Dance Teacher Training

If you're interested in instructing others in creative movement, dance teacher training will give you the tools you need to succeed.

Your training as a dance teacher begins from the moment you first set foot in a studio. In order to teach others to dance, you must first have a strong foundation in the discipline of dance. Pay attention and give your best in every class you take. While you are studying ballet, tap, or jazz, you can also absorb tips about dance instruction. Take note of the teacher's methods, the kind of feedback she gives, and how she corrects dancers.

Look within your own studio to get started on your dance career path. Ask your instructors if you could become a teaching assistant. They will appreciate the extra set of hands with younger dancers while you receive on-the-job training. Turning a critical eye to others' dance technique is important practice for teaching.

Good work as an assistant could lead to a part-time job teaching a few hours a week. Another option for entry-level training is to teach dance at an after-school enrichment program or a summer day camp. These short-term experiences will allow you to get your feet wet without committing to an entire year of classes.

Choreographing routines is another important experience for teachers. Although resources are available to help teachers plan numbers for recitals and competitions, creating your own choreography offers greater versatility and can be extremely satisfying.

Potential dance teachers looking for a more in-depth education should consider earning a degree in dance. The Dance Magazine College Guide lists more than 600 post-secondary programs, including extended profiles of dozens of the leading schools in the field. To get the most from your experience, attend a school that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Contact colleges of interest or visit their websites to learn more about the possibilities.

Attending college allows you to take advantage of additional opportunities. For instance, dance teachers are needed in K-12 schools, but certification regulations require a teaching degree in addition to a dance major. You may not want to teach dance full time and pursue a completely unrelated degree while taking one dance class each semester. There is room for a wide variety of career aspirations in dance teacher training. Work with your advisor to develop a program that is right for you.

In addition to dance degrees, you can also receive training in special methods and from organizations devoted to a specific form of dance. For instance, the American Tap Dance Institute offers teaching training and certification. Cecchetti, a ballet method, provides a formal system of grade levels and examinations.

After you have become a dance teacher, continuing education is as crucial as in any other field. Dance Teacher Magazine is a resource that includes articles on teaching techniques, the business of running a studio, costuming tips, and health issues. Teachers should attend workshops and master classes to further develop their dance skills. Encourage your students to come along and take classes appropriate to their levels. You'll be setting a good example for them. You can also watch other studios in action at recitals and competitions. You don't want to mimic the work of other teachers, but you should look to them for good ideas and successful practices.

As a dance teacher, you can help shape the next generation of dancers, leading hundreds of students towards an enjoyable hobby, if not a future career. Make sure you have the proper dance teacher training to make it all possible.

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