How to become
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. There are some degrees in dance that include teacher training. To teach in a state school you'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS).
As a primary teacher, you'll train to teach all subjects and could develop a subject specialism in physical education, which may include dance or creative movement.
At secondary level you could teach dance as a single subject or combine it with other subjects like physical education, drama or performing arts.
To be a lecturer in a university or conservatoire, you'll need a postgraduate qualification or a recognised profile as a professional performer, along with teaching experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 3 A levels or equivalent
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College
To teach in a further education college, or as a sessional tutor in schools or private education, you’ll need a minimum of a level 3 qualification in dance.
You'll improve your chances of employment by doing a professional qualification with a recognised dance awarding organisation, such as:
- bbodance (previously British Ballet Organisation)
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
- International Dance Teachers' Association (IDTA)
- Royal Academy of Dance
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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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 dance organisation approved by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT).
If you're a qualified teacher but without dance subject knowledge, for example a PE teacher, you could also take a CDMT-approved course.
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Registration
- you'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England
Career tips
You can search for jobs in schools through the Teaching Vacancies service.
You can get advice about training to be a dance fitness instructor from EMDUK.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join One Dance UK for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a dance teacher from: