Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make a living teaching dance?
Ballroom Dance Instructors work at large national franchise studios, at private studios, or as independent teachers. In addition to traditional studios, dance instructors are in demand to teach through municipal parks and recreation programs, at school and after-school enrichment programs, on cruises, at resorts, many places that might surprise you!
Are there prerequisites for taking Ballroom Dance Teacher training?
Our program is most suitable for those with intermediate and above dance background. However, you do not need an extensive dance background to participate. You will learn how to dance and how to teach the lead and the follow role of 16 ballroom dances, as well as musical, technical and historical information for these dances. The only prerequisite is a strong desire to learn, and the perseverance and determination to succeed.
I already have considerable dance experience – what will this program do for me?
This program will train you in all of the technical elements of the dances and significantly improve your knowledge and technique.
How large are the classes?
Enrollment varies each quarter. We generally have between 5 and 15 students per quarter. Our small class sizes ensure that every student will receive considerable individual attention.
What will I be expected to do in the training sessions besides dance?
Because this is a teaching class, there is a strong emphasis on presentation skills. You will be expected to present material to the class on a regular basis. You may be asked to demonstrate a figure or to present a brief history of a specific dance. Also, in order to teach a specific dance or figure, you need to be able to articulate and demonstrate both the leader’s and follower’s part. We spend equal time in class working on both parts, and every student is expected to dance with every other student as both leader and follower, regardless of gender. This is standard practice for professional dance instruction. Finally participants are expected to behave to the highest standards of professionalism while participating in the program, acting with integrity and demonstrating positive communication and behavior.
How much effort outside of the training sessions is required?
A good rule of thumb would be to plan for one hour outside of class for each hour in class. This would include study time and practice time. Participate in as many classes and workshops offered by well-qualified instructors as you can (we will make recommendations for classes and workshops). Partner up with other trainees for practice sessions - the more serious your commitment, the more and better you will learn.
May I observe a training session?
If you are unsure about whether to sign up, we would much rather that you participate in a session – that’s really the best way to get a feel for what it’s like. We offer an open house before the start of each quarter which includes a sample class. Please contact us if you would like to attend our next open house session.
Will I be ‘certified’ on completion of the training?
When you complete the Teacher Training you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This is a valuable accomplishment, and it will serve as a wonderful credential for your dance resume. However, the Certificate of Completion is different than professional certification. Professional certification is an additional credential above and beyond the scope of this course. An analogy is that the Certificate of Completion is like a college degree and the Professional Certification is equivalent additional exams such as the Bar exam for lawyers or the Boards for Cosmotology, Nursing, Teaching, etc.
The professional certification exam for which our training prepares you is the Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA) certification. Our curriculum is based on the DVIDA syllabus and exam structure and provides complete and thorough training for all the DVIDA professional exams. We will assist you in arranging to take the exam.
Why should I pursue DVIDA Certification?
It is not necessary to become professionally certified to teach ballroom dance. However the DVIDA Certification process offers extraordinary benefits to dance teachers. Beyond the direct benefit of the training on your dance and dance instruction skills, the certificate you receive when you pass your certification exams declares your expertise to the world. You’ll be able to attract serious students and earn more for your services. You will be a desirable employee in dance studios around the country. You can even obtain your judging credential. Your certification is the first step to being recognized as a national expert.
Can I make a living teaching dance?
Ballroom Dance Instructors work at large national franchise studios, at private studios, or as independent teachers. In addition to traditional studios, dance instructors are in demand to teach through municipal parks and recreation programs, at school and after-school enrichment programs, on cruises, at resorts, many places that might surprise you!
Are there prerequisites for taking Ballroom Dance Teacher training?
Our program is most suitable for those with intermediate and above dance background. However, you do not need an extensive dance background to participate. You will learn how to dance and how to teach the lead and the follow role of 16 ballroom dances, as well as musical, technical and historical information for these dances. The only prerequisite is a strong desire to learn, and the perseverance and determination to succeed.
I already have considerable dance experience – what will this program do for me?
This program will train you in all of the technical elements of the dances and significantly improve your knowledge and technique.
How large are the classes?
Enrollment varies each quarter. We generally have between 5 and 15 students per quarter. Our small class sizes ensure that every student will receive considerable individual attention.
What will I be expected to do in the training sessions besides dance?
Because this is a teaching class, there is a strong emphasis on presentation skills. You will be expected to present material to the class on a regular basis. You may be asked to demonstrate a figure or to present a brief history of a specific dance. Also, in order to teach a specific dance or figure, you need to be able to articulate and demonstrate both the leader’s and follower’s part. We spend equal time in class working on both parts, and every student is expected to dance with every other student as both leader and follower, regardless of gender. This is standard practice for professional dance instruction. Finally participants are expected to behave to the highest standards of professionalism while participating in the program, acting with integrity and demonstrating positive communication and behavior.
How much effort outside of the training sessions is required?
A good rule of thumb would be to plan for one hour outside of class for each hour in class. This would include study time and practice time. Participate in as many classes and workshops offered by well-qualified instructors as you can (we will make recommendations for classes and workshops). Partner up with other trainees for practice sessions - the more serious your commitment, the more and better you will learn.
May I observe a training session?
If you are unsure about whether to sign up, we would much rather that you participate in a session – that’s really the best way to get a feel for what it’s like. We offer an open house before the start of each quarter which includes a sample class. Please contact us if you would like to attend our next open house session.
Will I be ‘certified’ on completion of the training?
When you complete the Teacher Training you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This is a valuable accomplishment, and it will serve as a wonderful credential for your dance resume. However, the Certificate of Completion is different than professional certification. Professional certification is an additional credential above and beyond the scope of this course. An analogy is that the Certificate of Completion is like a college degree and the Professional Certification is equivalent additional exams such as the Bar exam for lawyers or the Boards for Cosmotology, Nursing, Teaching, etc.
The professional certification exam for which our training prepares you is the Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA) certification. Our curriculum is based on the DVIDA syllabus and exam structure and provides complete and thorough training for all the DVIDA professional exams. We will assist you in arranging to take the exam.
Why should I pursue DVIDA Certification?
It is not necessary to become professionally certified to teach ballroom dance. However the DVIDA Certification process offers extraordinary benefits to dance teachers. Beyond the direct benefit of the training on your dance and dance instruction skills, the certificate you receive when you pass your certification exams declares your expertise to the world. You’ll be able to attract serious students and earn more for your services. You will be a desirable employee in dance studios around the country. You can even obtain your judging credential. Your certification is the first step to being recognized as a national expert.
