A dance instructor teaches people how to dance. They show dance steps, plan lessons, and help students improve their skills. They may teach children, teens, or adults in a dance studio, school, or community center.
A dance instructor also creates dance routines and prepares students for shows. To do this job well, a person needs dance skills, patience, creativity, and good communication.
This guide explains the dance instructor job description, daily duties, skills, qualifications, salary, and resume examples.
What Is a Dance Instructor?
A dance instructor is a person who teaches dance to others. They help students learn new moves, follow music, and improve their body movement.
Dance instructors may teach ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballroom, folk, or modern dance. Some teach group classes, while others give private dance lessons.
The terms dance instructor and dance teacher often mean the same thing. Both help people learn dance and build their skills.
Dance Instructor Job Description Template
Employers can use this dance instructor job description template to explain the role to job seekers.
Job Title
Dance Instructor
Job Summary
We are looking for a skilled and friendly dance instructor to teach students of different ages and skill levels. The instructor will plan lessons, teach dance steps, create routines, and help students prepare for shows. The right person should have strong dance skills, good communication, and a passion for teaching.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan and teach dance lessons.
- Show students how to perform dance steps.
- Create dance routines for classes and shows.
- Teach rhythm, timing, balance, and body movement.
- Lead warm-up and stretching exercises.
- Help students improve their dance skills.
- Check student progress and give feedback.
- Prepare students for shows and dance events.
- Choose music for lessons and practice.
- Keep the dance space clean and safe.
- Track attendance and class progress.
- Work with other teachers and staff.
Job Requirements
- Good knowledge of dance steps and styles.
- Strong teaching and communication skills.
- Patience, creativity, and leadership.
- Ability to plan lessons and manage a class.
- Dance training or teaching experience.
- Knowledge of safe dance practice.
- A dance degree or certificate may be needed for some jobs.
Dance Instructor Duties and Responsibilities
Dance instructor duties may change based on the workplace, dance style, and age of the students.
1. Teach Dance Steps
Dance instructors show students how to perform dance moves. They explain each step and give students time to practice. They may teach basic steps first and then move to harder ones.
2. Plan Dance Lessons
Instructors plan lessons based on student age and skill level. A lesson may include warm-ups, practice, and learning a new routine.
Good lesson planning helps students learn at a steady pace.
3. Create Dance Routines
Dance instructors create routines for classes, shows, and events. They choose moves that match the music and the students’ skills.
Creating and arranging dance moves is called choreography.
4. Check Student Progress
Instructors watch students during practice. They give feedback and help students improve their balance, timing, and body movement.
They also help students build confidence and enjoy learning.
5. Prepare Students for Shows
Some instructors prepare students for stage shows, school events, and dance contests. They plan rehearsals and help students learn their parts.
6. Keep Classes Safe
Instructors lead warm-up and stretching exercises before practice. They teach students to move safely and use the right form. They also keep the dance area clean and free from hazards.
Dance Instructor Skills and Qualifications
A good dance instructor needs dance skills and the ability to teach others.
Important Skills
- Dance skills: Know dance steps, styles, and techniques.
- Communication: Explain moves in a clear way.
- Patience: Give students time to learn.
- Creativity: Make new routines and fun lessons.
- Leadership: Guide students during class.
- Time management: Keep lessons on schedule.
- Teamwork: Work well with other teachers.
- Musicality: Understand rhythm and timing.
- Class management: Keep lessons organized.
- Problem-solving: Help students learn difficult moves.
Education and Training
Education needs depend on the employer. Some jobs accept dance training and work experience. Others may ask for a degree in dance, performing arts, or a related field.
A dance certificate may also help. Jobs that involve children may require first aid training or child safety checks.
Always read the job listing to learn which qualifications are needed.
Dance Instructor Job Description for Resume
When writing a resume, focus on your real skills, duties, and work experience. Use short statements that show what you did.
Dance Instructor Duties for a Resume
You can use these examples if they match your experience:
- Taught dance classes to students of different ages.
- Planned lessons based on student skill levels.
- Created dance routines for shows and events.
- Led warm-up and stretching exercises.
- Helped students improve dance steps and timing.
- Checked student progress and gave feedback.
- Managed class schedules and attendance.
- Prepared students for dance performances.
- Kept the dance area clean and safe.
- Worked with other instructors to plan lessons.
Dance Instructor Resume Summary
Experienced dance instructor:
“Skilled dance instructor with experience teaching dance classes and creating dance routines. Able to plan lessons, guide students, and prepare groups for performances. Strong skills in communication, choreography, and class management.”
Entry-level dance instructor:
“Passionate dancer with good knowledge of dance steps, music, and body movement. Eager to help students learn new skills and enjoy dance. Ready to build teaching experience and support a safe learning space.”
Dance Instructor Skills for a Resume
Useful skills to list include:
- Dance instruction
- Choreography
- Lesson planning
- Class management
- Student feedback
- Group teaching
- Music and rhythm
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
Only include skills and duties that you can support with your own experience.
Assistant Dance Instructor Job Description
An assistant dance instructor helps the main teacher run classes. This role can help new instructors gain teaching experience.
Assistant Dance Instructor Duties
- Help prepare the dance room.
- Support the teacher during lessons.
- Show students basic dance steps.
- Help students during practice.
- Set up music and class equipment.
- Support warm-up exercises.
- Help prepare students for shows.
- Keep the class area safe and organized.
An assistant dance instructor should be helpful, patient, and willing to learn. Good dance skills and teamwork are also important.
Dance Instructor Salary
Dance instructor salary depends on location, experience, dance style, and workplace. Some instructors earn an hourly rate, while others receive a fixed salary or payment for each class.
Freelance dance instructors may set their own rates. Their income can depend on the number of clients and lessons they teach.
To find current salary information, compare local job listings and check whether the role is full-time, part-time, or freelance.
Where Do Dance Instructors Work?
Dance instructors can work in different places, including:
- Dance studios
- Schools and colleges
- Performing arts centers
- Fitness centers
- Community centers
- Dance companies
- Private homes
- Online teaching platforms
A school dance teacher may follow a set learning plan and prepare students for school events. A dance studio instructor may teach regular classes in one or more dance styles.
A freelance dance instructor may offer private lessons, group classes, or online training. They may also manage bookings, schedules, and payments.
How to Become a Dance Instructor
Follow these steps to start a career as a dance instructor.
- Learn dance. Take classes and practice different dance styles.
- Build your skills. Work on rhythm, balance, and dance techniques.
- Gain experience. Help a teacher or assist with classes.
- Get training. Take a course or earn a certificate if needed.
- Learn to teach. Practice explaining steps and planning lessons.
- Make a resume. List your skills, training, and experience.
- Apply for jobs. Search schools, dance studios, and arts groups.
Assistant dance instructor jobs may be a good starting point for people who want to gain experience.
Dance Instructor vs. Dance Teacher vs. Choreographer
A dance instructor and a dance teacher often do similar work. Both teach dance steps and help students improve.
A choreographer has a different main role. They create and arrange dance moves for a show, song, or performance.
Some people do both jobs. For example, a dance instructor may create a routine and then teach it to students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dance instructor do?
A dance instructor teaches dance steps, plans lessons, creates routines, checks student progress, and prepares students for performances.
What should a dance instructor include on a resume?
A resume should list dance skills, teaching duties, work experience, and training. It may also include choreography, lesson planning, and student support.
What skills does a dance instructor need?
Important skills include dance knowledge, patience, communication, creativity, leadership, and time management.
Do you need a degree to become a dance instructor?
Not every job requires a degree. Some employers accept dance training and work experience, while others may ask for a degree or certificate.
What does an assistant dance instructor do?
An assistant helps the main teacher, supports students during practice, prepares class materials, and helps with lessons and shows.
How much does a dance instructor earn?
Pay depends on location, experience, employer, and working hours. Check local job listings for current salary details.
Can a dance instructor also be a choreographer?
Yes. A dance instructor can also create dance routines. However, teaching dance and creating choreography are different tasks.
Where can I find dance teacher jobs?
Look at job websites, schools, dance studios, performing arts centers, and community programs. You can also contact local dance schools.
Conclusion
A dance instructor teaches dance, plans lessons, creates routines, and helps students improve their skills. The job also includes checking progress, keeping classes safe, and preparing students for shows.
Good dance skills, patience, creativity, and clear communication can help a person succeed. Whether you want to work in a school, dance studio, or freelance role, understanding the job duties and requirements can help you prepare for a career in dance.
Rachel Donovan writes job descriptions and role overviews that break down duties, skills, requirements and work environments in plain language. She covers public service, trade, office and technical roles, so readers can understand what a job really involves before they apply.