How to Become a Dance Instructor

While there are no official educational requirements to become a dance instructor, you need a dancing background and some teaching training in order to be well-established within the artistic community. Much of it has to do with your own background, but there also things you can do push your knowledge further if you feel you need to.

Instructions

1. Train under the wing of a professional. Most dance instructors are trained directly by other dancers, rather than attending a specific school or training program. This is particularly helpful if you’re training in classical or traditional dances, where the name of your tutor will have a great impact on your own future.

2. Attend group and individual classes as a student. Group classes will help you learn how to deal with the dynamics of mixed people who are at different levels and capacities, while individual classes will help you perfect your form and strategy.

3. Participate in competitions, demonstrations and shows. Dance instructors are often evaluated by their past accomplishments in the dance field. Even if you haven’t won any major competitions, the fact that you are actively participating is still a good point in your resume.

4. Attend an art college or dance academy only if you are looking to make dance your main career focus. Many dance instructors actually teach only as a side occupation, while their main focus is their own dancing or even other aspects of the artistic field. Juilliard School and the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University are two of the main U.S. universities for those wishing to pursue an education in dance.

5. Teach locally. If your teaching aspirations are mainly as a way of earning money or helping others express themselves, you could try working at local dance studios or opening your own academy. If you were a student at a particular school for a long period of time, you may potentially take over classes from old teachers or substitute when they’re absent until you can eventually land your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Becoming a dance instructor is mainly based on your own experience and qualities. If you have no resume to showcase your past achievements, work on building one by volunteering your time at art studios or learning annexes.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish