How much does a dance teacher make


How Much Money Do Dance Instructors at a College Make a Year? | Work

By Scott Thompson

Dance instruction at the college level is handled much like any other college topic. Different styles of dance such as ballet, jazz or modern dance are taught by professors, assistant professors and adjunct faculty, but on average they are paid less than instructors with the same title teaching other subjects.

Dance Faculty Positions

Not all colleges have a dance program, but those that do organize it much like their other academic programs. For example, the School of Dance at Dean College in Massachusetts includes a dean and professor of dance, an associate professor of dance who teaches ballet, an assistant professor who teaches modern dance, and a number of part-time or adjunct instructors who teach tap, jazz, ballet, dance composition, rhythmic analysis and other topics. One of the adjunct instructors also provides accompaniment services.

Smaller Programs

Smaller dance programs may not employ as many staff members, but the organization of the dance program remains similar. For example, Meredith College in North Carolina employs three dance professors and one adjunct instructor. Coursework includes subjects such as modern technique of dance, movement structure, integrating mind and body, pedagogy or teaching theory, history of dance, ballet, improvisation, choreography, technical production, dance repertory and women's studies issues in dance. Because of the smaller size of the dance program at this school, each professor handles several subjects.

Salaries

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the national average salary of a professor teaching visual or performing arts at a four-year university or college during the 2010-2011 school year was $79,768. The salary for an associate professor was $62,686 and the salary for an assistant professor was $52,127. This compares with an average salary of $80,366 for professors of recreation and related subjects, $84,509 for psychology professors and $82,202 for history professors. The only category of professor with a lower average salary was theology and religious vocations, at $74,267.

Instructors

The figures provided by the Chronicle of Higher Education for average faculty salaries do not list adjunct faculty as a category. However, they do list "instructors" of visual or performing arts at an average salary of $43,464. This compares with an average salary of $43,503 for recreation instructors, $45,421 for psychology, $42,318 for history and $46,042 for theology. The pay gap between instructors of dance and other topics is not as wide as it is for professors, but dance instructors still tend to earn less than instructors of other topics.

References

  • Dean College: School of Dance Faculty
  • Meredith College: Dance Faculty and Staff
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education: Faculty Date

Resources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dancers and Choreographers

Writer Bio

Scott Thompson has been writing professionally since 1990, beginning with the "Pequawket Valley News." He is the author of nine published books on topics such as history, martial arts, poetry and fantasy fiction. His work has also appeared in "Talebones" magazine and the "Strange Pleasures" anthology.

Job Description, Info, and Job Openings 2022

If you have a passion for dance, a career as a dance teacher could be a fulfilling way for you to bring your love for the art of dancing to others.

You can typically find dance teachers in dance studios teaching many different styles of dance, from ballroom to hip hop to salsa and more.

If they aren’t teaching in a studio, they may work with students in public or private schools.

There are a couple of ways to reach your goal of working as a dance teacher.

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about this exciting career.

Table Of Contents

  • Dance Teacher: The Basics
  • Work Opportunities in the Dance Teacher Industry
  • What It’s Like to be a Dance Teacher
  • Dance Teacher Salary & Income
  • Overview of the Dance Teacher Industry
  • Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Dance Teachers
  • Dance Teacher Education & Schooling
  • Become a Dance Teacher
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Wrapping Up

Dance Teacher: The Basics

Before you start seriously considering becoming a dance teacher, you should know more about what it entails.

What is a Dance Teacher?

A dance teacher is someone skilled in movement arts, and often educated in biology, kinesiology, and theater, who teaches the art of dance to others.

They may teach in their studio, or they may work for someone else, such as an educational facility.

What is a Dance Teacher Called?

A dance teacher might also be called a dance instructor, or they may be called a teacher of the specific type of dance they specialize in.

Ballet teacher, jazz dance teacher, tap teacher, and so on.

If someone is a dance teacher that is instructing people on how to do a dance number for a stage performance, that is often called a choreographer.

What Does a Dance Teacher Do?

A dance instructor gets to constantly work on their dancing skills while teaching others the same type of dance.

They may be a general dance teacher and teach multiple styles of dance, or they may specialize in one or two types of dancing.

Work Opportunities in the Dance Teacher Industry

Dance Teacher Job Description

The job description of a dance teacher will vary depending on where they are employed, and what level of dance they are teaching.

Dance teachers will need to use motivation and creativity to teach students basic through advanced dance techniques.

Top Dance Teacher Jobs and Careers
  • High school dance teacher
  • Ballet instructor
  • Hip hop dance teacher

Where Can a Dance Teacher Work?

A dance teacher can work in schools of all types, from elementary through college level.

They can find work at independent dance studios, and can even find work in the entertainment industry as scene choreographers.

They may also be able to create independent dance troupes and tour under their performance power.

What It’s Like to be a Dance Teacher

To get you more acquainted with what it’s like to be a dance teacher, let’s take a look at what the job feels like.

Is Being a Dance Teacher Hard?

It can be very hard to be a dance teacher.

Not only do you need to be proficient in your dance skill, but you also need to be a skilled teacher that can easily pass those skills on to others via teaching.

The teaching portion can be difficult for many people since teaching is a relatively difficult skill.

Is a Dance Teacher’s Job Stressful?

Being a dance teacher is not considered a highly stressful job.

Most of the challenges involve finding innovative ways to teach students and making sure that students are ready for any performances that are scheduled.

Common Dance Teacher Work Day

The profession of a dance teacher is so different for each teacher, that it is difficult to detail a common day.

If the dance teacher teaches in a high school, for example, they may only have a few periods in the morning and afternoon where they have classes, but they have time for planning their coursework in the middle and end of the day.

Those that work in the entertainment industry, on the other hand, may find that they have intense schedules that require long days and few days off.

Dance Teacher Tasks & Duties

The dance teacher is responsible for:

  • Ensuring a safe place for dance students to practice
  • Help teach safe ways to stretch, practice, and perform
  • Helping find ways to teach difficult movement principles with ease

Dance Teacher Work Hours & Schedule

The work day for a dance teacher working at a high school or college will be very different from the dance teacher working at their private dance academy.

The schedule will depend highly on where the dance teacher is employed.

Dance Teacher Dress Code

In most cases, the dance class dress code is going to be something movement-friendly, that can stretch and flex with the dancer.

The specific dress code will be discussed by the dance teacher and their students.

Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?

In most cases, the career of a dance teacher does offer a reasonable balance.

Since in most cases there is little in terms of overtime or unexpected work, the schedule is relatively predictable and the dance teacher can enjoy a personal life outside of work.

Dance Teacher Salary & Income

Money is what most people are wondering about, so let’s get down to it.

What do dance teachers make?

Do Dance Teachers Make Good Money?

The good news is, that being a dance teacher does mean you’ll make more money than the national median pay.

How Much Do Dance Teachers Make?

The US BLS reports that a dance teacher or choreographer can expect to make between $20 and $23 per hour on average.

The highest-paid 10% of dance teachers can expect to make more than $47 per hour.

The lowest paid 10% make less than $10 per hour.

Overview of the Dance Teacher Industry

So even if the money is good, is it still worth it to become a dance teacher?

Let’s take a look at if it’s an overall good career choice.

Dance Teacher Field: Career Progression

Being a dance teacher can be a versatile career choice, and it can serve to begin or close a career.

Some people enter the dance teacher field to get experience in dance and choreography so they can advance to other dance positions.

Others will have a career in choreography and then wind down by teaching dance class.

The career path can include becoming a teacher or instructor in many other fields or specialties.

Is a Dance Teacher a Good Career?

It is the consensus that becoming a dance teacher is a good career choice.

Those in the field find it fulfilling and engaging, with plenty of exposure to other fields and specialties.

Dance Teacher Job Outlook

The outlook for dance teachers is looking amazing for the next several years.

The dance field is projected to have at least a 30% growth between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Demand for Dance Teachers

Just as the dance sector is projected to grow heavily, there is also projected to be an immense demand for dance personnel.

Following the dance growth, there are projected to be at least 3,000 new job openings each year in the space.

Dance Teacher Facts
  • Dancing is one of the oldest art forms and oldest sports in the world
  • The first evidence of dance was found in India
  • Dancers have increased muscle strength and endurance
  • The average professional dancer will retire in their mid-30s
  • Dance has been shown to reduce stress and tension

Jobs Related to Dance Teachers
Pole Dance Instructor

A pole dance instructor teaches various techniques for pole dancing.

They utilize a large amount of leg strength and often incorporate hands-free movements into their routines.

Independent Dance Teacher

You will teach dance as a freelance teacher in many different environments.

You may be working in a studio one day, then a private retreat the next week.

You are often free to make your schedule.

Dance Movement Psychotherapist

You will use the nuance of dance therapy to apply a psychotherapeutic methodology to your patients to acheive desired progress.

Dance therapy can be used in many different situations, to treat countless disorders.

Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Dance Teachers

Who Should Consider a Dance Teacher Career Path?

Someone with a serious love of dance, and the ability to get a degree in education with a dance certification.

Who Should NOT Consider a Dance Teacher Career Path?

People not suited to becoming a dance teacher are those who dislike teaching, and those who dislike the physical activity.

Is it Hard to Become a Dance Teacher?

It can be challenging to become a dance teacher.

You will often need a bachelor’s degree, as well as a certificate to teach dance.

What Do I Need to Become a Dance Teacher?

You will need a degree in education, and in most locations, you will need a specific certification in dance.

Requirements for Becoming a Dance Teacher

Most public schools will require a new dance teacher to have a bachelor’s degree in dance or education, with a teaching certificate for dance.

What Skills Does a Dance Teacher Need?

The skills a dance teacher needs include:

  • Great communication
  • Excellent organization skills
  • Leadership
  • Motivation
  • Business skills for the self-employed
  • Administrative skills

What Education Does a Dance Teacher Need?

Most locations will require anyone teaching to have a teaching certificate from the state.

In some situations, enough professional experience can substitute for education.

Can You Become a Dance Teacher Without a Degree?

If you teach at a school or similar facility you will need a degree and teaching certificate.

If you are opening your studio, you don’t necessarily need a degree if you have enough experience and ability.

What Experience Does a Dance Teacher Need?

The most precious commodity for a dance teacher is professional experience.

This can be dancing or teaching dance in nearly any capacity.

Dance Teacher Education & Schooling

Dance Teacher Education & Schooling

The amount of education and schooling you need to become a dance teacher depends heavily on what setting you’ll be teaching in.

If you are going to be teaching in a private or public school, most schools require a teaching certification as well as a bachelor’s degree in dance.

If you plan on teaching a class at a local studio or starting your own business you need a high school diploma or GED, as well as adequate background and skill in dancing.

What is Taught in a Dance Teacher Course?

When you go through a dance instructor certificate program, you learn the general principles of both expressive movement and the specific forms of dancing needed for various forms of dance.

These courses also cover choreography and lesson plan development.

How Long Does a Dance Teacher Course Take?

The average dance teacher certification course will take three to five years, and can be used to help validate career-related competency.

Become a Dance Teacher

Steps to Become a Dance Teacher

If you have a love for dancing, you can easily turn one of your passions into a career by becoming a dance teacher.

But what does it take to break into this interesting career path?

Honestly, it may be easier than you’d expect to get your foot in the door.

While many careers focus more on education, the most important thing you can have if you want to become a dance teacher is experience with dancing.

Before you can start teaching, you must have the training needed to excel at your preferred type of dance.

In most cases, you won’t need more than dance training and a GED or high school diploma.

If you plan on teaching kids in either public or private schools, you will also need the teaching certificates required by the schools you’re looking to apply to.

Once you have the background and education, you can start looking for a position in an already established dance studio, or you can start by teaching a class of your own.

Current Career Job Openings

If you’re interested in becoming a dance teacher, take a look at some of these openings near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dance teacher and a choreographer?

While dance teachers and choreographers both teach their students’ different dance moves, there are a couple of distinct differences between the two types of instructors.

A dance teacher’s main focus is to teach their students the fundamentals of dance, from form and techniques to specific moves and routines.

A choreographer focuses on creating a dance routine and teaching it to their dancers.

Do all dancers have to wear leotards while dancing?

Leotards are a common garment for dancers, especially those that dance ballet.

However, leotards are not a required clothing item for most dancers.

They are a great choice for dancing as they allow plenty of freedom of movement, as well as give the dancers a refined look.

Some dance studios may require them, but they are not a necessity for every dancer.

Wrapping Up

If you have a background in dance and are interested in a career as a dance teacher, there are a lot of wonderful opportunities available to you.

You may want to teach adults in a studio or work with kids in a school.

Alternatively, many people that have a passion for dance prefer to come up with routines and share them with others, in which case a career as a choreographer would be a great option.

No matter where you want your career to take you, the dance teacher career path has lots of fulfilling choices for those with an interest in teaching others how to dance.

where to study, salary, pros and cons

Author: Professional Guide

Updated by

Another name for dance teacher is a dance school teacher or dance studio teacher. It is clear that this is the name of specialists working in a specialized company. But a teacher or dance teacher can be called not only a dance studio teacher, but also a specialist of an educational institution where dances are studied along with other subjects. By the way, the ProfGid career guidance center has recently developed an accurate career guidance test that will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physical education and singing, music (see. choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects). 9Ol000 :

Peculiarities of the profession

Some teachers prefer to work with children, others prefer to work with adults, others can work with both. In any case, the task of a dance teacher is to teach their students to move, expressing themselves in dance. However, the higher the level of teaching, the wider the scope of the teacher's activity. It is also commonly believed that the higher the titles he won, the higher his value as a teacher. Also, he often acts as a choreographer: he puts dance numbers for his students when he prepares them to perform on stage.

The dance instructor may have a preference for a particular dance direction: Latin American, jazz, Irish, etc. For example, on his resume, he might write "Latin teacher" or "Jazz-modern dance teacher."

But that doesn't mean he can't do anything else. On the contrary, the profession of a dance teacher means constant learning and learning. As a spectator, he regularly goes to musicals, dance shows, competitions to watch the performances of his colleagues; attends dance workshops to learn something new for his teaching. Different dance and musical styles, teaching methods, eminent dancers and bright debutants - everything is interesting for a dance teacher.

The teacher-dancer tries himself in different genres, sometimes changes his preferences, expands his role. In a word, it is in creative search. Beauty, joy of movement and creativity are the formula that can describe this profession.

Of course, no person can perform on stage until old age. But while studying with students, the teacher maintains excellent physical shape for many years.

This is enough to be able not only to explain, but also to show the dance to his students. Even if performances and competitions are in the past, the dancer remains a dancer who knows and feels the dance from the inside.

Workplace

Dance teacher salary for November 2022

Salary information provided by hh. ru portal.

Russia 18000-70000₽

Moscow 35000-102000₽

A dance teacher can work in a dance school, studio, dance club, fitness center, comprehensive school, university, etc. Many teachers work simultaneously in different places, having time to perform and participate in dance championships. Also, a dance teacher can open his own dance school.

Read also:

Important Qualities

The profession of a dance teacher involves a love of dance, artistry, an ear for music, good physical health, goodwill, patience, leadership qualities, self-confidence and optimism. He should be a sociable person, able to pick up the key to a variety of students.

Knowledge and skills

A dance teacher must be able to dance - this is understandable. But he should also know well the dance directions in which he works, including their history. Be proficient in teaching methods, be able to plan your classes. In order for dancing not to harm the health of students, the teacher needs knowledge in the field of anatomy and physiology. He must be able to competently manage physical activity.

Where to study to become a dance teacher

Most often, dance teachers become dancers who have been trained in dance since childhood. But there are other examples when already adults, having taken a great interest in dancing, reach notable heights and become teachers. Already having dance training, you can learn new directions of dance. As experts say, you can master some kind of dance style in less than six months, having worked out at a dance school.

See also:

Examples of companies with vacancies for dance teachers

Dance teacher Germany - Salary, How to find a job

What is the salary of - Dance teacher Germany?
How to find a job - Dance teacher Germany?

The most popular places of employment are: Berlin (capital), Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hannover, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Essen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Dresden

Salary for the job: Dance teacher Germany - USD 2390
Average salary Germany - USD 2598
Salary is paid in EUR (Euro)

Effect of experience on salary:
Experienced: +24%
Mid-career: +10%
Entry level: -12%

Chart: (1) Salary - Dance teacher (2) Average salary - Germany

Schedule: (1) Experienced (2) Mid Career (3) Entry Level

Employee benefits
Pension insurance (Pension plan): Rarely
Medical insurance: Yes
Internal and external courses and training: Rarely
Career development plan for employees: Rarely

Typical job requirements
Required level of education: High school diploma
Certification: May be required
Computer knowledge: not required
Trial period: Often
Official language: German
Knowledge of a foreign language: Not required
Driver's license: Not required
Experience: Salary Impact - Intermediate

Forms of employment:
Full time work
Part-time work (Part-time)
Temporary job
Project work
Freelance
self-employment
Industry sector: sports and recreation

Working hours and paid holidays
Working week: Monday - Friday
Number of working hours per week: 40
Overtime: Rarely
Number of paid days: 20 (Contract may be different)
Non-working holidays: 9
Lunch break: Yes
Lunch break duration: 30 minutes
Flexible working hours: Often

Unemployment rate Germany - 4.


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