Dance Instructor Training
Like dancers, dance instructors face much job competition. At the professional level, only the best in the field obtain work, and regular work is even harder to come by. However, there are many avenues a prospective dance teacher can take, and some of them will allow her to enter the classroom more easily. Regardless of which road he decides to take, he will need to have perseverance and a passion for sharing his love of dance with others.
Other People Are Reading
-
Training as a Dancer
-
Before anything else, a dance instructor needs to have a background in dance. The amount and quality of experience varies widely and depends on what level and age range she wants to teach. There are some early childhood programs that put much more emphasis on having experience working with children 5 years old an under, rather than years of intensive dance training. Instructing older and more advanced students will, of course, require more dance training. A prospective instructor will probably want to teach in the type of dance she is most experienced in, and she may want to take refresher courses in styles she is less familiar with before beginning to teach. Since she will be relaying information to a group of students, she must have a solid understanding of the style's techniques and concepts.
Teaching Skills and Experience
-
Various colleges and universities offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees in dancing. Enrolling in several education courses for curriculum and classroom management skills is also a good idea. These are not necessary but desirable if a dance instructor wants to teach at the professional or college level. Experience in the classroom by way of substitute teaching or working at a daycare of preschool will also supplement teaching tools.
-
Instructor Qualities
-
Dance instructors are in good physical condition, very enthusiastic about teaching, have plenty of ambition and have great communication skills. A good teacher will have strong time management, creativity, patience, grace, rhythm, music appreciation and a joy for sharing dancing skills.
Job Responsibilities
-
Dance instructors teach classes at various locations to all or specific age groups. They specialize in one or two areas of dance, market their classes, choreograph dances, design curricula or learn existing ones given by her employer. They plan and manage recitals, teach pupils about rhythm and technique and correct body position to prevent injury. They choose which music classes will dance to, consult with other teachers, and if they run their own school, take care of costume design, administrative work, hiring and supervising other teachers and communicating with pupils and their parents.
Employers
-
Dancers typically work for dance schools, which can range from early childhood dance education organizations or companies to professional and prestigious schools for pre-professional or professional artists. Companies also hire dancers to condition and prepare dancers for performance. Of course, a dance instructor can always open up her own school or offer private or small group lessons.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ballet image by huaxiadragon from Fotolia.com
