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Emily Lemons
Mrs. Lester
Adv. Comp.
11 October 2011
Dance Educators
Approximately 43 percent of American children receive dance as part of their
physical education in school. Out of these 43 percent, only 7 percent received this
education from a dance professional, all others were taught by a physical education
teacher (Statistics). Different dance forms have always had a spot in the life of a great
part of American children. If asked, most girls would say that they received some sort of
dance training as a child. But, dance is beginning to make a greater appearance in the
education of children. Although dance has started to come back, there are many issues
when pursuing a career in dance education. A dance teacher may be scattering thoughts
in many different ways, seeking higher pay, the job is also physically demanding, and job
opportunities are dwindling with the economy.
Dance educators have many responsibilities that require one to be able to handle
many different tasks at once. Teachers may choreograph dances, teach students proper
technique, correct any mistakes to prevent injury, and record any progress made to a
dance or what the dancers being taught need to improve on in order to keep moving
forward in their dance career. It is the responsibility of the dance teacher to keep students
safe and help them progress (“Choreographers“). Because this job has so many duties,
many people are not able to stay on task and get everything done. The many requirements
of a dance educator weed out the good teachers from the bad very quickly (Grist). Any

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person who is not able to multitask will realize this quickly, and should either improve on
that skill, or choose another career. Although some can not juggle the many
responsibilities at first, there are many ways to improve upon this issue. One solution
may be staying organized. By keeping a notebook of lessons and improvements for
students a teacher can easily keep track of any issues that the students face. Likewise,
having an older student to help a dance teacher could minimize the stress that is being put
on the dance teacher. Assistant teachers can help give corrections, remember any
combinations from one class to the next, and keep notes for the teacher. Lack of focus
and multitasking skills will always be an issue in the career of dance educators. Many
people are not able to multitask successfully, meaning that some are not able to be a good
dance teacher. No matter what, this will always be a struggle. But, in time a person can
figure out what organization skills work best for them and successfully overcome their
problems with multitasking (Risner). Handling all of the many tasks a dance teacher faces
effectively, could affect pay.
Another issue that dance teachers face is pay. Most dance teachers are not paid
well (Career Information- Dancers). Many dance teachers face low pay that creates
tension in their life. Most feel the pressure and decide that it is too much. Having low pay
creates conflict that may cause one to worry about paying bills, supporting a family, and
staying happy. A solution to the low pay of a dance educator is to take a second job that
does not conflict with the teaching schedule. Taking a second job could alleviate any
pressure that is put on a dance teacher to make more money. Most dance teachers teach at
more than one dance school, or have another completely unrelated job (Risner). Although
some sources conflict, overall it seems that the need for dance teachers has gone down,

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meaning that the pay has also declined. According to some sources, the future for dance
education is bright. If this is true, there will be a higher demand for dance teachers, and
therefore a higher pay. Dance teachers are stressed mentally by the low pay, but there is
also physical stress that comes along with the position of a dance educator (“Business
Idea Center”).
Being a dance teacher can be physically demanding at times. When a dance
teacher is young, it is expected that dance lessons are taken and the teacher is able to
show the dancers being taught what to do. If a teacher also takes classes, it can be tiring.
But, taking classes and being physically able to show students what to do makes a great
dance teacher. If a teacher is able to help students, it could help improve some of the
other challenges of being a dance teacher. For example, a raise in pay could be plausible
if a teacher can help the students. Although taking classes as well as teaching them can be
physically straining, it can also be its own solution. If a person only takes a dance class
every so often, it would be more strenuous, therefore more demanding. But, if that person
took dance classes more often, they would seem easier, and they would be less difficult.
Also, taking dance classes often opens a dance teacher’s eyes to new techniques that
could be used in class to help the students understand better. No matter what, dance
teachers will always be expected to stay physically fit. As a dance teacher gets older, the
expectations will become lessened and students will rely more on word of mouth. By the
time a dance teacher has become too old to show students, the teacher should be able to
fully explain how to do things for the students. If a new dance teacher is in shape, it could
help in the search for a job. When a teacher is fit and able to lead by example, it is more
likely that the person will get a job (“Choreographers”).

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Although dance education is not a common career choice like early childhood
education, it still lacks jobs. Because there is a low availability of jobs, many people are
seeking jobs in other fields. Although dance teachers love teaching, sometimes there is no
choice but to look for another job that either pays better, or is available. Some argue that
dance is making a come back in the culture of Americans, but there is still a lack of jobs
(Career Information- Dancers). If more people were to take an interest in dance, more
jobs as dance teachers would be needed. One solution to the lack of jobs could be raising
awareness of the arts. Most people do not realize the importance of arts in a child’s life.
By staying involved in an extracurricular activity, such as dance, keeps a child from
giving in to temptations. By raising parents’ awareness of these effects, more children
may be involved in dance classes, and more dance teachers would be needed. The
outlook for job opportunity is all dependent on the economy. If the economy starts to get
better, more positions as dance teachers will be open. If a parents have money, children
are more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities that require a monthly bill,
such as dance. Jobs for dance teachers could become more available if the economy starts
to improve and if the public is more aware of the positive effects of dancing
(“Choreographers”).
Some of the issues that a dance teacher faces are more serious than others.
Overall, a career in this field may not be the wisest choice. The research done suggests
that there are a few very serious issues that may not make teaching dance worth the risk.
The job is demanding mentally, the pay is low, it is also physically demanding, and there
are not many job opportunities. But, if a person loves dance and is willing to work, the
career could be okay.