How to become a Dance Teacher

What is a dance teacher?

Dance teachers are usually dancers who are looking for a career change or who want to use their experience to further their career. They can teach many different types of dance in a wide variety of places – from schools to children’s activity organisations, PPA cover through to private dance clubs – and can do so as part of their existing job or by taking their career in a new direction.

What qualifications do I need to become a dance teacher?

Dance teachers who want to work in state schools need Qualified Teacher Status, which you can gain through a PCGE or similar course, while anyone wanting to work privately or as a self-employed teacher can qualify with the Royal Academy of Dance or the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. There are also various associations open to dance teachers, such as the National Dance Teachers Association, which may offer useful advice and guidance as well as more job opportunities. Some PE Teachers offer Dance as their second or specialist area.

What skills/experience will an employer look for?

Employers will be looking for their dance teachers to be excellent choreographers as well as being able to inspire and motivate those they teach. Some technical dance knowledge will be an advantage, as will previous teaching or dancing experience as it is a very competitive industry. Dance teachers in state schools in particular may also need some knowledge of other subjects and or teaching or other coaching qualifications depending on the school.

Who might employ a dance teacher?

-Schools

-Colleges

-Private dance schools

-Self-employment

-School sport Partnerships

-Children’s activity organisations

-Sports Coaching Companies

-Holiday companies incl Cruise Ships etc.

-Breakfast Clubs, After school Clubs and PPA providers etc

-Performing Arts companies

What salary can I expect?

The salary for teachers in a state school ranges from £21,500-£31-500. Private or self-employed dance teachers can expect their own income to vary depending on the amount of work.

What is my career progression?

Dance teachers in state schools have all the opportunities for progression associated with teaching, although to progress as a dance teacher specifically the opportunities within a school may be limited. Successful dance teachers can also choose to run their own dance schools or to become self-employed if and when they feel they have sufficient business expertise and experience.

What are the best things about being a dance teacher?

There can be a huge amount of freedom available to dance teachers in their career. Not only is there such a variety of potential workplaces but there’s also many different career paths a dance teacher can choose to take. On top of that, being a qualified dance teacher can prove to be an advantage in their existing career to help them stand out from the crowd.

Are there any drawbacks?

In state schools there will often be times when a dance teacher has to teach something else they may enjoy a bit less, while private and self-employed teachers may not always have a consistent workload. The dance facilities can also sometimes leave something to be desired.

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More Information:

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