Thread: Seeking a job with an established dance studio

How does one go about seeking a teaching job with an established dance studio when one has very little teaching experience?

A new dance studio has opened up literally around the corner from my house and I'd like to know how I can get a job there as a teacher. I've performed on stage before and taught small classes in a small town in a dance studio - unofficially (sub-teacher, helping out a friend who was a teacher there). How can I market myself for a potential job as a Belly Dance Instructor?

Do you think I have a chance?

Many studios will rent time to individual instructors who want to teach their own classes. Sad to say but often the studio owner does not check into qualifications for instruction, as long as you pay your rent! If you are prepared to create and market your own class, you may be able to do this as a "contractor" at your neighborhood studio simply signing a rental contract.

That said, if this is an established belly dance studio, they may be more inclined to want to preserve their image as a quality instructional space, and they know that all of their teachers reflect back on their business, whether they are contractors or not. (I am dealing with this now as a new studio owner!)

You might approach the owners about teaching one class series as a contractor, or even teaching a one-time workshop, so they acn get to know you and your style, and see if you are compatable. When you meet with the studio owner I would have a portfolio ready: picture, business card, class agenda, sample class flyer, etc.

Hope this helps~
Sabine

Originally Posted by Sabine

When you meet with the studio owner I would have a portfolio ready: picture, business card, class agenda, sample class flyer, etc.

Hope this helps~
Sabine

So does this mean that I may have to get contacts from the previous studio where I was an unofficial teacher? Yeah, I figured I would have to gather promotional materials together. Thanks, that does help.

You could offer to teach a short, 3-4 week course in bellydance. That way, they can trial you and see how you go. This is what I did to get my start.

I think you could be prepared to give a reference (name and phone number) from the studio where you helped teach, but you don't necessarily need a letter of recommendation or anything like that. Just sell you and your talents--what you can offer now. I like the idea of a short course--most studios rent by the month, so a 4 week or 8 week commitment is a good deal for them, too.

Oh and one more---first you make contact via phone or email (or even snail mail!) and then you set up a time to meet them in person. They (the studio owners) need to put a face to your name. When you connect with them, be friendly and try to find something in common. Should not be difficult, since you are both into dancing, but it's a validated fact that people like other people more if they have something in common. Anything at all. Maybe you both love John Belizikjian music, or you both took a workshop from Delilah, or you both lived in San Jose at some point...

(Yeah, I'm a social psychology researcher in my spare time.)

Is this a studio where Belly Dance is already taught, or is it a Tap-Jazz-Ballet-Modern type of studio? I'd have completely different approaches for each.

Thanks for the info Sabine. They have a class called "World Dance Experience 13-Adult"
Here is the vague info on the class:
With open hearts and minds, students will discover the beauty of movement, tradition, costume, color, and spirit! Let us dance our way around the World and through the many cultures that unite and diversify our community! This course will include movement, dance technique and choreography by instructor and students. A festive cultural study, and costume workshop. A Performance opportunity will be offered, and encouraged!

I don't know if belly dance is included. I tried emailing and calling - no response. I may go there tomorrow night and ask about it.