Turn your passion for dance into a rewarding career or side hustle with the American Dance Institute’s Dance Teacher Certification Program. Whether you’re 16 or older with at least two years of dance experience, our expert-led training equips you to teach children, teens, and adults with total confidence. Imagine walking into any studio, delivering standout classes, building a loyal student base, and boosting your income—all without a formal dance degree. Ready to inspire the next generation of dancers? Let’s get started.
Millions are rethinking work-life balance, seeking fulfilling careers that spark joy. If dance is your happy place, why not share it? Our program transforms dancers into skilled teachers—no trial-and-error required. With personalized syllabi, hands-on mentoring, and practical teaching experience, you’ll master the art of instruction in weeks, not years. Teach at private studios, launch your own classes, or even work with us at the American Dance Institute. Your dream job awaits.
Great dance teachers don’t just know steps—they inspire growth. Here’s what you’ll gain:
Dance Teacher Training: Unlock Your Teaching Potential
“I’ve danced for years—do I really need training?” Yes—because teaching is its own art that also requires skill. Our accelerated course, paired with one-on-one mentoring, cuts the learning curve dramatically. You’ll go from dancer to dynamic instructor, ready to lead fun, impactful classes that students love. No degree? No problem. We teach you what matters most: how to connect, instruct, and succeed.
Toddler dance classes at the American Dance Institute
How Much Can You Earn as a Certified Dance Teacher?
Start strong and grow fast. New teachers earn $25–$28 per hour, with studios often scheduling back-to-back classes for steady income. With experience and skill, expect $45–$50 per hour—especially if you stay with one school or build a following. Love ballet? Hip-hop? Jazz? Your certification opens doors to teach what you love, where you love.
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.
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Love little movers? Our 3-Pack Certification ($2,000) trains you to teach Mommy & Me (ages 2.5–4), Creative Dance (ages 3.5–5), and Pre-Ballet (ages 5–7). Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll get:
9 hours of syllabus deep-dives
24+ hours observing/assisting
6+ hours of mentored student teaching
Led by ADI’s Elizabeth Chayer or Dakota Crist, this hands-on program includes a detailed syllabus binder and music recommendations. Graduates are prime candidates for ADI jobs—or any private studio nationwide.
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
More styles coming in 2023! From Modern and Jazz to Hip-Hop and Tap, we’re expanding our certifications for adults, teens, and kids. Don’t see your style? Tell us what you’d love to teach—we’re listening.
Need more information? Contact me to discuss the program further: elizabeth@americandanceinstitute.com
Our certification programs require at least one year of recent dance class experience. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the specific program and style of dance.
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.
Training should include intensive classes in dance style that you love.
Leveraging your own experience, classroom training, assistant teaching, observation and mentorship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greenwood, Wedgwood, Magnolia Email: adiseattle@americandanceinstitute.com
Shoreline Studio Email: adishoreline@americandanceinstitute.com
Greenwood, Wedgwood & Magnolia Studios:206-783-0755
Shoreline Studios: 206-402-6561
Greenwood Studio 1; 8001 Greenwood Ave North, Seattle 98103
Magnolia Studio: 2410 32nd Ave West Seattle 98199
Wedgwood Studio: 7500 25th Ave NE Seattle 98115
Shoreline Studios: 1240 185th Street, Suite C, Shoreline WA 98155