"There are those who dance to the rhythm that is played to them, those who only dance to their own rhythm, and those who don’t dance at all."

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. Come to the BDTC and in just 16 months or less, we can teach you everything!

What are the prerequisites for the Bronze Teacher Training Courses?

The Bronze teacher training courses are for people with no dance background and seasoned professionals alike. The only thing you need is the desire to teach dance. These courses will teach you everything you need to know for a successful career in ballroom dance. You will learn how to lead and follow 17 ballroom dances and how to teach these to others.

How far in advance should I enroll for Teacher Training?

To secure your spot in the class, we recommend submitting the $100.00 non-refundable deposit at least 60 days prior to the start of class.

I am already a very accomplished dancer. Will this training improve my technique and dancing?

The Teacher Training curriculum is designed to teach you all the figures of the Bronze American syllabus in 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. Your technique will improve through this process, but these courses are not designed to make you a competitive dancer. That type of training is best done in private lessons.

How much outside class study is required?

We recommend about four hours of outside class study per week. However, with the opportunity to take all classes and attend all parties and workshops free of charge at The Block Party Dance Studio and/or Just Dance Ballroom, there are unlimited opportunities to practice. And as we all know, practice makes perfect!

Is the class balanced between men and women?

While the gender ratio varies from semester to semester, there tend to be more women than 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. Bronze classes take place Monday and Thursdays 5 - 7 pm at The Block Party Dance Studio located at 300 De Haro in San Francisco, and on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 – 7 pm at Just Dance Ballroom, 2500 Embarcadero in Oakland. Please call ahead so that we can meet you to discuss any questions.

Do you help graduating trainees get jobs?

As one of the only vocational teacher training programs in the country, studios are constantly contacting us looking for teachers. We regularly pass job listings on to our graduates. Our strong relationship with dance studios in the community will give you a head start to finding the dance job you want.

What kind of salary can a graduate of BDTC earn?

A BDTC 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 the BDTC 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 curriculum consists of four separate courses and each course takes 4 months to complete. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the required components for each course. If you do finish the entire 16 month curriculum, you will receive five certificates in all, one per course and one comprehensive certificate.

Is BDTC teacher training in International or American Style?

All the courses utilize the DVIDA® Syllabus and cover the American Style dances (Smooth, Rhythm, and Nightclub 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.

What is the difference between proDVIDA® and Teacher Training Certification?

BDTC Teacher Training certification recognizes you have successfully completed the vocational teacher training programs 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.

I want to take Teacher Training but don't have 16 months of free time to dedicate to it, is there anything I can do?

We offer two courses every 4 months - one in San Francisco, CA and the other in Oakland, CA. By taking two courses at a time, the entire 16 month Teacher Training curriculum can be completed in just 8 months! If you have prior experience, you can also complete the curriculum in just 4 months using a combination of group classes and private lessons.

I want to take your 16 month training but do not live locally, help!

There are ballrooms across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and India running their own programs based on our curriculum. For a list of schools near you, please call us at (510) 336-9426 or click here.

BDTC also offers one to two week intensives throughout the year. They are usually held in Las Vegas, NV and Oakland, CA. These intensives will give you all the tools you need to prepare for your DVIDA® Certification. Click here for more information.

I'd like to take the "How to Get Certified" intensive but I'm not sure if I meet the prerequisites.

Call us and we can help assess your level of ability what course is best for you.

Is there someone who can speak with me by phone to answer my questions?

Of course, please contact us so we can help make your dancing dreams come true. Call Jane at (510) 336-9426 or email LearnMore@teachballroomdancing.com.

*Each course is its own program, and not a prerequisite for any other. Tuition is charged monthly for each course. You will receive a certificate acknowledging your achievement when you complete each course.