How to become a dance teacher
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- other routes for qualified teachers
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 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 combined with other subjects like physical education, drama or performing arts.
To be a lecturer in a university 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
You'll need at least a level 3 qualification in performing arts dance or higher, if you want to teach, for example in a further education college, as a sessional teacher in schools or in a private dance school.
You'll improve your chances of employment with a professional qualification from a recognised dance awarding organisation.
You can find out more from:
- bbodance (previously British Ballet Organisation)
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
- International Dance Teachers' Association (IDTA)
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
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 relevant dance organisation.
The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre has a list of approved awarding organisations.
Other Routes
If you're already a qualified teacher without dance subject knowledge, for example a P.E. teacher, you could take a course like a Level 3 Award in Supporting the Delivery of Dance in Physical Education and School Sport.
More Information
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.
If you have an interest in dance but do not want to train as a teacher you could consider dance fitness instructor training. You can find out more 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:
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.