How To Become A Dance Instructor/Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a dance instructor/assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

David McMahan Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a dance instructor/assistant. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.63 an hour? That's $44,998 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 159,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a dance instructor/assistant?

David McMahan Ph.D.

Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College

Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.

ScoreDance Instructor/AssistantUS Average

Salary

3.5

Avg. Salary $44,998

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.8

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.21%

Black or African American 7.32%

Hispanic or Latino 10.41%

Unknown 4.96%

White 65.82%

Gender

female 83.33%

male 16.67%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a dance instructor/assistant

Explore dance instructor/assistant education requirements

Most common dance instructor/assistant degrees

Bachelor's

64.5 %

High School Diploma

15.7 %

Associate

13.0 %

Start to develop specific dance instructor/assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Dance Classes	42.91%
Front Desk	10.07%
Dance Techniques	6.20%
Dance Studio	4.21%
Dance Program	4.14%

Research dance instructor/assistant duties and responsibilities

Lead children's classes, training kids in kicks, punches, self-defense and how to avoid physical confrontations.
Provide quality leadership for other dancers.
Show leadership abilities by leading the class in stretches and routines for state competitions.
Assist with the design of sets, lighting, costumes, and other elements of production.

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