Thread: New to teaching

I am curious to know how do teacher's who teach at a studio, how do they make money or get paid? Let's say for example there is a teacher looking to teach a basic beginner's class, who is already a performer and wants to also become an instructor. How do you present yourself as a teacher to the studio owner, and how does that teacher get paid? What is the standard practice in your area? I understand that students go to a studio, and pay for packages, or for each class, but how does the studio divide that up and pay the teacher for their time and instruction? Thanks, looking to teach and would like to know how to begin.

Originally Posted by minervabellydancer

I am curious to know how do teacher's who teach at a studio, how do they make money or get paid? Let's say for example there is a teacher looking to teach a basic beginner's class, who is already a performer and wants to also become an instructor. How do you present yourself as a teacher to the studio owner, and how does that teacher get paid? What is the standard practice in your area? I understand that students go to a studio, and pay for packages, or for each class, but how does the studio divide that up and pay the teacher for their time and instruction? Thanks, looking to teach and would like to know how to begin.

i had taught other forms of dance since 1966 . so, my first BD job at anothers studio was with an hourly pay. i took my press book .
i have a friend who teaches at a "new age" store....they take a % of the attendance. larger studios have "office" costs...they require a 4 month contract and the whole fee paid up front .it says students pay $12.00 a class..but the lump sum for the 4 months shows "office fees".
i own my own studio. if and when i rent to another, it is a set fee . the renter can up their fee to students to take care of the rental cost.
but what you make and what the studio makes should be set in stone and your pay days set as well.
my large classes pay the first of each month
those i teach or coach privatly pay by the week or month.

I had been teaching fitness and movement since before 1985. So I had a lot of education and training in those aspects as well as experience w the business practices and choices.
Some studios pay a flat rate fee. Check the rates in your area. Around here for Pilates they range crazily from $22/hr class to $75/hr class. Do your training justice and charge enough to make it worth your while as well as able to invest in furthering your education in the dance. At these places they pay the sub, if you can't teach. Some studios pay a flat fee (say $60), plus extra per head if you have over 20 students.
Some studios pay a percentage. Where I am- they do all the advertising and admin. People pay per session for the most part and I get 50% of the session (and drop in) fees for my classes. I have to pay and arrange my own sub if I am unable to teach a day. This is a yoga studio where I teach Pilates, but the same arrangement would be made if I wanted to teach belly dance there (they don't have mirrors, so I don't). This place also pays my teacher liability insurance, which is a bonus.
Where I teach belly dance- I rent out the space from a dance studio. All advertising and admin is my responsibility. People sign up per session, for the most part. Drop ins are allowed, but it's a higher fee. This way, if people can't make it or lose motivation I can still pay the rent. Require a minimum of sign ups so you can afford the rent and make a fair amount.
For this one I pretty much market w facebook and meetup.

Thank you, I was confused as to what most people did, whether it was a % they were getting paid from the studio, or whether they pay the studio a rental fee to use the space. I guess it depends on the area. I like the idea of paying rent for the space, this seems like a good idea for someone starting out teaching a small class of students, maybe one class per week. That way you are open to freelance and go to different studios as opposed to being a fixture at studio, at least in the beginning when starting out. Either way great info ladies thanks so much!

If you're inquiring at established dance studios, treat it as you would any other job inquiry. If there is interest and you land an interview, you'll need a dance resume (NOT a professional resume), business attire, and sketch of your lesson plan/vision for the class/classes. If you aren't treated this way, and its more informal and loose around whats expected etc, I would HIGHLY recommend you consider taking a position there (I find that if the studio doesn't hold its teachers to high standards, there's nothing to say you'll be paid on time, recieve what you asked for pay or studio).

Working for a studio has its perks and its downfalls. For example, my teachers liability insurance is covered at the studio where I'm currently under contract (if I rented my own space, I'd be required to carry insurance). I construct my own advertising, but the studio promotes it and makes sure that I have a minimum number of people. I find that I make average ammount on the classes but really get paid well when it comes to private lessons because I'm able to charge my own rate. So I agree with what others said, charge what you're worth as a performer or teacher. Also, I'm paid by the studio instead having to handle all the financials.

If you've never taught a dance class before, seriously consider if you're at a level as a dancer to do so and also if you have the time. Many people underestimate the time that needs to be put into constructing a productive, educational yet fun lesson. I'd also stress that you brush up on your anatomy/kinesiology. "Teaching the moves" is only part of being a good teacher, whats most crucial is understanding and explaining to your students what muscle groups are being used, how to access them, why even bother toning them and crucially important: how to NOT do something.

Also consider what you want to teach beginners: basics? choreography? combinations? intro to props? improvisation? Will you provide resources to props, have them available for purchase? Is this class part of series or only a one time trial run? You have unlimited options.

I understand where you're coming from, I'm also a professional dancer that works every weekend and teaches during the week. My experience and invitation to my students to watch me perform, gives me a unique edge when it comes to teaching. And as in most things in this business, its another opportunity to be paid. However, teaching shouldn't be taken lightly (this is why many professionals here on bhuz get frustrated when a '6 month wonder' starts teaching). When in doubt, enjoy performing now, teach later.

(Sorry for the ramble, hopefully it helps a little :) good luck!

Different studios have different policies. Sometimes you rent space as a private contractor. Sometimes you are considered their employee. You may collect money directly from students and pay the studio rental fee separately, or students may write checks to the studio and the owner will reimburse you. There isn't one right way to do it, but some important points before you start include:

• Insisting on the terms of your arrangement in writing

• Knowing whose responsibility it is to cover your instructor's insurance for teaching at this facility

• Understanding the legal tax issues surrounding your employment (When you're doing a job for money, the government expects you to pay tax on it, even if it isn't your "real" job and you don't make much. If the studio doesn't withhold and submit paperwork for you, you have to take up the slack.)

• Agreeing on the terms of tuition processing (Is there a provision for refunds? Are classes drop-ins or conducted as serialized, packaged installments?)

• Receiving reasonable and customary compensation for your teaching (Not only should you not accept a salary that undercuts the going rate, but make sure to specify the maximum and minimum number of students you will accept for a class so you do not get stuck giving private lessons for $10 or teaching 40 students for a flat rate of $50 a class.)

Originally Posted by la_soraya

If you've never taught a dance class before, seriously consider if you're at a level as a dancer to do so and also if you have the time. Many people underestimate the time that needs to be put into constructing a productive, educational yet fun lesson. I'd also stress that you brush up on your anatomy/kinesiology. "Teaching the moves" is only part of being a good teacher, whats most crucial is understanding and explaining to your students what muscle groups are being used, how to access them, why even bother toning them and crucially important: how to NOT do something.

Also consider what you want to teach beginners: basics? choreography? combinations? intro to props? improvisation? Will you provide resources to props, have them available for purchase? Is this class part of series or only a one time trial run? You have unlimited options.

I have been dancing for several years now, and have taken a teachers course with my mentor, I have lesson plans, etc. and learned about all the things you mention, proper posture, and how not to do something. It's just for a basic beginner's class, for newbies, just plan on teaching the basic movements, go over rhythms, zills, that type of thing. No real choreography, just simple combinations to do and drill in class. Thanks so much this is very helpful!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

• Receiving reasonable and customary compensation for your teaching (Not only should you not accept a salary that undercuts the going rate, but make sure to specify the maximum and minimum number of students you will accept for a class so you do not get stuck giving private lessons for $10 or teaching 40 students for a flat rate of $50 a class.)

Excellent point! this is what I was afraid of, getting stuck in a situation where the studio is the one that is getting the most out of my class, getting me or my instruction on the "cheap". Thanks again!

Originally Posted by minervabellydancer

It's just for a basic beginner's class, for newbies, just plan on teaching the basic movements, go over rhythms, zills, that type of thing. No real choreography, just simple combinations to do and drill in class. Thanks so much this is very helpful!

Remember it's never "just" a beginners class This is usually someone's first time being exposed to bellydance and it could hook them or turn them away for life. Plus, you're instilling habits and technique that they'll probably be using for the rest of their bellydance journey.

Teaching is definitely a wonderful ride, enjoy and best wishes!