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Dance instructor/choreographer vs dance teacher

The differences between dance instructor/choreographers and dance teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a dance instructor/choreographer and a dance teacher. Additionally, a dance teacher has an average salary of $47,909, which is higher than the $46,612 average annual salary of a dance instructor/choreographer.

The top three skills for a dance instructor/choreographer include dance classes, hip-hop dance and dance performances. The most important skills for a dance teacher are hip hop dance, role model, and front desk.

Dance instructor/choreographer vs dance teacher overview

Dance Instructor/ChoreographerDance Teacher
Yearly salary$46,612$47,909
Hourly rate$22.41$23.03
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs34,86571,355
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Dance instructor/choreographer vs dance teacher salary

Dance instructor/choreographers and dance teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dance Instructor/ChoreographerDance Teacher
Average salary$46,612$47,909
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $71,000Between $32,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityLas Vegas, NVNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying company-The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Best paying industryEducationHospitality

Differences between dance instructor/choreographer and dance teacher education

There are a few differences between a dance instructor/choreographer and a dance teacher in terms of educational background:

Dance Instructor/ChoreographerDance Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorDanceDance
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Dance instructor/choreographer vs dance teacher demographics

Here are the differences between dance instructor/choreographers' and dance teachers' demographics:

Dance Instructor/ChoreographerDance Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 21.9% Female, 78.1%Male, 14.1% Female, 85.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between dance instructor/choreographer and dance teacher duties and responsibilities

Dance instructor/choreographer example responsibilities.

  • Lead children's classes, training kids in kicks, punches, self-defense and how to avoid physical confrontations.
  • Teach a full tap dance syllabus to all ages and all skill levels.
  • Prepare a syllabus for each class, stretching/warm-up students, teaching dance technique and routines.
  • Prepare and run all dance rehearsals.
  • Schedule and run rehearsals, re-serve rehearsal space and arrange for accompanists.
  • Teach dance/choreograph several classes including competition musical theatre, jazz, and Zumba.
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Dance teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead sports activities and work with younger kids as they create different craft projects.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Choreograph dance pieces for the children and organize performance details (costumes, rehearsals, parent communication) for company concerts.
  • Create and run up-to-date and relevant drills.
  • Credit in first aid and CPR training.
  • Plan various student activities and run sports programs.
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Dance instructor/choreographer vs dance teacher skills

Common dance instructor/choreographer skills
  • Dance Classes, 20%
  • Hip-Hop Dance, 13%
  • Dance Performances, 10%
  • Musical Theater, 7%
  • Dance Program, 4%
  • Dance Studio, 4%
Common dance teacher skills
  • Hip Hop Dance, 17%
  • Role Model, 8%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Musical Theater, 6%
  • Dance Program, 5%
  • Dance Studio, 5%

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