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 open to everyone – those with years of dance experience and training, and those with little or no dance background. You will learn how to dance and how to teach the lead and the follow role of 17 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. The fee for this is commensurate to the hourly tuition. When you decide to join the program you can apply 100% of the payment of the trial session fee towards your tuition.
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. The certification exam for which the 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 completes 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?
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 open to everyone – those with years of dance experience and training, and those with little or no dance background. You will learn how to dance and how to teach the lead and the follow role of 17 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. The fee for this is commensurate to the hourly tuition. When you decide to join the program you can apply 100% of the payment of the trial session fee towards your tuition.
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. The certification exam for which the 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 completes 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?
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.
