I've been ballroom dancing, mainly American Style (but also some International Style) on and off for many years. I am interested in learning how to teach and have a professional instructor who will be helping me with the syllabus. But I do not have competition experience. My question is, with studying all the syllabus, how feasable is it for me to become a ballroom instructor, not being able to bring the performance/competition experience going into it? It seems to me that most of the accomplished professionals I meet have an impressive resume to show whatever studio they may walk into. Am I being unrealistic to think I could reach this goal without having had that? I do not want to go to Fred Astaire or Author Murray to learn how to "sell". Thanks in advance for any sugguestions or advice.

If you are content to teach wedding couples and introductory social groups, you do not need competiiton experience.

To teach dancing more seriously you do - maybe not in theory if your students are not themselves destined for competition, but in practice there is really no other source of "rubber meets the road" (suede meets the hardwood?) practical experience than getting out there on a competition floor and doing it for real.

"If you are content to teach wedding couples and introductory social groups, you do not need competiiton experience."

Even if that's all you want to do and by some change an independent hires you, you'll still be competing for business with the other instructors. You have to ask yourself what you can bring to the table to compensate for what you lack.

"You have to ask yourself what you can bring to the table to compensate for what you lack."

A very good point of course. I don't suppose passion and heart would be a good enough answer. I have had people ask me if I'm an instructor, (to which I always reply, no.) but it does feel good when someone asks because (to me) it means I must be inspiring in some way to them. (Or, they are just so new at it that what I do looks good!) And that does feel good. But having to say no....doesn't of course. Thanks again for your reply.

There is a ballroom dance teacher's program in San Francisco, run by Diane Jarmelow (not sure of spelling). You can find out about it on dancevision.com.

Thank you Ellen for your response. I do know about the program run by Diane Jarmelow. I'm in the NY/NJ area however. I sure do with there was something like that around here! If anyone knows of one, let me know.

Thanks!

In NY, look up Bill Davies for teacher training. Think he's at Dance New York, but maybe somewhere else.

Thank BA, I believe he was at Dancesport recently.

Hi, I just wanted to give some support if not so much advice. I have a very similar story in that I had never competed or even danced much ballroom before I started my teaching training. I was teaching ballet and modern (contemporary) and pilates and went to a Fred Astaire that was advertising for a new ballet teacher.

It was a very small Fred Astaire in a small community in Ohio and they really helped me a lot to get my teaching qualification quickly (but I had to work hard for it). I taught at Fred Astaire for two years before moving to the UK. I've recently started working at a studio in London who were more impressed with my drive and teaching ability than my technique and are now apprenticing me to get my ISTD exams.

I have done a few competitions now and am hoping to do more- starting to train with a guy at my studio. I always feel like I don't have enough qualifications or an impressive resume but if you have the passion, you can do it. You just have to prove to people that you want it and you have to work hard.

Now, I am in the studio everyday practicing so I can take my exams as soon as possible and the owners know that even though I can't teach many lessons now, I will make a good teacher because I am dedicated.

So, hang in there, you just need to find the right people to help you out. And don't write off Fred Astaires or Arthur Murrays- there are some good ones out there and they can be a good springboard to something else.

Good Luck!

Dancesweetp, thanks so much for your supportive comments, I really appreciate it. It seems you have the drive and dedication and found the right path for yourself. Good luck to you too! I think you are right, with the right help from the right people and right amount of passion and hard work it can be done. Thanks again!