Dance Teacher

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

35 to 37 variable

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Dance Teacher

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
working towards this role

College / University

You'll need a relevant degree in dance or performing arts. To teach in a state school you'll need qualified teacher status (QTS).

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

3 A levels or equivalent

You'll need at least a level 3 qualification in performing arts dance or higher, if you want to teach, for example in a further education college.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You could work your way into this role if you've got several years' experience in dance.

You could start as an assistant in a private dance school and do teaching qualifications with a relevant dance organisation.

The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre has a list of approved awarding organisations.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of the fine arts
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
knowledge of English language
the ability to use your initiative
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to work well with others
leadership skills
the ability to teach pupils how to do something
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day activities will include:

showing students how to warm up and move safely
demonstrating how to perform dance moves
designing dance pieces and performances
keeping records of students’ performance and progress
providing feedback to students
entering students for dance exams
maintaining your own dance skills and techniques

Working Environment

You could work in the community, in a theatre, in a creative studio or at a school.

Career Path & Progression

In a school you could become a head of department or headteacher.

You could also move into choreography or dance movement psychotherapy, with further training.

As a private dance teacher you could develop your own business and run your own dance school.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England

Career tips

You can search for jobs in schools through the Teaching Vacancies service.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a dance teacher from:

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults