Becoming a dance teacher is a rewarding journey and career, but the path to teaching looks different for everyone.Some teachers find their way through formal education, while others gain experience early on as teaching assistants or through specialized certification programs. You may even be a natural teacher, with years of dance training under your belt and an ability to lead. The beauty of this profession is that there’s no single right or wrong way to start. Plus, depending on where you want to teach, you may not necessarily need a formal certification. The key is finding the path that works best for you.
My Journey to Teaching Dance
For me, it started with a rigorous dance education as a child, which laid the foundation for my passion. As a teenager, I was fortunate to assist teachers in their classes, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. After performing for several years, I pursued a degree in Dance Education in college, which opened doors to teaching in a variety of settings—from dance studios to the school system, and even community outreach programs.
But what exactly do these different paths look like? Let’s break them down.
1. Formal Education in Dance
One common route is going to college for dance or dance education. Many universities offer specialized programs where you can earn a degree while refining your skills and learning about teaching methodologies. This route often includes internships or student teaching, which prepares you for working in schools or dance companies. For those wanting to teach in public schools, a degree may be required along with state certification. NDEO offers great resources for those pursuing a K-12 education career.
2. Gaining Experience as a Teaching Assistant
If you’re someone who started assisting in dance classes early on, this hands-on experience is incredibly valuable. Many teachers, like myself, began as assistants, learning not just how to teach but also how to manage a classroom and inspire students. Assisting allows you to grow within a studio setting, and some dance studios may even offer mentorship or additional training for assistants who want to transition into full teaching roles.
3. Teacher Certifications
Certifications and training programs offer another path, especially if you’re interested in teaching in studios or community settings. Programs like the NDEO Certificate in Dance Education or the ABT Teacher Training are excellent ways to formalize your expertise and increase your opportunities. These certifications can provide you with the necessary skills to teach a specific syllabus or curriculum, which can be a huge asset when seeking out job opportunities.
4. Studio Dance Teacher
If you’re more interested in teaching in a private studio, the requirements might be more flexible, depending on the studio’s expectations. Some studios may value years of experience as a performer or assistant, while others might prioritize formal certifications. A blog from Dance Studio Pro shares insightful questions you should consider when looking at this career path. Whether you’re certified or not, what matters most is your ability to connect with students and help them grow as dancers.
What’s Right for You?
The key to becoming a dance teacher is finding the path that resonates with your goals. Whether you’re going the college route, starting out as an assistant, or seeking certifications, every experience will help you develop into a teacher that students will learn from and admire. No matter the route you take, becoming a dance teacher is about more than just knowledge—it’s about passion, dedication, and a genuine love for the art of dance.
If you’re interested in learning more about teaching dance or are considering other careers in dance, check out these posts on my blog:
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Happy Dancing,
Taylor
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