Dance Teacher
Job Description:Dance teachers train and develop their pupils in all types of dance.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could:
- show students how to warm up and move safely
- demonstrate how to perform dance moves
- design dance pieces and performances
- keep records of students’ performance and progress
- provide feedback to students
- assess students for dance exams
- maintain your own dance skills and techniques
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- the ability to teach pupils how to do something (creativity)
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- leadership skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Entry Requirements:
To become a Dance Teacher, you don’t typically need specific subjects, but a strong foundation in dance and related skills can be advantageous. Here are some relevant subjects:
- Dance or Performing Arts: Enrolling in courses related to dance or performing arts can provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills in dance techniques, choreography, and performance.
- Physical Education (PE): PE courses can help you develop a good understanding of fitness, anatomy, and the principles of movement, which are important for teaching dance.
- English Language: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for teaching and explaining dance concepts to students.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills can be helpful for managing budgets and financial aspects if you plan to start your own dance school or studio.
- Art or Creative Subjects: Courses related to art, drama, or creative expression can foster creativity and an appreciation for the arts, which can be beneficial in dance instruction.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- other routes for qualified teachers
University
You’ll need a relevant degree in dance or performing arts. There are some degrees in dance that include teacher training. To teach in a state school you’ll need qualified teacher status (QTS).
As a primary teacher, you’ll train to teach all subjects and could develop a subject specialism in physical education, which may include dance or creative movement.
At secondary level you could teach dance as a single subject or combined with other subjects like physical education, drama or performing arts.
To be a lecturer in a university you’ll need a postgraduate qualification or a recognised profile as a professional performer, along with teaching experience.
College
You’ll need at least a higher qualification in performing arts dance or higher, if you want to teach, for example in a further education college, as a sessional teacher in schools or in a private dance school.
You’ll improve your chances of employment with a professional qualification from a recognised dance awarding organisation.
Work
You could work your way into this role if you’ve got several years’ experience in dance.
You could start as an assistant in a private dance school and do teaching qualifications with a relevant dance organisation.
Other Routes
If you’re already a qualified teacher without dance subject knowledge, for example a P.E. teacher, you could take a course in Supporting the Delivery of Dance in Physical Education and School Sport.
Career tips
If you have an interest in dance but do not want to train as a teacher you could consider dance fitness instructor training.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 35-37 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends attending events or appointments.
You could work at a school, at a college, at a university, an independent training centre or in the community.
Career Path & Progression:
In a school you could become a head of department or headteacher.
You could also move into choreography or dance movement psychotherapy, with further training.
As a private dance teacher you could develop your own business and run your own dance school.