You are here: Home / Guide / For Dance Instructors

Is your ballroom dance instructor certified?

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Ballroom Dance is sweeping this country. It’s on TV, on Broadway and in Hollywood. American’s can’t seem to get enough of it! Television, movies and theater have brought ballroom back to American mainstream, but, the question is, who is teaching America how to dance?

It turns out, there’s a shortage of qualified ballroom dance teachers.


No Regulation in Ballroom Instruction

Did you know that there is NO governing or regulatory body that oversees the certification of teachers in the Ballroom Dance industry? This has given the industry a bad name for years.

Picture this: you’re inspired by the shows and head off to your local Park District to take a class – the instructor there has watched a few YouTube videos and is now a self-proclaimed ‘instructor’. You have a hard time with the steps and decide dancing is not for you and give up.

This happens EVERYDAY. But the issue is NOT with you, the client, the problem is that you had an untrained teacher that didn’t know how to break it down and make it easy!

“We struggle to find enough credentialed teachers” says Alex Wilhelm, studio manager for a prominent studio in Chicago’s south suburbs. “Anyone can claim they’re an instructor, but we only hire teachers who have passed their exams. It’s important to us to offer quality instruction.”

 

Ballroom Teachers: One Step Ahead

Many of the larger, chain studios even place ads for instructors that say ‘no experience necessary’. This means that those instructors are learning on the job and are usually only one or two lessons ahead of their clientele. An unsuspecting customer pays for a teacher and gets someone that knows just enough to teach a lesson. PLUS, newly hired teachers spend years feeling stressed and overwhelmed with a ‘fear’ that they’ll be asked something they don’t yet know and their cover will be blown! It’s outrageous.

 

The Ballroom Teacher College

As the popularity of ballroom has increased, so has the determination to reform the industry. Diane Jarmolow, founder of the Ballroom Teacher’s College in California, developed a core curriculum that covers all aspects of teaching 17 different dances over a period of 16 months.

She worked with top instructors across the country and used it to train hundreds of successful teachers in her own studio. She then made the course available to other ballrooms that were interested in having trained, credentialed staff instead of trying to teach their teachers ‘on the fly’ and hope for the best.

 

Find a Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor

To find a good instructor near you, read the article, “Are All Ballroom Instructors The Same?  A Quick Guide to Finding a Qualified Instructor“.  It covers the misconceptions and solutions and provides specific questions to ask instructors in your area.

“the Ballroom Teacher Certification course is one of the best things that has happened to the ballroom dance industry,” says Maren Oslac, owner of the Illinois Ballroom Teacher College  (www.ILBTC.com)  “Teachers need to be required to pass exams and get certified, bad teachers give our entire industry a horrible reputation.”

 

 

Filed Under: Facts, Featured Articles, For Adults, For Beginners, For Children, For Dance Instructors, For Men, For Women, Guide, Instructor's Voice

Are All Ballroom Instructors The Same?

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

The Quick Guide to Finding a Qualified Instructor

 

You’ve got the ballroom dance bug and want to take a few classes so that you look good at the next wedding or function you attend, but you don’t know where to start… we’ll here’s the quick and easy guide to choosing the best ballroom instructor or studio for you.

Sadly, without this information, many people wind up choosing a poorly qualified ballroom dance teacher (or school); and, sometimes, even worse, have such a negative experience, decide that dancing is something they’ll never try again.

We’ll cover a few misconceptions that people have about choosing a dance instructor and then get into specific questions YOU can ask to when you’re looking around.

 

Misconception ONE:

The term ‘Ballroom Dance’ refers to the smooth floating dances.

That’s only part of the story. It’s true, AND ballroom dancing is a term that really encompasses the smooth dances, the latin and rhythm dances, the swing dances, Salsa, Tango and so much more.

 

Solution/Question(s) to ask:

If there is a dance you want to learn, or several that interest you, look for a well rounded instructor, or a studio with multiple instructors and be sure to ask about those specific dances.

Do you/does your studio teach ______ (swing, salsa, tango, etc.)

 

Misconception TWO:

Ballroom/Swing/Salsa Teachers go to school to learn to teach ballroom/swing/salsa dancing.

NO! This couldn’t be further from the truth. It makes sense, they are teachers – other teachers have to graduate and have credentials. But there is no regulation in the ballroom dance industry.

This means anyone can call themselves a Ballroom Dance Instructor, a Swing Dance Instructor, etc. There are people that have taken a few classes, watched a few YouTube Videos, or even won a few contests, and they are teaching.

You may have taken a class and gotten turned off. It happens ALL THE TIME and it gives the industry a bad name.

 

Solution/Question(s) to ask:

There are actual ballroom dance teacher colleges, professional exams and professional certifications. There ARE qualified teachers. And you can ask questions to help you find them.

The most widely recognized accrediting agency is ‘Dance Vision International Dance Association’ (DVIDA), which is recognized by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).

Teachers get certified in EACH dance they learn, and there are levels of certification. So if you want to learn Waltz, be sure your instructor has, at minimum, his or her Bronze Waltz Certification.

Ask what credentials s/he has and where and when s/he got them. If you get a story about why ‘there’s no need, or no schools for his/her dance’, etc, beware.

Are you a certified instructor?

In what dances?

From what accrediting agency?

What school did you attend?

 

Misconception THREE:

A great dancer makes a great teacher.

I wish this were true – then it would be easy to find a teacher – just look for the number of awards. However, the problem is that most great dancers don’t learn how to EXPLAIN what they do so naturally.

Have you ever noticed that most of the Olympic gymnastic and skating coaches are not great gymnasts or skaters?

Dancing and teaching dance involve two different sets of skills. The highly trained dancer has usually spent years and years developing only ONE of those sets of skills (clue: teaching is not the set they’ve developed). So often they make TERRIBLE teachers. (This is not always the case.)

 

Solution/Question(s) to ask:

Some great dancers retire and focus their attention on becoming great teachers. This becomes a terrific combination. You can ask about their certification (above) and you can also ask about how they’ve worked on their teaching skills.

What training have you had to develop your teaching skills?

 

Overall, your experience is the best judge of your instructor. Armed with these three essential pieces of knowledge:

  1. the term Ballroom encompasses most ‘couples’ dances
  2. there is no regulation in the ballroom dance industry
  3. a great dancer does not equal a great teacher

you will be a savvy consumer. Ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to look a bit further if you’re not getting the answers you want!

 

Filed Under: Facts, Featured Articles, For Adults, For Beginners, For Children, For Dance Instructors, For Men, For Women, Guide, Information, Instructor's Voice, Resources

The Key to Cha Cha Cha: the Split Fourth Beat

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Cha Cha Cha: Cuban Origins

Cha Cha, a Latin American dance of Cuban origins is often considered a descendant of Mambo.  Both dances evolved from Danzon – once called the official dance of Cuba – which incorporated rhythms from African folk music.

The Split Fourth Beat Creates Cha Cha Cha

The Cha Cha developed in the early 50’s when a syncopation of the 4th beat of music started being heard and the dancers matched what they were hearing.  A London dancer, Pierre Zurcher-Margolle, visited Cuba and found they were dancing to music with a split 4th beat and took the idea back to England with him.

This was the beginning of what is now known as ballroom Cha Cha (or Cha Cha Cha).

Matching the Cha Cha Step to Cha Cha Music

This syncopated fourth beat is the very reason many people have difficulty learning Cha Cha.  The syncopation means that fourth beat is blended into the first beat – where dancers normally start dancing!

If a dancer starts on the first beat, he or she must start at the end of the syncopations – both in the music AND in the footwork/pattern!  This can be tricky for beginners.

Many beginners will start on one of the music, but on two of the pattern.  This means that the syncopation in the footwork will not match the syncopation in the music.  The music splits the fourth beat.  Dancers that start on one of the music, but two of their pattern are syncopating the third beat.

Cha Cha Music Splitting the Fourth Beat:

1234& 1234&

Cha Cha Music

Cha Cha Music: Splitting Beat Four

Cha Cha Danced Beginning on Two of the Pattern:

123&4 123&4

It’s possible to begin your pattern on two – as long as you begin on two of the music.  The characteristic Cha Cha Cha needs to happen where the music calls for it… over the 4 and 1 in the music!

Cha Cha Cha in Different Places

There are now several other styles of ‘cha-cha-cha’ that differ in the placement of the chasse – the dance version of the split beat.  The original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha both split the fourth beat, putting the chasse between the four and one in the music. (“Two-three-chachacha” – syncopated fourth beat.)

There is Help!

Need some help deciphering Cha Cha?  Contact your local ballroom dance studio and talk to them about learning to Cha Cha Cha!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Facts, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, Information, Uncategorized

The Best Music for Cha Cha Cha

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Cha Cha Cha: Danced to Cuban Music

Cha Cha originated in Cuba, so it makes sense that you can dance it to authentic Cuban music.  The one common characteristic with all music to which you can dance Cha Cha is the split 4th beat.

Here are a few examples of authentic Cuban Cha Cha music:

Santa Isabel de las Lajas by Beny More

La Blusa Azul by Enrique Jorrin

El Cadete Constitucional by La Orquesta Aragon

Danzon Daulena by Cubanismo

La Enganadora by Orquesta de Enrique Jorrin

Cha Cha Cha: Danced to Current Music

All dances evolve with time… so has Cha Cha and the music to which we dance it.

Currently,  Cha Cha is dance mostly to Latin Pop and Latin Rock.  Latin pop usually refers to pop music that has a Latin influence and Latin rock would be Rock music again, with a Latin influence.

Be sure to listen for the syncopated 4th beat that qualifies a song as a true Cha Cha.  Latin Pop and Rock can be based on other rhythms like Samba, Merengue or Mambo.

Here are a few examples of Latin Pop & Rock Cha Cha Songs:

I Need to Know by Marc Anthony

Me, Myself & I by Vitamin C

Smooth by Santana

Naci Orishas by Orishas

Estuve a Punto by Miguel Bose

Other Forms of Cha Cha Cha

Styles of the ‘cha-cha-cha’ dance may differ in the placement of the chasse  (syncopated beat) in the rhythmical structure. The original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha count “two-three-chachacha” with the syncopated beat on four.

Filed Under: Cha Cha Cha, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, Information, Uncategorized

Self-Image: the Making of a Dancesport Champion, Part 2

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

In my last post “Self-Image: the Making of a Dancesport Champion, Part 1“, I talked about self-esteem; what it was and why it was important to improve it as a ballroom dancer that wants to compete in Dancesport. I also mentioned one essential ingredient changing your self-image in order to become a champion: finding the hidden fears that are holding you back.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to focus on the two ‘nutrients’ it takes to grow self-esteem: Praise from Self and Praise from Others.

Two ‘Nutrients’ to Grow Self Esteem in Dancers

Ballroom Dancers

Dancesport Competitors

Praise from Self:

The ongoing chatter in your head needs some attention.  What is it saying?  That chatter will tell you EXACTLY what you will become, and will determine whether or not you will win.

1. Take the time to control your self-talk, give yourself credit for doing a good job and become your own best friend.

2. Take the opportunity to get to know what is special about YOU.  Write it down and focus on it.

3. Create a Performance Analysis Journal.  Each day you train at your dance school, have a practice or a competition; record what you did that day including your objective, your goal and your successes.

4. Make writing your ‘success analysis’ the most important element.  What did you learn?  What did you enjoy?  What makes you feel great about what you did today?  How did what you did today make you more prepared for the competition?

5. Compliment yourself BIG TIME!

Ballroom Dance Students

Ballroom Dance Class

Praise from Others:

Dancers are not in control of this, but you can talk to you dance school, coaches, parents, your partner and your friends.  Tell them that you are working on improving your self-image and that it would be helpful for them to do the following:

1. Praise often!

2. Give credit where credit is due.

3. When giving critiques or in mock judging session focus not only on how you can improve, but also include what you are doing well already.

4. Find opportunities to give praise, to help grow your self-image.

5. Be solution based – give ideas on how to improve – don’t just focus on what is wrong (this hurts the self-image).

6. Be motivated and excited about improvements and make training a positive and uplifting experience.

Self-Image changes through imprinting: words impact the self-image of the dancer/competitor in a huge way – positive or negative!  This is not just about winning titles – it’s about helping a dancer grow internally too.

Filed Under: Ballroom, For Adults, For Children, For Dance Instructors, Guide, Instructor's Voice, Styles, Uncategorized

Self-Image: the Making of a Dancesport Champion, Part 1

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

People often say “It’s important to have a strong self-image”, but what does that really mean?  And more importantly how can you improve your self-image?

The definition according to Dictionary.com, self-im·age /ˈsɛlfˈɪmɪdʒ/ [self-im-ij] –noun: the idea, conception, or mental image one has of oneself.

Beginning Dancesport Competitors

Beginning Ballroom Dance Competitors

Self Image Determines Dance Performance

Put another way, self-image is the total of your habits and attitudes.  As an athlete in Ballroom Dancing, or otherwise, your performance is directly determined by (or equal to) your self-image (the mental image you have of yourself).

This means you cannot perform any better than you BELIEVE you can – even after hours of dancing classes and developing the subconscious skill.

In practice you are nailing your performance, you are the best of the best.  You work with your dance teachers and excel time and again.

Then, what happens in competition?  If your self-image according to the competition is not as strong, then you will not live up to your potential – you won’t nail it when you need to the most.

What’s the solution?

How do you build that ‘strong self-image’?

Confidence is Key! First and foremost, you must have confidence in your ability.  Not only to compete well, but to win. ‘Winners’ must live up to the expectations of those around them, their dance teachers, friends, family and supporters, often fears of those expectations hold us back.

Take a moment and write out two lists.

1. Write out all the things you will most enjoy about being the best (attention, accolades, etc.)

2. Write out all the fears you have about winning (living up to expectations, not being able to repeat the win, etc.)

Once you have that list, you’ll be able to face those fears.  Often times our fears are not even based in reality and simply writing them down is all it takes.

Other times the fear is more deeply rooted and will take some work on our part to conquer it – work on it with your coaches and in your dancing classes.  Either way, knowing your fears, and mastering them the first step in making your win a reality.

In my next post, I’ll talk about the two nutrients it takes to grow self-esteem: Praise from Self and Praise from Others.

Filed Under: Ballroom, For Adults, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, Guide, Resources, Uncategorized

Etiquette for Ballroom, Swing & Salsa Dancing

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment


Ballroom Dance ShoeOne of the things that is rarely covered by a dance instructor in Ballroom, Swing or Salsa dance class is “dance floor etiquette”.  Some common social dance questions are:

What is the proper way to ask someone to dance?

Can anyone ask anyone else?

Is there a protocol for turning someone down?

How do you let potential partners know you are interested in dancing?

Let’s establish some ground rules to make it simple.

Rules For Requesting a Dance

1. Anybody Can Ask Anybody.

In today’s day and age, a woman asking for a dance is a common occurence.  (Remember that it’s a dance, not a date!)  For either gender, it’s best to be aware of clearly exclusive couples unless you know for certain that they are interested and available to dance with others.

2.  Respect Partners’ Dance Time

You may enjoy dancing with a particular person, and it’s ok to request a second dance, but it’s NOT ok to monopolize their time throughout the evening.  Asking for a second dance in a row is acceptable if you only made it to the floor for a portion of the current song.  Then you have to move on.  You can ask that person for another dance later in the evening – be sure to space out your requests.

3.  Ask Lots of People

The best way to improve you dancing – is by dancing!  Getting out on the floor and staying there with a variety of people, not only is good practice, but it’s great exercise and much more fun that sitting on the side watching.  In addition, you have the opportunity to get others to feel good about themselves!

4.  Pay Attention

Asking another to dance means risk – the risk of someone saying no!  Look for people that are close to the dance floor and look like they want to get onto the dance floor.  Avoid someone in deep conversation, or someone standing at the back of the room unless you know the person.  Watch body language as well – not every shoe fits and there will be some people that would rather dance with someone else.  If you approach and they turn away, don’t take it personally, and look elsewhere for your next dance.

Rules for Accepting or Declining a Dance

1.  Always Accept a First Invitation to Dance

Someone has built up the courage to ask you to dance, it’s only decent to accept.  If there is some glaring reason that you can’t accept (you danced the last 10 dances and need a break, it’s a Waltz and you don’t Waltz) clearly explain WHY you can’t dance with them in that moment, and then FIND THAT PERSON LATER when you are able to dance.

2.  If You Decline a Dance, Sit That One Out

If you’ve told someone ‘no’ for a dance, then don’t dance.  It’s insulting and painful to be rejected only to have the person you asked to gladly dance with another.

3.  The Only Three Reasons to Say No

Dances last about three minutes, being polite and gracious is easy in three-minute doses.  Having said that, there are only three acceptable reasons to decline a dance invitation after the first:

  1. Fear of injury.
  2. Inebriation.
  3. Intolerable hygiene.
  4. Inappropriate body contact.

The Golden Rule of Social Dancing

All other rules fall behind one simple rule of thumb:  Be polite and treat others the way you want to be treated.  Social dancing is only fun if people are social.  Do your part to help keep it fun!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Facts, FAQs, Featured Articles, For Adults, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, For Men, For Women, Guide, Information, Resources, Salsa, Styles, Swing
« Older Posts