If you love to dance, becoming a dance teacher can be a fun and rewarding way to turn that passion into a career. The dance industry is very competitive, so becoming a teacher can take a lot of dedication. First, you should receive dance training in the genre that you like the most. Then, get the certification required by the organization or school where you want to teach. If you are passionate and push yourself, you can do it!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get the credentials
Step 1. Begin training as a dancer
You can't teach about something you don't understand, so you have to find a genre that you like and make an effort to learn it. Take private lessons and classes, and consider participating in competitions, performances, and dance intensives to constantly improve skills. In addition, dancing demands a lot physically, so you must take good care of your body by eating well, practicing the proper techniques with an instructor and knowing when to rest.
- You may need to train for years before you are ready to teach other people. Many professional dancers start small, although some don't take their first lesson until much later.
- Try a few different dance styles to find out what you like. Some of the most popular dance genres include: ballet, tap, ballroom, jazz, hip-hop, liturgical and contemporary dance.
- Go to auditions if you want to be in a dance production, for example as a background dancer for a musician or stage show. This will also help you network, which could help you later in your career.
Step 2. Complete your high school diploma or GED
You must have at least a high school diploma if you want to work as a dance teacher. The diploma demonstrates that you have the communication, reading, and writing skills necessary to communicate with students, parents, and providers. If you've already dropped out of school, you may be able to get a certificate equivalent to a diploma, known as GED or General Education Development.
Some teaching positions require you to have more education
Step 3. Get certified as a dance teacher to teach in a private studio
Many private studios have their own requirements for teachers. If there is a dance studio where you want to teach that is close by, contact the owner and ask what certification you must have to work there. They may offer a certification program through the school, or they might ask you to get certified through an independent organization.
- Some studios have stricter requirements than others. In some cases, the studio may just want you to demonstrate your dance background, especially if you are applying for an assistant or part-time position, or if it is a local dance studio that does not specialize in competition..
- In the UK, you will most likely need to have a specialized certification from the Council for Dance Education and Training.
- In the United States, programs vary. Some popular dance teacher certification groups include the Royal Academy of Dance, the American Ballet Theater, the National Association of American Dance Teachers, and the American Tap Foundation.
Step 4. Get a fitness certification if you want to teach dance classes at a gym
Giving dance classes at a gym is a great way to help others learn about fitness while expressing their creativity. These classes are becoming more popular and are a fun way to help children, the elderly, and everyone else to be healthy and active.
Popular dance and fitness programs include zumba, barre, and jazzercise
Step 5. Get a bachelor's degree in dance if you want better opportunities
If you want to teach in a public school or some of the more competitive dance studios, you must complete a dance program at a college or university. There are several schools that offer degrees in dance, although you can also specialize in performing arts or even your favorite dance genre if you can find a school that offers a program.
It is probably easier to find a school that offers specific programs in classical dance styles, such as ballet, than more modern ones such as hip hop. However, usually a degree in general dance or performing arts is sufficient if there is no program for the style of dance you want
Step 6. Get licensed in the state you live in if you want to teach in public schools
After getting a bachelor's degree, you must get a teaching license if you want to teach dance classes in public schools. Generally, the requirements for obtaining a license vary depending on where you live, so you should check with the Ministry of Education or a similar institution in the educational system of the place where you live.
- Generally, these certifications are based on the grade you want to teach, whether that be elementary school, middle school, or high school students.
- It may not be necessary to have a teaching license to work in a private dance school.
- Depending on where you attend classes, you may be able to get certified through the college program. For more information, check with the career guidance department of the university you attend.
Step 7. For more prestigious jobs, get a Master of Fine Arts or a Ph. D. in Dance Education
If you want to work somewhere like a university or conservatory of dance, or if you want to work as a coach for professional dancers, you will need to pursue a graduate degree in dance at the very least, although for some positions, a doctorate in dance might be required. These degrees can take years to achieve and the programs can be difficult, but you will have a prestigious education when you finish.
- These programs teach dance techniques, choreography, kinesiology, dance history, and more.
- You can get a master's degree in performing arts, fine arts, dance education, or a specific genre like ballet. You will likely work as a practicing teacher during the program, providing you with valuable teaching experience.
- Typically, a Ph. D. focuses on dance education.
Part 2 of 3: Find a teaching job
Step 1. Make a dance resume
Like any other, a dance resume should highlight all the relevant skills and experience you have, along with a few references. However, you should also include where you received your training, the choreographers or companies you've worked with, and industry-related awards or prominent roles you've received.
- Remember to put your contact information at the top of the page so the employer can contact you if they choose you for the position!
- Make a short resume, it should only take up one side of a sheet of paper. If the experience you have does not fit on a sheet, focus on the most recent and relevant experience for the position you want.
Step 2. Work as an assistant or co-choreographer if you want a beginner job
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the job you dream of when you are just starting out, as many of the positions available are for people who already have experience as dance teachers. A great way to get the necessary experience is to find a position working for another dance professional. For example, many studios have assistant teachers on staff to help the lead instructor work one-on-one with students.
- You can also choreograph routines, lead classes for beginners, and help with administrative tasks.
- If you don't want to teach in a studio, you could find a choreographer or dance teacher in your area who is looking for a personal assistant. For example, if you want to teach liturgical dance classes, you could contact local churches to see if there are worship leaders who need help.
Step 3. Apply for full-time jobs at local dance studios, schools, and community organizations
Search dance job openings on job boards and classifieds to find a full-time job. You can also ask any dance contacts you have - don't underestimate the potential for word-of-mouth opportunities! When you find a job offer, send a dance resume along with a cover letter explaining why you would be a good candidate for the position.
- If you can, focus on studios and organizations that teach the dance style you like best. For example, if you dance hip-hop, you could apply to studios that teach contemporary dance, while if you dance ballet, you can choose studios that focus on classical dance styles. Some studies include multiple styles of dance, so you need to do a little research to find out which ones they are most proficient at.
- Depending on the size of the dance community where you live, you may need to relocate to get opportunities.
Step 4. If you want a flexible schedule, find a job teaching part-time
If you already have another job, or if you don't want to work full time, you could work part time. For example, you could teach a few classes after school each week, or you could give private classes on the weekends. That way, you can enjoy sharing your passion for dance without committing to a full-time career.
You could even work seasonally. For example, you could work a few weeks a year teaching at summer camps, festivals, or workshops. This would be great if you prefer a less popular dance style, such as interpretive dance or cultural dance, that are not in demand for year-round classes
Step 5. If you like to work individually with the students, you can give private lessons
Private classes are a great way to help another dancer improve their art. You can give him personalized advice and correct his style and technique on the spot rather than after a large group session.
You can advertise online or by word of mouth to find students who want to take lessons. You can also find opportunities for private lessons through a dance studio
Step 6. Build a following on social media if you are comfortable with technology
Social media allows you to network, post videos, and you can even offer classes online. To build a following, consistently post, offer helpful dance advice, and give behind-the-scenes glimpses of the dance industry.
- YouTube and Instagram are good platforms to accumulate followers online.
- Follow other dancers and dance teachers in your genre to help you increase the number of followers you have. You can even follow musicians. For example, if you are a hip-hop dancer, you could follow hip-hop artists, rappers, and producers to get a feel for what's going on in the industry.
Step 7. If you want to work on your own, open your own dance studio
When you've worked as a teacher for a few years, you may decide that you want to own your own business. Write a detailed business plan, find a study location, and use your dance industry connections to find students.
If you open your own studio, it's probably your turn to give future dance teachers a chance
Part 3 of 3: Being a Good Dance Teacher
Step 1. Decide what age range you are most comfortable with
While some dance teachers work with a variety of ages, from toddlers to seniors, many prefer to focus on a specific age range. Different ages present different challenges, so if you specialize, you can perfect the teaching style to make it more effective for the group you want to work with.
For example, you might work with children ages 3 to 10 to 12, you might choose to teach teens ages 13 to 18, or you might prefer to teach adults ages 19 and up
Step 2. Offer constructive criticism to students
Telling someone when they are doing the wrong thing can be difficult, but it is an essential part of being a teacher. You should feel comfortable correcting the students' technique and it will be up to you to encourage them when they need to try a little harder. However, remember to praise them when they do a good job to encourage them and make the classes fun.
- Dancing is very competitive, so you will have to put pressure on the students if they want to be successful.
- Good technique is important to avoid injury, so it is crucial that you can offer criticism to students.
Step 3. Make up creative choreographies
When creating a dance routine, for example for a recital or competition, try to think of fun and innovative ways to synchronize the dancers' movements with the music. Use dancing to show your own style and personality, as well as the skill of the dancers.
- Many choreographers prefer to listen to a piece of music over and over again, and then create a dance routine that goes hand in hand with the rhythm, harmonies, and feeling of the song.
- Consider incorporating elements of different genres into your dance. For example, some jazz steps can liven up a ballroom dance routine, while a ballet twist can add grace to a hip-hop routine.
Step 4. Orient the students on and off the dance floor
As a dance teacher, you and the students will have to spend a lot of time together. Sometimes you may need to support a student who has a problem outside of class, especially if you teach private lessons or run small classes. If you notice that a student is having a hard time concentrating or seems to have a weight on them, you could ask them to stay an extra minute or two after class if they want to talk about it.
Of course, as a teacher, you should also know how to avoid getting involved in students' problems. Support them by listening and offering good advice, but keep in mind that you won't always be able to solve the problem
Step 5. If you are teaching young students, you must prepare yourself to deal with their parents
Since dance is a very competitive environment, parents tend to feel highly motivated and passionate. They want the best for their children, which can sometimes lead to strong feelings if they have strong opinions that conflict with your teaching methods.
Keep in mind that students' parents generally have good intentions and you should try to maintain a pleasant but authoritative tone when talking to them
Step 6. Remember the reason you got involved in this career
As you work to become a dance teacher, there may be times when you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or underestimated. Sometimes the world of dance can be a high pressure environment. However, if it is something that you are very passionate about, don't give up and push yourself, and you will see that it will be worth it.