Please don't think that I am supporting the idea that persons not properly trained should be teaching dancing. My remarks were in the particular context of sequence dancing, where generally (and there are notable exceptions) the standard of tuition, and of dancing is relentlessly awful, and to be 'qualified' is the exception, not the norm.

Of more general application is the circumstance where someone who has enjoyed relative success in competitive dancesport (and therefore considers themself representative of the 'cream' of the dance community) has the laughable notion that their competitive career has, in some way, equipped them to 'teach', when of course a moment's serious thought would reveal this fallacy for what it is.

Teaching is a vocation, and requires particular gifts. It is useful, but by no means necessary, to be able to dance quite well. I've yet to see a room full of sequence dancers and not wanted to laugh out loud.

Slightly off topic, but still related. I practice on my own at a studio several times a week, and there was one couple who started to watch/study me while I practiced. One time when I was working in front of the mirror, the woman ever-so-casually walked over to the bench where I had my notes, and tried to read them. I haven't seen the couple around for a week or so, but if they come back I think I might approach them with a big smile and offer to translate my notes for them, at a price. Anyone have a suggestion as to the market rate for dance notes?