Become a Professional
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been dedicated to ensuring excellence in partner dance performance and instruction for over 30 years. Tony and Melanie's ballroom dance academy combines their years of experience with Diane Jarmalow into a one of a kind vocational program for aspiring teachers. The program is ideal for adults who are considering a career as a dance instructor. Teaching dance is a career opportunity for anyone - no prior experience is required.
Developed by Ms. Diane Jarmalow is association with Dance Vision International Dancers Association, a member of the National Dance Council of America, this systematic curriculum produces top quality dance teachers who, upon certification, are ready to fill the demand for teachers in ballroom studios across the country.
Tony and Melanie's ballroom dance academy is perfect for anyone motivated to become a dance teacher. In this dance teacher education course you will learn 17 dance and how to teach them. The program is 16 months and the courses are divided into 4 sections, taking students through the entire DVIDA* (Dance Vision International Dance Association) Bronze American Style syllabus for the Smooth, in order to be successful in the industry. Sessions begin quarterly and may be taken in any order. This course has no prerequisites; it is open to dancers of any level.
16 Month Course:
The course meets for two hours twice a week from 6:00pm to 8:00pm; this way you can keep working your day job while you train and prepare for a career you will truly love.
Tuition: $600 per month
Requirements:
ATTENDANCE
This is a professional level course, and we cover a lot of material at a fairly fast pace. Missing class is not advised, as you can easily fall behind. If you do have to miss a class, you can generally arrange to work with one of the other students to help you catch up. You can also schedule private lessons with one of the faculty members (for an additional private lesson fee) to make up any work you miss.
PRACTICE
Each Bronze class meets a total of 4 hours a week per section. Most students spend quite a bit of time every week studying the material and practicing what they have learned. Through the amount of outside time varies greatly from student to student, please expect to commit one hour of study time for every hour you spend in class (about four or eight hours of study time per week). Becoming a dance teacher takes dedication and practice.
MATERIALS
The DVIDA(R) Manuals (please see Schedule above for which manual for each session) and the BDTC Binder are required textbooks for the course. The accompanying DVIDA(R) DVD'S are recommended, but optional. The DVIDA(R) Bronze Manuals and DVD'S are available from Dance Vision, and may be ordered online at www.dancevision.com, or by calling 1-800-851-2813. The BDTC Binder is provided in class and costs a one-time fee of $95.00. It includes all call handouts that are distributed over the entire program.
SHOES
All students will be expected to have proper dance shoes by the second class meeting. This is not an arbitrary aesthetic or fashion consideration. To teach dance, you need the "right tool for the job," and proper dance shoes are literally the foundation for your dancing!
There are different styles of dance shoes for different styles of dancing, but most students wear a basic "Practice shoe," a practical and durable suede-soled dancing shoe that is made to be comfortable and wearable for long periods. Some students wear flashier shoes or high heeled dance shoes, but this is a matter of personal comfort.
EXPECTATIONS:
PRESENTATIONS
Because this is a teaching class, there is a strong emphasis on presentation. You will be expected to present material to the class on a regular basis. You may be asked to demonstrate a figure or to present a brief history of a specific dance. Don't worry, we hand out assignments in advance, so you will have plenty of time to prepare!
DANCING BOTH ROLES
In order to teach a specific dance or figure, you need to be able to articulate and demonstrate both the leader's and the follower's part. We spend equal time in class working on both parts, and every student is expected to dance with every other student as both leader and follower, regardless of gender. This is standard practice for professional dance instructors.
FAQ
How do I become a ballroom dance instructor?
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 of each dance. We will teach you everything you need to know!
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 he 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 $300.00 deposit at least 60 days prior to the start of class.
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 the 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 class study per week. However, with the opportunity to take all classes and attend all parties and workshops free of charge at Dance Times Square, 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 semester to semester, 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 the class?
Yes, please call ahead so that we can meet you to discuss any questions!
What kind of salary can a graduate of Tony and Melanie's Ballroom Dance Academy earn?
A graduate always warrants a much higher salary than someone else who has not been trained. The salary that staff members make at dance studios varies from studio to studio. However, both the salary of an independent contractor and staff member is based on the value of their lesson, which is directly related to their training and experience. Graduates of the academy are far ahead of the game because they have already received specialized training.
Must I complete all 16 months of Teacher Training to get a certificate?
No. The entire course consists of four sections and each section takes 4 months to complete. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the required components for each section. If you do finish the entire 16 month program, you will receive five certificates in all, one per section and one comprehensive certificate.
Is the teacher training course International or American?
The 16-month course utilizes the DVIDA(R) Syllabus and covers the American Style Bronze level dances (Smooth, Rhythm, and Nightclub dances.)
