Requirements to Become a Dance Teacher

Teaching dance to children requires patience.

Teaching dance can be a rewarding career for those who love the art of dance and wish to share their passion with others. Dance teachers must have a thorough knowledge of the style they wish to teach and be able to demonstrate and physically execute advanced dance moves. Different credentials and educational requirements are required for dance teachers, which vary depending on where you want to teach.

Private Studios

Many dance studios offer yoga classes.

Private studios will each have their own requirements for hiring teachers. Some studios hire teachers who have grown up studying dance at the studio and so are familiar with the type of teaching they desire. Others studios prefer teachers to have a college degree in dance or some professional experience. Having other certifications on your resume, such as yoga, aerobics, Pilates or floor barre, can help you get hired, because you will be able to teach many classes. Certification in a dance teaching method will show that you have a concrete understanding of teaching methodologies as well as being proficient in dance technique. Dance teaching certifications are available for techniques, such as classical ballet, belly dance, ballroom dance, and various Latin dance forms.

Pre-professional Academies

Pre-professional academies, such as the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, and The Ailey School, require teachers to be former or current dancers in the company affiliated with the school. Pre-professional academies aim to prepare the next generation of performers for their company. These schools desire teachers who are able to successfully mentor students based on first-hand professional dance experience.

High School

If you are interested in teaching dance in a high school, you will need a degree in dance as well as a teaching credential. Depending on the school, you might also be asked to teach other courses, such as English or Physical Education or teach dance part time, as few schools have full-time dance programs. Performing arts high schools may have additional requirements for teachers, such as extensive teaching experience or professional performing experience.

Higher Education

Getting a job teaching dance in colleges and universities requires a graduate degree. If you want to teach mostly dance technique and choreography, a Master of Fine Arts is sufficient. Because of the competitive nature of university positions, most universities also require performing experience with a major dance company in addition to an advanced degree. If you want to teach theory and history of dance courses, you can get a Ph.D in dance history, anthropology of dance or dance education.

References

• Mills College: Graduate Degrees in Dance
• American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum
• SharQui: The Bellydance Workout
• Halanda Studio for Dance and Fitness: Teacher Bios