We’re happy to contribute this post, and this series on Careers for Dancers, to DanceAdvantage’s Teach-a-Thon! See the link at the end of this post for more on this great blogging event!

Hopefully you’ve read the first four posts in this series on career advice for dancers. If not, check them out too:

• Challenges of a Professional Dance Career
• Jobs in Dance Companies
• Jobs for Dancers in Media and Communications
• Jobs for Dancers in Medicine and Health Care

Today, we’re wrapping up this series on careers for dancers. Today’s topic: jobs in teaching dance.

Careers in Teaching Dance

Of course, one career path that many dancers choose is the life of teaching dance. There are a few options available within this one career field.

University Dance Programs

One option is to pursue a career as a teacher within a university dance program. These positions require an advanced degree

and extensive professional experience in many dance styles. You’ll need a good knowledge of dance history and theory as well as a thorough understanding of teaching methodologies.

As a university dance teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to organize original research and lead dancers.

Teaching dance in a university is a career goal that you’ll have to work toward. You’ll need years of dance training and education to teach in a university. Very often, dancers only enter this field after a career in professional dance. Teaching within a company can help you gain experience for a university dance teaching job.

Independent Dance Studios

The dream for many dancers is to open a studio where they can share a love of dance with their students. You’ll work with excited, receptive young dancers, and they’ll look to you for training, support, and confidence.

But, opening a studio requires much more than just a building and a practice space.

First, you must have a solid background in dance, and you need to have experience in dance instruction. Without these foundations, you’ll be an ineffective teacher, and you’ll put your students at risk of injury.

Once you have the experience, you’ll need the funds to open a studio. Then, you’ll need insurance. And, you’ll have to find a good location with a large student-base. There are lots of things to think about!

A studio owner also needs skills in areas outside of dance. To grow your business, you will need some amount of marketing and accounting know-how. You’ll have to create budgets, manage loans, organize financial records, and attract students.

The life of a dance instructor isn’t easy. After teaching all day, you’ll still need to work on your own dancing. You’ll need an endless supply of energy and creativity. You’ll have to be accountable to your students. And, as with any business, you may have to pull through some difficult times within the first few years of opening your studio. But, if you’re a self-starter with the right skills, teaching dance might be the right career (Eberts 101, 105).

To find resources for dance teachers, visit the following links.

• National Dance Education Organization
• The British Association of Teachers of Dancing
• Canadian Dance Teachers Association - BC Branch
• Cecchetti Council of America
• Chicago National Association of Dance Masters
• Dance Educators of America
• Dance Masters of America, Inc.

Still Not Sure?

As a dancer, you’re trying to balance your passion with your work. That’s a difficult act for anyone.

For more points to consider when you’re wondering if you should pursue the life of a professional dancer, read the rest of this series on career advice for dancers.

• Challenges of a Professional Dance Career
• Jobs in Dance Companies
• Jobs for Dancers in Media and Communications
• Jobs for Dancers in Medicine and Health Care

Teach-a-Thon

Throughout this week, we are participating in DanceAdvantage’s Teach-a-Thon, a week-long blogging event that offers advice to all of the dance students heading back to classes soon.

As you read our posts on Careers for Dancers all week long, make sure you also check out posts by the other Teach-a-Thon participants.

Additional Sources:

Eberts, Marjorie, and Margaret Gisler. Careers for Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types. McGraw-Hill Professional, 1999.