FAQ
How do I become a ballroom dance instructor?
To be a ballroom dance teacher you need to know not just how to dance the steps, but also how to lead and follow each dance you teach. The most successful teachers are capable of not only teaching all 17 dances, but also knowing the musical, technical and historical information for each dance. Our training program will teach everything you need to know to be an excellent teacher/dancer.
What are the prerequisites for the Teacher Training Course?
The teacher training course is for people with no dance background and seasoned professionals alike. The only thing you need is the desire to teach dance. This course will teach you everything you need to know for a successful career in ballroom dance. You will learn how to lead and follow up to 17 ballroom dances and how to teach these to others.
How far in advance should I enroll for the Teacher Training course?
To secure your enrollment in the class, we recommend submitting the $100.00 non-refundable deposit at least 15 days prior to the start of class.
How can I pay for the class?
Cash, check, and credit card are accepted. All credit card payments are done through email via PayPal. There is a 3% service fee for all credit card charges. Checks should be made payable to: Bovard New York
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $500 per month per section. There are 4 sections in total: Night Club, Rhythm I, Rhythm II, and Smooth. Each section meets 32 sessions, meeting twice a week for 2 hours each class.
Required materials: Teacher Training Book $95 (covers all sections)
When are payments due?
Payments are to be received in full by the first class of each month and/or every 4th week of classes.
I am already a very accomplished dancer. Will this course improve my technique and own dancing?
Absolutely! The Teacher Training program is designed to teach you all the figures of the Bronze American syllabus in up to 17 dances so that you will know those figures inside and out. It will teach you the elements of the figures and the terminology to teach them with. It will give you practice in presenting in front of the class, and you will be tested frequently to insure retention and facility with the material.
How much outside class study is required?
We recommend about four hours of outside class study per week.
Is the class balanced between men and woman?
While the gender ratio varies from semester to semester, there tend to be more women then men. However, because all students need to learn both leader and follower roles, the gender balance is irrelevant.
Can I come and observe a class?
Yes. Please call ahead so that we can meet you to discuss any questions!
What career opportunities can I expect after completely the program?
A trained graduate always warrants a much higher salary then someone else who has not been trained. The salary that staff members make at dances studios varies from studio to studio. However, both the salary of an independent contractor and staff member is based on the value of their lesson, which is directly related to their training and experience. Graduates of our teacher training program are far ahead of the game because they have already received specialized training.
Must I complete all 16 months of Teacher Training to get a certificate?
No. The entire course consists of four sections and each section takes 4 months to complete. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the required components for each section. If you do finish the entire 16 months program, you will receive five certificates in all, one per section and one comprehensive certificate.
Is the teacher training course International or American?
The course utilizes the DVIDA Syllabus and covers the American Style Bronze level dances (Smooth, Rhythm, Latin and nightclub and swing dances)
What is DVIDA and PRODVIDA?
The DVIDA System is America's Leading Ballroom Syllabus consisting of visual media, manuals, charts and certification for students and professionals.
ProDVIDA is a professional teacher organization that is open to all professional dance teachers and competitors. ProDVIDA encourages and welcomes active participation from its members in developing dance standards, promoting business innovations, and celebrating the art of dance.
The Vision:
The goal of ProDVIDA is to provide the professional with top-notch service and valuable tools and to identify those teachers who exemplify the highest levels of skill and ethical standards, through training, experience and certification.
What is the difference between proDVIDA and Teacher Training Certification?
Teacher Training certification recognizes you have successfully completed the vocational teacher training program and can teach all 17 ballroom dances while the DVIDA certification recognizes your masterly knowledge of the dances you are certified in at the national level.
