Can I Become an Instructor?

[rachelan]

:?: I am a ninteen-year-old college soph and I have been seriously thinking about becoming a dance instructor. I know of a few schools that I could major in dance at, but I'm worried b/c I've never really had formal training; however, dancing comes very naturally to me and I am a fast learner. Do you think that my future career goal is possible and if so, how do I catch up in regards to training to achieve it?

[DancingMommy]

It depends on the style of dance you want to teach. Most teachers of the more traditional styles, start at a young age and work their way up in a studio.

Most ballroom/latin dance teachers start later in life (about your age) and get trained at a studio or start as students and then progress into teachers.

As for college, very rarely are there colleges that teach dance ed. although that would be my choice. That's the degree I ultimately would love to attain. But at my age, it's very "not gonna happen" - if you get my drift.

If you want to kick it up a notch, I'd probably take some business classes and marketing. If you want to be a teacher, some of what you need to be successful is actually business related... It's not *all* dancing all the time... 8)

I recommend contacting a local studio (check them out with the Better Business Bureau first) and seeing what their requirements are. Ask about their training programs, etc. However, a word of caution - if you go with a franchise studio, they will most likely have you sign a 2 year agreement saying that if you leave their employemtn anytime within 2 years, you are liable for the cost of instruction that they have given you as part of your training. That said, you have 2 more years of college, so it might not be a bad way to get some A) part time work, B) dance training, C) sales/marketing training, D) teacher training.

[Swing Kitten]

But at my age, it's very "not gonna happen" - if you get my drift.

Hold the phone there DMom! Wheren't you the one with all those words of encouragement that it's never too late to achieve your goals?

[LauraB]

There are a lot of schools that offer dance ed, but you generally have to pass an audition first. I know that Point Park College in Pittsburgh offers that as a major, along with performance. That is only in ballet, modern, or jazz, though, no ballroom/latin. Many ballroom studios offer a teacher-training program, where you learn both the lead and follow, and if you progress well and they have a teaching position open, you're in.

[pygmalion]

Hmm. I had actually considered that myself (at least part time) Laura B. But I've been a student in a franchise studio, and watched many aspiring dance teachers get trained. The only problem I have is that, after four to six weeks training, these teachers know enough to teach beginners. But, without the requirement or personal motivation for continuing education, these teachers are very poorly prepared to actually teach dance to people who want to dance well. What do you think?

[LauraB]

At my (independent) studio, the teacher training program takes quite a while, 1-2 years, and all private lessons. You are definitely "professional" level at that point, since they only put the talented hard-workers into this type of program. There are also mandatory training sessions for all the teachers to improve technique and teaching skills. We are required to become certified within a certain period of time, and encouraged to take the tests all the way up through Silver or Gold. (We get paid more with every level we pass.) At the franchise studio I was originally trained at, there was no motivation for further training, and I was barely trained at all when I started teaching. Everywhere is different, but some studios do it right.

[pygmalion]

Wow! It sounds like you're working an a great studio. It's kind of reassuring to know that there ARE some good studios out there, doing things the right way. :D

[DancingMommy]

But at my age, it's very "not gonna happen" - if you get my drift.

Hold the phone there DMom! Wheren't you the one with all those words of encouragement that it's never too late to achieve your goals?

Well, at 30-something and one toddler and anohther baby on the way in February, the chances of me getting a degree in *anything* in the forseable future are slim to nuttin'..... Besides the fact that I'd hate to take the $$ out of my kids college fund and use it on myself (selfish mommy) :twisted:

I suppose if I spent more time studying and less time online...........

My problem is this: I love programming and I love dancing.... I'm working on some dance-related computer stuff with my hubby (also a programmer) so, it's not a total waste. :) I'd eventually love to own my own studio and run my own competitions/championships, but that takes lots of $$$$$$$$$ (lots and lots) and since I'm currently employed as a domestic engineer - great benefits, but lousy pay :nudge: :nudge: we shall see.

[pygmalion]

Timing is everything, Dancing Mommy. And if it's a computer-related degree you want, there are lots of schools that do online degrees. Online, right up your alley.

But, if it's a dance degree you want, I don't know. can anyone recommend good dance college programs, or have input on how to find one?

[KevinL]

But, if it's a dance degree you want, I don't know. can anyone recommend good dance college programs, or have input on how to find one?

Brigham and Young University is an official member of NDCA so I would expect they would offer dance degrees, but I don't know any details.

[pygmalion]

I just found this interesting article on Josie Neglia's site about her experiences getting a four-year degree in dance. Check it out. 8)

Dance Training in University- Not All Fun & Games

I have always loved to dance and perform. As a child, my sister and I would put on little shows for my parents and it would be common to see me in the school yard parading my dance & gymnastic talents with my friends. But my decision about choosing dance as a career, came when I found out that I could actually take DANCE in university. "Wow"- I thought, "I can dance and get a degree at the same time? Fantastic!"
Well, it was not all fun & games. Taking a 2 hour ballet or modern class EVERY MORNING for 4 years (whether rain, snow storm, or shine, feeling ill or well) was very tough and almost took the "fun" out of dancing. But there were some GREAT days and the INCREDIBLE technique and knowledge of the professors made it worthwhile and easier to get out of bed and into class each day.
I was always a fast-learner in dance, and was accustomed to being praised. My first year at York University Dance Program, ended all that. Not being trained in ballet from an early age, like most of the other dance majors, I received a huge shot to my ego. My Russian-trained ballet professor did not hold back any punches either - she criticized and ridiculed me several times. She actually told me at one point, that I should consider changing majors! Those words hurt me, but made me angry and determined to show her that I had everything it took to be a great dancer.
One class, as we were doing grand jetes across the floor- she actually stopped the class and told everyone to watch me because I had the "flight" and extra height that the others were not grasping - I was on top of the world! I knew she was watching my improvements.
I was always better in modern dance. I loved the freedom and the speed. I studied Graham technique and Limon from great professors. I had many great moments and "break-throughs" in those classes.
In my next 4 years at York University, I improved my ballet, studied movement therapy (Laban), teaching courses, music, dance history, dance notation, performance and different styles of Modern Dance along with all my non-dance academic courses. I graduated 4 years later with a Bachelor's Degree that I proudly hang on my wall.
My dance education has taught me more than just technique and training, it taught me discipline and perseverance. I outlasted many of the trained ballerinas that I started with in my first year.
I highly recommend this dance education to any dancer that wants more in life than to just be a member of a dance company.
Josie Neglia -- 3/1/2001

[DancingMommy]

Timing is everything, Dancing Mommy. And if it's a computer-related degree you want, there are lots of schools that do online degrees. Online, right up your alley.

But, if it's a dance degree you want, I don't know. can anyone recommend good dance college programs, or have input on how to find one?

Now if I can just get an online dance degree....... 8) Hehehehehehe

My problem is I just don't know what I want to be when I grow up... :sigh: