Dance teacher
Also known as: dance coach, dance instructor, specialist dance teacher, instructor of dance, dance and performing arts teacher, teacher of dance
About this occupation
Dance teachers instruct students in a recreational context in the various dance genres and forms, such as ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom, hip-hop, latin, folk dance etc. They provide students with a notion of dance history and repertoire, but mainly focus on a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students in experimenting with and mastering different dance and dramatic expression styles and techniques and encourage them to develop their own style. They cast, choreograph and produce performances, and coordinate the technical production and the set, props and costume usage on stage.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage student relationships
- express yourself physically
- bring out performers’ artistic potential
- inspire dance participants to improve
- balance participants' personal needs with group needs
- prepare lesson content
- help performers internalise choreographic material
- demonstrate when teaching
- consult students on learning content
- assist students in their learning
- encourage students to acknowledge their achievements
- demonstrate technical expertise of your dance style
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Teachers and Instructors, All Other (O*NET 25-3099.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$66,140 a year (2025), 113,790 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.