Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/18/2009

Question
I completed my exams up to advanced when I was 16 and decided not to go to a ballet school to continue. I have always wanted to become a ballet teacher and since I left have been teaching dance to girls in my local Girls Brigade and Church. Is there courses you can do to become a dance teacher. I hear of a girl doing her qualification in 1year without having a degree in dance. I have contacted the RAD(where I completed my exams) several times about courses and options but they have not replied. Do you know of were I could go without having a dance degree to get a teaching qualification.

Answer
Hi Gemma. I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with your area. See if there are studios near you that teach the R.A.D. syllabus - if so the teachers are members and maybe they can help you out with contacting the R.A.D.

The R.A.D. may be wanting you to become a member before they provide any communication - also I would look into the local colleges and see if they have any dance programs that would certify teacher training.

Sometimes certifying as a Personal Trainer gives you a current credential. It is also great anatomy and safety-in-exercise training. Often night or weekend courses offer this.

The Perfect Pointe Book is a wonderful book to get and use as a teaching aid. It will help you become a real expert in preparing children for pointe work, and also give you a refresher in the correction of posture, turnout and ballet positions. It is a download and you can get the author's link at http://www.theballetstore.com/ You can definitely claim expertise if you use the information as directed.

Persist with the R.A.D. - it's a puzzle to me why they are not more accommodating with you.