Become a proficient dancer in the style you wish to teach. Aspiring students will be more willing to take classes from experienced dancers that can demonstrate a mastery of the skill they want to learn and develop.
Participate in master classes, dance workshops or dance congresses to keep up to date with the latest trends in the style of dancing you wish to teach.
Learn both lead and follower roles if you will be teaching a partner-dance style such swing, tango, salsa or ballroom dancing.
Attend professional private and group dance classes to observe and learn the teaching styles and methodologies used by other dance instructors.
Observe and determine student's motivation for going to dance classes. Many students participate in dance classes for recreational purposes while others attend to improve in their career.
Observe the way instructors organize their classes. Too many lessons in theory are not generally desired for students attending a dance class for recreational purposes. Observe how professional instructors adapt to the learning abilities of students and different age groups.
Learn by teaching. Organize a group class with friends or relatives that have different or no dancing background.
Prepare your class in advance. Have a big picture of what you wish to accomplish in the dance class, then divide the material into smaller portions. Organize the material from simple to complex to allow students to gain confidence at the beginning of the class.
Know the patterns or routines you will teach. Break down the count for each dance pattern as it corresponds to the music. Determine the footwork you will teach. Prepare to explain and demonstrate the proper way to lead or follow a certain dance step.
Learn different approaches to teaching a basic step, pattern, figure or formation. Use analogies when applicable to help students grasp how it should feel when the step is performed correctly or incorrectly.
Teach using music. A common mistake is to focus too much on a specific dance step and overlook the role that music plays in dancing. Stopping the music to explain a difficult dance pattern is often necessary, yet this should be an exception. Most dance instructors recommend having students learn with music to associate dance and music.
Be assertive, clear and direct in your approach to teaching. Maintain a healthy and vibrant atmosphere that is conducive for fun and exploration. Motivate students to continue trying new or more complicated dance steps.
Check newspapers, yellow pages or other classifieds on the Web for dance instructor jobs. Visit community youth centers, health clubs, community colleges and universities. There are various school programs that offer adult-classes at night and dance instructors are often needed.
Build your dancing credibility by participating in competitions, performances and obtaining qualifications or certificates.
Purchase or create personal business cards for your dance instruction services. Present your business cards every time you do a dance performance or as you network with others in the industry or in your community.
Participate as a volunteer instructor in community colleges to make yourself known to other dancers. Talk to others about your interest in becoming an instructor.