Being a ballroom dance instructor is not an easy task if you lack the passion, commitment, and the zest to convert your creative ability into a steady income. You think you have it in you? Then this article on how to become a ballroom dance instructor will tell you what you need to do.
“I am a dancer. I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living…. In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes in some area an athlete of God.” ~ Martha Graham, c.1953
I believe if you are choosing a career in a creative field like dancing, be it any form of dancing, you must have the passion and the thirst to learn more and more by constant practice and exploring where your body can take you. You cannot be a good teacher if you cease the willingness to learn. This is what Martha Graham emphasizes in her quote above. Constant practicing; be it at work; or in your daily life is the key to become a dedicated dancer. For the one who doesn’t live its life dancing, cannot teach others to do so.
Let me ask you a question, what is ballroom dancing for you? Is it a form of dance, or a form of life? How many hours can you spend practicing ballroom dancing? 5 to 6 hours, or the feet and music just find a way to get back in sync as soon as you get a chance! No, these statements are not exaggeration, these are the characteristics of a true ballroom dancer, these statements show the passion that a ballroom dancer must inhibit to take his passion into a flourishing and satisfying career. Do you think that you have it in you? Are you eager to become a ballroom dancer so that you can live, breathe, and earn ballroom dancing?
How to Become a Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor?
Dancing is not something that can be learned and taught…, you can only teach it if you feel it, the feeling being so strong, that the one who sees it, feels it too. As long as you have the passion, which is the first requirement to become a ballroom instructor, and the dedication, which is the second most important trait of a ballroom dancing teacher, the rest of the journey is nothing but a few steps that you need to take to convert your passion into your profession. Here is what you need to do!
Look for a Recognized Dance Institution
Unfortunately, when it comes to becoming a reliable and a certified ballroom dance instructor, you need to enroll yourself in a teachers training program with a reputed ballroom dancing institution like the Ballroom Dance Academy. Check in your city and inquire about some acknowledged ballroom dancing courses that can give you the certification and the training required to have a stable career as a ballroom instructor.
Follow before You Lead
Before you can teach, you have to know how it feels like to be able to learn and then teach others in the similar manner. Enroll yourself with a dance academy for the training program and learn. If you are a beginner with no prior dancing experience then there is a course known as the American Style Bronze Teacher Training wherein you will be taught the 17 different styles of ballroom dancing over a period of 16 months. This course is designed according to the Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA) which teaches you the basic, technical, musical aspects of ballroom dancing.
Look for a Part-time Job
Unlike any other job, it is best to get some experience while learning, there is no harm in that, in fact, you are getting a chance to practice and learning better. You can start teaching at a basic level, may be to the kids in the neighborhood. Usually your teachers training course will have lessons on how to teach in groups, but then if you want, you can also start on a part-time basis. Dancing as much as you can, makes you learn and practice, right?
Complete the Course, Get Certified and Start Dancing!
Once you have done the teacher’s course, there is a separate course that you need to do in order to become a certified ballroom dancer. For this there is a teaching curriculum designed by the National Dance Council of America which needs to be completed and certification is granted after passing the examination conducted by the NDCA.
Remember me mentioning that ballroom dancing needs passion and dedication. And the passion and dedication also pays of, not only monetarily, but also spiritually. The average ballroom dance instructor salary varies from where you live and where you work. However, on an average, they can earn about $21,000-$25,000 annually. I hope this article has helped you realize where you need to tune your body and take your feet to sway with the music called life. Keep dancing and keep learning. All the best!
