Okay, you are excited and motivated about getting a job teaching dance. But, you have no experience teaching. How do you get your foot in the door? How do you get started?
The ideas shared here can apply to a variety of settings – dance studios, community centers, afterschool programs, and K-12 schools.
Internships, Teaching Assistant Positions, and Subbing
Some schools and studios might have an established internship program. This is a great way to gain hands-on experience and support as you embark on teaching. You will gain skills, experience real-time classes, and make connections for future employment.
If you are not finding internship programs, consider approaching a school, studio, or teacher you know about becoming a teaching assistant. Like an internship, this can offer you hands-on experience, mentorship, and open doors for future opportunities.
You can also investigate subbing opportunities at studios and schools. This will begin a relationship with a site and can be a great first step towards employment.
Did you take a dance education course in college?
Do you have one or more courses under your belt that provided the foundations of teaching and child development? If not, I suggest considering a workshop or program through organizations such as:
Luna Dance Institute (SF Bay Area)
Dance Education Laboratory – DEL (NYC)
National Dance Institute – NDI (NYC)
Creative Dance Center (Seattle)
This will be time and money well spent – providing you with the foundations of dance teaching that you can use for many years to come. Some organizations offer summer intensives, while others offer weekend workshops or semester long courses.
A pocket guide as you begin
Last, please check out my new book on this very topic! This pocket guide, co-authored with Valerie Gutwirth, shares 55 ideas for brand new dance teachers as you begin your journey. Dance Education Essentials: 55 Objects and Ideas for New Preschool-12th Grade Teaching Artists can be purchased for $8.99 on amazon.com.
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