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:
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.