How to Become a Ballroom Dancing Instructor

Perhaps you've been dancing for several years and wonder how you can turn what you love into a profession. Perhaps you can no longer dance in competitions but can still do the steps. Becoming a ballroom dance instructor takes more than just being a good dancer. Here are the steps to follow.

Instructions

1. Find a partner who's interested in becoming a ballroom dance instructor too. That way, you're both motivated to build your careers. Ask at local dance studios and at competitions.

2. Visit studios in your area and ask about being a paid partner for their students. You earn cash, dance weekly and watch how professional instructors teach.

3. Enter as many competitions with your partner as you can. Your resume will get noticed if you win and it looks great on your marketing materials.

4. Go through the basic steps in slow motion. Break them down so you can demonstrate every movement. Do this for both the leader's and follower's steps.

5. Check local dance schools for opportunities. Sometimes they'll train talented dancers to be teachers at their studios. Volunteer as an assistant or partner for the experience if they can't offer you paid work.

6. Give private lessons at reduced fees. Teach family members and friends. Post fliers in cafes, community centers and local gyms.

7. Create a strategic marketing plan where you and your partner cultivate potential customers. Set up a referral network with instructors who don't teach ballroom dancing so you're not in direct competition.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've been teaching for a few years, participate as a judge at local ballroom dance competitions.

• Build experience as a dance instructor by advertising in wedding publications and offering to teach couples a dance for their big day.

• Include video instructions of some of the simpler steps on your website.