How do I become a Qualified Dance Teacher?

Many dancers will have gone through dancing school and have dreams of being a dance teacher and raised the questions:

How do you become a dance teacher?

What steps do I need to take to get there?

How do I get the right qualifications?

Jan from Professional Teachers of Dancing has prepared a step by step introduction for anyone wishing to follow the route of becoming a qualified dance teacher.

Step by Step process

The first stage is to pass the Intermediate Vocational Graded Examination of the Branch in which you wish to study. This is usually after having spent a number of years either passing or having covered the grade work.

At 16yrs. or over you may then start working on the Diploma Examination, whilst at the same time gaining experience of teaching under the supervision of an experienced qualified teacher.

At the age of 18yrs you may enter for the Associate Teaching Qualification, although the majority of teachers do not enter for this until they are a little older, and have had more teaching experience.

The Student Teacher examination is optional. Some teachers commence their teacher training at Associate level.

On passing the Associate, you will then receive your ‘letters’ – i.e. APTD which gives you your teaching qualification.

At present, this will allow you to teach privately in your own studio, private school and in some cases, a state school - (usually, but not always), providing you have another subject at degree level.

Follow up accreditation is available in the following forms

At the age of 21yrs you may enter for the Licentiate Qualification. Teachers must hold and Intermediate Certificate in the chosen teaching subject and have held Associate status for 2yrs.
When reaching 25 yrs Teachers may enter for the Fellow Qualification. Candidates must hold an Advanced certificate in the chosen teaching subject and have held Membership for 3yrs.

Information provided by Jan at:
PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS of DANCING
To discuss your teaching ambitions, please come and speak to us on Stand 8 at the ‘Move-It 2008’ Exhibition and we will be happy to advise you. Enquiries to Jan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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