Is Dance Instruction Your Passion? Then Make It Your Career.

Do you love to dance? Do you think you have what it takes to teach dance instruction as a career? If so, then you, along with thousands of others, may be on the same career path. But how do you know where to begin? Well, college is a great place to start.
There are many American universities that have Dance as a major. If you are considering going to college, why not major in your passion? However, in order to pursue dance instruction as a career, you not only must you learn to develop your physical skills, but you must learn the theory of dance, as well. It is important to understand the theory and history of your art, as well as excel in it.

If you really want to become a teacher of dance instruction you must be ready to—

spend the majority of your time practicing dance.
learn dances that you may not necessarily be interested in. For example, you might love and excel in Funk, but you must learn Ballet, as well.
be creative and open-minded to different styles and methods of dance
learn about good nutrition in order to fine-tune your body. A good dancer cannot dine of fast food alone. You must learn to eat healthy balanced meals.
help produce and learn about other aspects in the dancing field. You must open your mind and learn about concert lighting, costumes, and sound equipment.
keep your body in shape by drinking lots of water and exercising without strain.
become disciplined.

The Checklist
Before you choose the university, make sure that the school meets specific credentials and offers certain benefits. When you visit the school and speak with a representative, ask the following questions to be certain this is the right place for you.

What is the Dance department’s ration of instructors to students?
Is your Dance department accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance?
Do you have an audition policy? If so, what is it?
Will I receive a chance to perform in front of a crowd every semester?
Do you help your dancers receive jobs after graduating?

Which Universities Offer Dance as a Major?
You would be surprised by how many schools offer Dance as a major. According to US News and World Report, here are some of the best universities that offer Dance as a major for 2006:

Boston Conservatory, in Boston, Massachusetts
Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York
Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois
Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland

Visit www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/majors/brief/major_50-03_brief.php for the US News and World Report’s full list of colleges that offer Dance majors.

In order to become a successful dance instructor, you ideally should build a strong foundation. A dance instruction job can be a lucrative and enjoyable career path. Take your college education seriously, and you may be one of the lucky and hard-working few to make Dance a lifelong career.

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Copyright © 2006