A student who assists their teacher in the class room, usually in the student's field of study.
Dance Teacher Certification
If You Can Dance, You May Be Able To Teach It
A Formal Dance Degree Is Not Required
With American Dance Institute's dance teaching certificate in your pocket walk into any dance studio with total confidence, ready to teach children, teens, and adults how to dance. With that confidence your classes will be a flourish, you'll build a following of returning students. Your income will receive a big boost!
Our group training schedules to go over syllabi will coincide with the start of ADI 's Fall 2024 Session and are listed below. If you are interested in certification but cannot make the group training schedule, please reach out to Elizabeth to see if we can potentially arrange individually.
Work Life Balance
Millions of Americans are feeling burned out and are pursuing a healthier, more interesting work-life balance. Perhaps you'd like a fun and rewarding side hustle or perhaps a new career that feeds you rather than eats you.
If you are you a dancer, age 16 yrs old and up, with at least two years of dance instruction, who would like to showcase your talents and work in a wonderful environment doing something you love, then consider becoming a dance teacher.
Three Things All Dance Teachers Need
1. Teaching Content: You need to know what to teach to different age groups and how to break it down for each of those groups.
2. Know How: You need to know the best way to present the information to your students given their age and their physical, intellectual and emotional development.
3. A Mentor: You need someone to guide you and critique your teaching and help you navigate the external conditions that can affect the success or lack thereof of your classes (things like the space you are using, classroom management, behavior issues, group dynamic, use of props and more).
"I have been dancing for years, why do I need teacher training?"
Not every dancer knows how to teach. Teaching is an art and a skill in and of itself. The necessary knowledge and skills could be learned through trial and error, but that would take a long time. The training and practice our teacher training course provides, combined with our unique mentoring program, will shorten the learning curve significantly and give you the skills you need to teach an awesome class.
"Don't I need a two or four-year degree to teach dance?"
No, you do not need an expensive four year degree to become a superbly qualified dance teacher. Public institutions may require a degree, but there are many that do not and there are many more private schools that do not require a degree.
We teach you exactly what you need to know and we teach you how to do it well. Many of the higher education programs teach dance well, but very few colleges teach dancers how to teach dance.
What can I expect to earn once I complete this dance teaching course?
Every studio is different, but generally, new beginning teachers earn anywhere from $25 to $28 per hour, depending on how much ongoing coaching is required. Teachers with more experience, skill, and longevity with one school, you can expect to earn upwards $45-$50 per hour. Most studios will try to schedule two or more classes back to back for a block of teaching hours.
Teachers Training Course to Teach
Adult Beginning Ballet I & II and
Are you an intermediate or advanced dancer who would like to share the joy of dance through teaching?
- Teaching methods
- Injury prevention
- How to break down steps
- Some basic Anatomy & Kinesiology
- Syllabi for Adult Ballet I & II
- The art of hands on corrections
- Ballet Progressions
- Music suggestions
- Musicality and phrasing
- Coaching on how to build ongoing lessons.
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Teacher Training for Young Children's Classes
3 Pack: Mommy & Me, Children's Creative Dance, & Pre-Ballet I, II & III
Course Length: 8-12 Weeks
Cost: $2,000
The 3 Pack includes training to teach Mommy & Me for children ages 2.5-4 years, Creative Dance for children ages 3.5-5, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5-7 years.
Training/Coaching will be led by American Dance Institute Founder/Director Elizabeth Chayer or Assistant Director Dakota Crist.
Syllabus Instruction will be covered in 3 Days which can be coordinated to fit your schedule. The observing and TA’ing will be spread over 8-12 weeks and can typically be done weekend mornings..
The Course Of Study for the 3 Pack Includes The Following:
- 9 classroom hours of instruction in teaching methods and ADI syllabi
- Syllabus Binder with detailed notes for our Mommy/Daddy & Me , Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet curricula.
- 24 + Studio Hours Observing /Assisting in Classes
- 10 + hours of student teaching
- 10 + hours of mentorship critiquing and coaching by Elizabeth and/or Dakota
- Ongoing in-person coaching if teaching at ADI. If you are teaching at another school, coaching will be available if you send a video of the classes you would like critiqued.
- Music Recommendations for all classes
- Upon completion of the program, candidates will receive a Dance Teaching Certificate showing completion of training at the American Dance Institute.
- Graduates would be seriously considered for employment at ADI.
- The knowledge gained qualifies you to teach at any other private dance school. College bound students can work teaching dance part time in your college town! Or teach for the American Dance Institute' s Summer classes & Camps.
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Upcoming Teacher Training Course for Young Children's classes
3 Pack Training Session to teach
Mommy/Daddy & Me * Creative Dance * Pre-Ballet
Schedule to be arranged.
- Training Day #1: Lesson on Teaching Methods and critical elements that need to be present in every class. Go over Mommy & Me Syllabus with variations on warm up exercises, movement activities and Creative Dances for Toddlers.
- Training Day #2: Opportunities for candidates to teach part of a mock Mommy & Me class, with a discussion/critique afterwards. Go over Creative Dance Syllabus with variations on warm up exercises, movement activities and Creative Dances for ages 3 ½ - 5 years.
- Training Day #3: Teach part of a mock Creative Dance Class with a discussion/critique after. Go over the Pre-Ballet Syllabus with variations on warm up exercises, movement activities and Creative Dances for 5-7 years olds.
- Observe or TA in Mommy & Me, Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet classes on a weekly basis for 12 weeks, 1 day a week ( at one of our 4 locations. You will be given opportunities during the session to teach a portion of each class, and eventually a full class, with critique/coaching from Elizabeth and/or Dakota afterwards.
- Cost for the 3 pack training is $2000.
- Enrollment in the program is limited to 8 Trainees and Applicants must be available to observe/TA in the 3 pack classes throughout the Winter session. We will have no more than wo trainees per class and days/locations will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
- Interested parties should fill out an application. Elizabeth will follow up to schedule an interview to see if you are a good candidate for the program, and if yes, have you come take one of our adult classes to see your technique,
Teacher Training Course to Teach
Children's Ballet
This course is ideal for the intermediate or advanced Ballet dancer who would like to share the joy of dance
through teaching. Applicants must audition and show clean technique and great musicality.
The Classroom/Studio session will cover:
- Teaching methods
- Injury prevention
- How to break down steps
- Some basic Anatomy & Kinesiology
- Children's Ballet I & II Syllabi
- The art of hands on corrections
- Ballet Progressions
- Music suggestions
- Musicality & Phrasing
- Coaching on how to build ongoing lessons.
- Tips for choreographing for perfomances
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Teacher Training Course - Two Pack:
Bundle - Teaching Children's Ballet and Adult Ballet
Are you an intermediate or advanced dancer who would like to share the joy of dance through teaching?
The Classroom/Studio session will cover:
Teaching methods | Progressions |
Injury prevention | Music suggestions |
How to break down steps | Musicality & Phrasing |
Some basic Anatomy & Kinesiology | Coaching on how to build ongoing lessons. |
Children's Ballet Syllabi | Adult Ballet Syllabi |
The art of hands on corrections |
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Future Course Offerings In Development
Additional training courses to teach adults, teens and older children and/or other dance styles will be available sometime in 2023.
- Modern Dance Teacher Training For Adults
- Modern Dance Teacher Training For Kids
- Jazz Teacher Training For Adults
- Hip Hop Dance Teacher Training For Adults & Kids
- Tap Dance Teacher Training For Adults
- Tap Dance Teacher Training For Kids
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
The American Dance Institute's
DANCE TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Mommy & Me :
Thursday, September 5, 2024
6:00-9:00pm in Greenwood
Creative Dance:
Sunday, September 8, 2024
3:00-6:00pm in Magnolia
Pre-Ballet:
Monday, September 9, 2024
6:00-9:00pm in Wedgwood
Children's Ballet I & II and Adult Ballet I & II:
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
6:00-9:00pm in Greenwood
FAQ's
What experience is typically required to become a certified dance teacher?
Our certification programs require at least one year of dance classes experience. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the specific program and style of dance.
What level of higher education is generally needed for obtaining a dance teacher certification?
We do not require a formal degree in Dance or a related field. It is often beneficial but not necessary. Some certification programs may only require high school education along with substantial training and experience in dance.
What types of training are essential for becoming a certified dance teacher?
Training should include intensive classes in dance style that you love.
How does one obtain an ADI dance teacher certification?
Leveraging your own experience, classroom training, assistant teaching, observation and mentorship.
What are the requirements for obtaining a dance teacher certification in the United States?
The requirements differ by organization, but generally include a certain level of dance experience, knowledge of teaching methods and student learning styles, and successful completion of written and practical exams. Some organizations also require first aidCPR training.
How does anatomy knowledge apply to a dance teacher certification in the U.S.?
Understanding human anatomy can help dance teachers create safe and effective classes, avoid injuries, and enhance dancers performance. Many certification programs incorporate basic anatomy education into their curriculum however dancers with sufficient dance experience to qualify of our courses, do tend to know anatomy, be quick studies, and learn the subject manner quickly.
What is the importance of copyright laws in relation to being a certified dance teacher in the U.S.?
Copyright laws protect choreography as intellectual property. Dance teachers must understand these laws to respect others work and protect their own; using someone elses choreography without permission can lead to legal consequences.
Can I use copyrighted music for my dance class if I am a certified dance teacher in the U.S.?
Generally, playing copyrighted music in a class setting falls under fair use. However, creating recordings or public performances with copyrighted music may require permission or licensing from the copyright holder, which American Dance Institute honors.
Do different states have different requirements for obtaining a dance teacher certification?
While there isn't typically state-specific certification for dance teachers, some states may have additional educational or business licensing requirements for operating a studio business or teaching at public schools.
American Dance Institute, Dance Teacher Certification, Teaching Confidence, Children's Dance Classes, Teen Dance Classes, Adult Dance Classes, Group Training Schedules, Fall 2024 Session, Syllabi Training, Returning Students, Income Improvement, Elizabeth (Program Contact), Individual Training Arrangements
In the United States, particularly at the American Dance Institute in Seattle, Washington, dance teacher certification can be achieved through a focused journey that recognizes experience, skill, and education combined with or independent of traditional university or college degrees. This path is designed for those passionate about dance, ranging from ballet to hip hop and other dance style music, and includes intensive training in how to teach. The curriculum at the American Dance Institute prioritizes the development of choreography skills, blending creativity with physical fitness. Teachers in training learn the nuances of different styles, such as tap dance and yoga, while also mastering the art of lesson planning and pedagogy. This hands-on approach ensures a practical and comprehensive understanding of dance education. Professional certification at the institute involves specific exams and licensure tailored to meet the standards necessary for teaching dance effectively. Our program is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to excel in private studios and public settings, including K–12 environments, with additional certificates and licenses as local government institutions require; furthermore, the program acknowledges the importance of holistic health approaches in education. Dance therapy, which combines the art of dance with the science of therapy to promote holistic wellness, is often part of the curriculum, highlighting the interplay between mind and body wellness. In summary, the American Dance Institute in Seattle offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to dance teacher certification, focusing on practical skills, legal knowledge, digital marketing, and holistic health, all without the need for traditional college or university degrees.
In Seattle, WA, the American Dance Institute's dance teacher certificate program offers a unique blend of experiences, leveraging the city's rich diversity of locales and cultural influences. As students traverse the program, they find inspiration in the lush landscapes of Woodland Park and Carkeek Park, observing the natural rhythms and movements of the animals at the Woodland Park Zoo. The vibrant community in Loyal Heights and the bustling Ballard Commons Park provide ample opportunities for observing and engaging with diverse dance styles, from hip hop to more traditional forms. The program often includes field trips to the other ADI studios in Seattle, where students study movement in varied environments, from the whimsical carousel at Woodland Park to the serene settings of Crown Hill Park and Garvan Woodland Gardens. Seattle's iconic landmarks, like the Salmon Bay Bridge, also serve as backdrops for impromptu performances and creative dance projects. Culinary experiences at local favorites such as Red Mill Burgers, The Little Red Hen, Ruski's Tavern, and Taco del Mar, along with global chains like IHOP, Starbucks, and Taco Bell, provide a taste of Seattle's eclectic flavors, fueling creativity. Discussions over seafood delicacies or a quick coffee break at Starbucks offer moments for students led by esteemed dance educators like Elizabeth Chayer to share insights and inspirations. The influence of Seattle's culture, extending to neighboring cities like Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way, Kirkland, Marysville, and Redmond, enriches the curriculum. The program also acknowledges popular cultural influences, such as the animated series 'The Angry Beavers,' recognizing the role of media in shaping modern dance trends. This holistic approach to dance education in the American Dance Institute's program not only hones the technical skills of aspiring dance teachers but also immerses them in the vibrant, multifaceted tapestry of Seattle's cultural landscape. Elizabeth Chayer, a renowned figure at the American Dance Institute in Seattle, Washington, has developed a comprehensive dance teacher certification program. This program integrates knowledge from diverse fields, including tap dance and dance therapy, to ensure a well-rounded education for future dance educators. The curriculum, designed with inputs from educational bodies like the Hartford School of Ballet and over 40 years of teaching experience, aligns with higher education accreditation standards in the United States.
Participants in the program benefit from a blend of theoretical and practical training, covering aspects from educational accreditation to teaching methods and incorporating insights from disciplines like fine art, music, and fitness. The course includes lesson plan development, ensuring that certified teachers emerge with a foundation in pedagogy and an understanding of the discipline. Chayer's program emphasize the importance of a holistic educational approach. The program also focuses on the moral and ethical aspects of teaching, recognizing teachers' responsibility in shaping young minds. Graduates who may pursue further education like a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, or even a Master's degree are prepared to teach in various settings, from K–12 to charter schools and community centers, understanding the different jurisdictional and charter requirements.
Moreover, Chayer's approach includes modern methodologies, such as incorporating aerobic exercise and Zumba into the curriculum, and acknowledges the growing field of dance therapy. Graduates of this program leave not only as skilled dancers and teachers but also as well-rounded individuals who are ready to make extra income.