegiate dance, professional performance, or teaching, often hinge on your reputation. Coaches talk, and the dance world, while large, is interconnected. Leaving a program on a positive note ensures your name is remembered favorably.
A Few Key Takeaways
Celebrate responsibly – Enjoy your acceptance, but stay mindful of others in the community.
Send a thank-you email or call – Keep it brief, professional, and appreciative.
Respect timelines – Coaches rely on timely responses to manage spots and rosters.
Think of the bigger picture – Your decisions impact other dancers and programs.
Maintain relationships – Personal communication can keep doors open for future opportunities.
Accepting an offer is an exciting chapter in your dance career, but it’s also an opportunity to show integrity, gratitude, and professionalism. A simple, thoughtful email or even a phone call if you have a close relationship with a coach, can leave a lasting impression. It shows respect for the coaches’ time, supports other dancers’ opportunities, and helps maintain positive relationships within the dance world.
Celebrate your moment but remember: how you communicate your decision matters just as much as the decision itself. Brave, open communication can set the stage for a lifetime of respect and opportunities in your dance journey.