Dance teacher apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
a college course
working towards this role
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).
As a primary teacher, you would be trained to teach all subjects, but may develop a subject specialism in physical education, which could include dance or creative movement.
At secondary level you could get the opportunity to teach dance as a single subject or combined with other subjects like physical education, drama or performing arts.
To be a lecturer in a university you'll need a postgraduate qualification or a recognised profile as a professional performer, and teaching experience.
To train as a private dance teacher, you'll need to complete a recognised professional qualification. There are some degrees in dance that include teacher training.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths and 3 A-Levels or equivalent.
College
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.
You would also need a teaching qualification that is relevant to the level of teaching responsibility you'll have in your job.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Work
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.
You'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England. Y
Dance teacher apprenticeships - what it takes
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
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
Dance teacher apprenticeships - what you'll do
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 and progression - Dance teacher apprenticeships
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.