This is the sort of job where it is important to ‘do’ as well as ‘tell’. You would not have to be a professional dancer to teach dance, but to get the message across you must be able to demonstrate what you are talking about.

The post exists in all types of authority except for district councils.

Work Environment

The work 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.

The hours are 36 per week and may involve weekend and evening work - especially when there is a performance being staged.

Daily Activities

Usually dance teachers have other commitments and responsibilities within the school. They may teach another subject and/or have 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 pupils to develop their skills and they must demonstrate particular techniques – whether the focus is jazz dance or ballet. In most cases they will teach a wide range of different dance styles and bear in mind that, though their pupils must experience the appropriate physical demands made upon them, they must be taught to how to prevent injury or strain.

There is paper work to do such as record keeping and marking written work.

Skills & Interests

A good practical ability in dance and music is essential as is an interest in teaching adults and children. This requires:

• patience and good communication skills
• enthusiasm for the subject
• the ability to support and encourage others to succeed
• observation skills with an attention to detail
• confidence
• the ability to control a group - sometimes of unruly pupils - and keep order in class.

Entry Requirements

You need to have qualified teacher status (QTS). For entry to a degree course with QTS, applicants would usually offer 5 GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3) with a minimum of 2 A Levels/4 H Grades. Advanced GNVQ/SVQ Levels 2 may be acceptable for a degree with QTS, but additional subjects may be required such as A Level in a National Curriculum subject. English and Maths GCSE/S grade C(3 ) is also required.

Adult entry

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.

Estimated salary range

Variable – from £20,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There are opportunities for employment 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 choreography or dance 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.

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