Introduction
This is the type of job where it is important to
demonstrate as well as direct. You would not have to be a
professional dancer to teach dance, but you would be expected to
have undertaken training in this area and reached a high level of
competency. The post exists in some local authorities,
schools, colleges and leisure centres. There are also
opportunities in private dance schools and freelance working.
Work Environment
The work usually takes place in a gymnasium, hall or
dance studio where you would need to project your voice: classes
can be noisy and facilities basic. Appropriate dress is
required, which in most cases would be trainers and track
suit/sports shirt/shorts. There is also deskwork involved and
teaching of theory in the classroom. Hours vary and can range
from a 1.5 hour session per week up to full time positions and will
often involve weekend and evening work - especially when leading up
to a performance.
Daily Activities
Usually dance teachers have other commitments and
responsibilities. Those working in a school environment may
teach another subject and/orhave a management role or be PE
teachers.
Dance teachers work with individuals and groups. They
begin preparing for classes by planning lessons and considering the
syllabus to be followed. This may be done at home or in free
periods.
Their aim is to encourage learners to develop their strength,
stamina and physical dance skills and they must demonstrate
particular techniques - whether the focus is jazz, ballroom, or
ballet. In many cases they will teach a wide range of
different dance styles. Learners would be taken through a
warm up session at the start of each class and a cooling down at
the end. Through this they will learn to how to prevent
injuryorstrain.
There would be paperwork to do including:
- initial assessments;
- recording attendance;
- lesson planning;
- individual learning plans;
- record keeping;
- marking written work.
Skills & Interests
A good practical ability, experience and training in
dance and music is essential as is an interest in teaching.
This requires:
- patience and good communication skills;
- enthusiasm for and knowledge of the subject;
- the ability to support and encourage others to succeed;
- ability to work with a range of different abilities;
- observation skills with an attention to detail;
- confidence;
- good class management including working with challenging
learners.
Entry Requirements
You need to have qualified teacher status (QTS).
For entry to a degree course with QTS, applicants would
usually offer 5 GCSE grades (A-C) with a minimum of 2
A-Levels. Advanced GNVQ/SVQ Levels 2 may be acceptable
fora degree with QTS, but additional subjects may be required such
as A-Level in a National Curriculum subject. English and Maths GCSE
grade C is also required. Adults with relevant experience and
ability would be eligible to apply. There is no upper age
limit but applicants need to be able to take on the physical
demands of the job.
Training
Part time classes are available at private dance schools where it
is possible to do ground examinations in dance followed by a dance
teacher qualification. If a degree does not include QTS
(necessary for state schools), it is possible to apply for a
postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) that will confer
QTS.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are opportunities foremployment in schools and
colleges in all parts of the country, as well as independent
schools, studios and leisure centres. Self-employment is an
option. Some teachers decide to pursue a specialist area of
dance teaching such as choreographyordance therapy. For this,
further study would be appropriate. Employment in specialist
areas is limited. These are some of the choices you can make
to further your career.
Further Information & Services
British Dance Council www.british-dance-council.org
Council forDance Education and Training www.cdet.org.uk
Department forEducation Teaching Agency www.teach.gov.uk
Education jobs www.eteach.com
General Teaching Council forWaleswww.gtcw.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your
local library, careers officeor school careers library.