This last post had good points about the value of dance lessons from these new instructors... and also just because one is a great and/or experienced competitior does NOT necessarily make them a good teacher of dance!!!

At my studio, usually the new trained teachers get the students who purchase the introductory(1/2 price) package and depending on the goals,abilities and/or number of lessons that that student agrees to if they sign up for another contract may determine whether they move to a more experienced teacher or remain with the new instructor. I've seen new students that have previous dance experience and purchase huge #'s of lessons will ask to have a more experienced teacher, or more than likely the studio automatically assigns them to one. But as the other post mentions, if the contract is just for social dance or enough dance experience for a wedding...the new instructors are perfectly capable to teach.

Well everyone has to start somewhere. As I said I would not be teaching for several months, I will go through extensive training and camps. also I do have dance experience, just not professional. I have begun training on the side with a professional and former dance professor at the USABDA and have purchased many videos and studied many dance sites. Keep in mind also that people who have extensive competition experience usually do not teach in studios as they make more money performing or owning their own studio with a staff that teaches. I think I will be top quality and would not dare charge unless I felt 100% competant by the standards set by USABDA and hope your message doesn't discourage others to train in franchise studios with trainees like me.

What standards for teachers has USABDA set? I'm just curious -- I've heard there's a certification exam, but I don't know anyone who has taken it.

I am too new to answer but I hope some other experienced instructors can answer, I start training Monday, but am going to a USADBA sponsered social dance and teaching event tommorow.

What an interesting topic. Thanks for starting it.
My wife and I are just starting out, and we decided on an AM studio. We couldn't be happier. I don't know where our teachers are on the scale of things -- but they kick out butts when it comes to dancing! We are doing real well too. I think it is encouraging for them when they get students that they think can, well, do it. We are doing our study at the Woodland Hills studio in California. Perhaps it is exceptional; I know that the franchise owners are coming from one of the top ranked AM spots. But all our teachers are tremendous (and amazingly lovely!). We consider the experience well worth what we are spending (signed up for 1 year of bronze instruction). Another thing we like about the AM experience is that we always have a place to go dancing on our date night where we can really dance! We have our instruction and then stick around for the party. I can't tell you how worthwhile this is to us. We would have spent the money going to dinner, or a show, or a movie -- instead, we rhumba. Our romance has gone up tremendously, and we are getting some dang good exercise.

So, if you are on the AM track, my best wishes. You are providing an important service that helps people like my wife and I. Good for you!

Er, "kick our butts" instead of "Kick out butts." A strange typo ...