Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Dance vs A Career in Dance

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Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Dance vs A Career in Dance

By Brandy Curry 

So...you think you can teach...dance?  Yes, we've all heard the saying, "Those that can't...teach!"  Um...while that may apply to a very, very, small few...Have you ever been to Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, CA?  Yes, that place where legends TEACH DANCE! I wouldn't go uttering those words "that they can't," around the hallway at Edge.  The faculty at Edge teach their classes and maintain a booming career in the industry.  Dancers can dance forever, and learn another trade in the industry from producing, directing, to choreographing and even dabbling in fashion and costume design.  All the dancers I moved out to LA with in 2001 are still forming their craft.  In a recent article in Dance Spirit Magazine, cover girl Mia Michaels said about her career path:

“Be open to where life takes you. Follow your instincts.” Mia Michaels

Mia Michaels courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

While all dance teachers make a decision to teach full time and no longer pursue their career full time, the decision is not the same for every dancer.  When I made the decision to teach full time, another door opened...CHOREOGRAPHER!  I began to keep a journal and write down ideas of full length ballets, plays, musicals, even music videos.  I was taking my dance training and molding my ideas on young dancers.  It was exciting...it is still exciting!

Some K-12 schools and private dance studios have strict policies about substitute teaching when you are out on auditions, but working as a dance teacher means you have a set schedule to go out on auditions.  Todays technology allows you to coordinate your classes, and make it out to your auditions.  A word of caution: Never miss a class if you say you'll be there to teach it.   Be on time for your classes, and if you book a dance job call your supervisor immediately so they can replace you.  Your students will be overjoyed that you booked a job, and keeping on good terms with the school or studio means you can come back as a Guest Teacher.