Becoming a dance instructor may be a natural choice for someone who has spent years training as a dancer. Typically, if you are interested in becoming a dance instructor, you should focus on one specific type of dance.
What types of dance can you specialize in? Many people interested in teaching specialize in ballet or tap dancing, but you can also specialize in ballroom dancing, jazz, hip hop, or even country line dancing.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS TO YOU NEED?
Here are some characteristics you will need if you are interested in teaching dance:
- Good physical shape. You need to be in excellent physical shape in order to have the stamina to demonstrate different dances for several hours a day.
- Motivated. You should be a good example of someone who is motivated and self-disciplined in your own dance studies.
- Confident. You should have confidence in your dancing abilities as well as your teaching abilities.
- Good communicator. Some people are great dancers, but can’t communicate to others how it’s done. If you have the ability to point out to others what they need to work on, this may be the right career path for you.
- Patient. Some students will not catch on easily. Do you have the patience to keep repeating yourself, keep demonstrating the same moves, etc.?
- Love dancing. This probably goes without saying. If you live and breathe dancing, your passion can become your livelihood. But if you have only a slight interest in dancing, it may not be the right career choice.
GETTING STARTED
Before you consider opening your own studio, get some experience as a dance instructor working for another dancing school. You can offer classes at a health club or gymnasium. Check with schools and colleges in your area to see what the requirements are for you to offer an evening class to adults.
YOUR OWN STUDIO
Once you have spent time working for another dancing school, you will probably have a pretty good idea what is needed to open your own studio. Remember that you will be responsible for the following:
- Scheduling classes for both adults and children
- Choreographing dances
- Studying and learning new techniques
- Choosing music
- Advertising your school
- Planning dance recitals, including costumes
You will need start-up capital in order to obtain the necessary equipment. Some items you will need include mirrors, exercise mats, stereo, bars, etc. You will need to be able to buy or rent space for your studio.
How will you obtain start-up capital? Visit http://www.sba.gov for detailed information on writing a business plan. If you have a clear vision for your business, and a plan as to how you will make money, you may be able to obtain an SBA loan to help start your business.
As a business owner, you will need to be responsible for other aspects of running a business, such as record keeping, taxes, managing finances, planning travel, hiring help, etc. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out what licenses and permits you need. You should also obtain liability insurance.
Becoming a dance instructor is a great example of turning your passion into a business. If dancing is your passion, you can make it happen!
