How do I become a ballroom dance instructor?

From Gala Electronica
Directed by Master Teacher, Tom Slater
Produced by Morris Mizrahi
San Francisco 2009

From Gala Electronica
Directed by Master Teacher, Tom Slater
Produced by Morris Mizrahi
San Francisco 2009

From Gala Electronica
Directed by Master Teacher, Tom Slater
Produced by Morris Mizrahi
San Francisco 2009

To be a ballroom dance teacher you need to know not just how to dance the steps, but also how to lead and follow each dance you teach. The most successful teachers are capable of not only teaching all 17 dances, but also knowing the musical, technical and historical information for each dance. Come to the BBTA and in just 16 months or less, we can teach you everything!
 

What are the prerequisites for the 16 month Teacher Training Course?

The 16 month teacher training course is for people with no dance background and seasoned professionals alike. The only thing you need is the desire to teach dance.  This course will teach you everything you need to know for a successful career in ballroom dance. You will learn how to lead and follow 17 ballroom dances and how to teach these to others.
 

How far in advance should I enroll for the Teacher Training Course?

To secure your spot in the class, we recommend submitting the $100.00 non-refundable deposit at least 60 days prior to the start of class.
 

I feel I am already a very accomplished dancer.
Will this course improve my technique and own dancing?

The Teacher Training program is designed to teach you all the figures of the Bronze American syllabus in 17 dances so that you will know those figures inside and out.  It will teach you the elements of the figures and the terminology to teach them with.  It will give you practice in presenting in front of the class, and you will be tested frequently to insure retention and facility with the material. Your technique will improve through this process, but this class is not designed to make you a competitive dancer. That type of training is best done in private lessons.
 

How much outside class study is required?

We recommend about four hours of outside study per week. However, with the opportunity to take all classes and attend all parties and workshops (either discounted or free of charge) at Panache School of Ballroom & Social Dance, there are unlimited opportunities to practice.

And as we all know, practice makes perfect!
 

Is the class balanced between men and women?

While the gender ratio varies from quarter to quarter, there tend to be more women than men. However, because all students need to learn both leader and follower roles, the gender balance is irrelevant.
 

Can I come and observe a class?

Yes. Please call ahead so that we can meet you to discuss any questions!
 

Do you help graduating trainees get jobs?

Yes. As one of the only vocational teacher training programs in the country, we have unique opportunity to be in contact with the other programs.  Our strong relationship with studios across the country will give you a head start to finding the dance job you want.
 

What kind of salary can a graduate of BBTA earn?

A BBTA graduate always warrants a much higher salary than someone else who has not been trained. The salary staff members make at dance studios varies from studio to studio. However, both the salary of an independent contractor and staff members is based on the value of their lesson, which is directly related to their training and experience.  Graduates of the BBTA teacher training program are far ahead of the game because they have already received specialized training.
 

Must I complete all 16 months of the Teacher Training to get a certificate?

No.  The entire course consists of four quarters and each quarter takes 4 months to complete.  You will receive a certificate upon completion of the required components for each quarter.  If you do finish the entire 16 months program, you will receive five certificates in all, one per quarter and one comprehensive certificate.
 

Is the teacher training course International or American?

The 16-month course utilizes the DVIDA Syllabus and covers the American Style Bronze level dances (Smooth, Rhythm, and Nightclub dances).
 

What is DVIDA and PRODVIDA?

The DVIDA System is America’s Leading Ballroom Syllabus consisting of visual media, manuals, charts and certification for students and professional.

ProDVIDA is a professional teacher organization that is open to all professional dance teachers and competitors. ProDVIDA encourages and welcomes active participation from it’s members in developing dance standards, promoting business innovations, and celebrating the art of dance.

The Vision:
The goal of ProDVIDA is to provide the professional with top-notch service and valuable tools and to identify those teachers who exemplify the highest levels of skill and ethical standards, through training, experience and certification.
 

What is the difference between proDVIDA and
Teacher Training Certification?

Teacher Training certification recognizes you have successfully completed the vocational teacher training program and can teach all 17 ballroom dances while the DVIDA certification recognizes your masterly knowledge of the dances you are certified in at the national level.
 

I want to take the Teacher Training course but don’t have 16 months of free time to dedicate to it, is there anything I can do?

Contact the Panache Studio or the Master Teacher, Tom Slater, for options which may not take 16 months to complete.
 

I want to take your 16 month course but do not live locally, help!

BBTA is putting together intensive sessions for those who may live out of the area.  Contact the Panache Studio or the Master Teacher, Tom Slater, for options.
 

I’d like to take the “How to Get Certified” intensive but I’m not sure if I meet the prerequisites.

Call us and we can help assess your level of ability to determine what is best for you.
 

Is there someone who can speak with me to answer my questions?

Of course, please contact us so we can make your dancing dreams come true. Use the LOCATION button above to find up-to-date contact information for teachers and the studio.