Often a parent looks for a dance class on a day they can attend, close to where they live, or because a friend already goes. We have even heard of a class being chosen because of the colour of the uniform.
Far less thought is given to the one thing that matters most. Is the dance teacher qualified to teach? An unqualified teacher can do a huge amount of physical damage, to a child's feet, knees and back, that may not show until much later in life. Sadly, anyone can teach dance without a qualification.
What to check
Check that the teacher has a recognised teaching qualification from a reputable dance society, whether your child wants street dance, ballet, or anything in between.
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) are considered the gold standard. Their teachers have trained as dancers from a young age and then studied for a teaching qualification. That study includes anatomy in relation to the dancer. An RAD teacher is required to complete 20 hours of continuing professional development every year, so the qualification stays current.
Be aware
- A degree in dance is not a teaching qualification.
- A registered teacher is not necessarily a qualified teacher.
- Being a member of a dance society is not a teaching qualification.
- Training or performing as a dancer, on its own, does not give someone a teaching qualification.
How a good school is organised
A good dance school follows a syllabus, so students progress from one level to the next. In ballet, that means a 4-year-old is not in the same class as a 7-year-old. In slightly more relaxed styles, the age range in one class can be wider.
Franchise groups
Watch out for franchise groups. Sometimes the person teaching has completed a short training programme, in some cases two weeks, sometimes over Zoom, with no dance background, and has bought the franchise. These groups often concentrate on the younger ages, where money can be made. A school that holds lessons at advanced levels is usually a good sign, though a new school may not have that age group yet.
A school with qualified teachers will not be the cheapest in the area. Teachers pay professional membership fees, take part in continuing professional development, and work within guidelines on studio space and class sizes. Quite often a qualified teacher does not own the premises, because they need a large hall for their more advanced students.
Your child may join dance for fun. You do not want to regret, later on, that you did not look into the teacher.
At the Geraldine Lamb Dance School, our teachers hold recognised teaching qualifications, current DBS certificates and full insurance, and each completes at least 20 hours of continuing professional development a year.