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Dance instructor vs dance teacher

The differences between dance instructors 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 and a dance teacher. Additionally, a dance teacher has an average salary of $47,909, which is higher than the $34,931 average annual salary of a dance instructor.

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

Dance instructor vs dance teacher overview

Dance InstructorDance Teacher
Yearly salary$34,931$47,909
Hourly rate$16.79$23.03
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs36,09571,355
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a dance instructor do?

A dance instructor teaches a variety of dance styles and techniques to students from beginner to advanced level. Dance instructors must choreograph routines for their students and select the proper music for recitals and concerts. They evaluate the performance of their students and provide suggestions and recommendations for improvement. Dance instructors can specialize in one or more dance genres such as ballet, ballroom, or hip-hop. They also can find employment at schools, dance studios, and community centers.

What does a dance teacher do?

Dance Teachers are responsible for leading dance classes to teach individuals or groups of people various dancing techniques. Dance Teachers are required to help their students improve their dancing skills by participating in amateur or professional dance competitions or performing in social events such as high school reunions. They must teach one or more dance genres such as ballet, ballroom, or hip hop. They must also be physically fit and should possess a good sense of quality music.

Dance instructor vs dance teacher salary

Dance instructors and dance teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dance InstructorDance Teacher
Average salary$34,931$47,909
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $52,000Between $32,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityWaltham, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictThe American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Best paying industryEducationHospitality

Differences between dance instructor and dance teacher education

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

Dance InstructorDance Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorDanceDance
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Dance instructor vs dance teacher demographics

Here are the differences between dance instructors' and dance teachers' demographics:

Dance InstructorDance Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 19.0% Female, 81.0%Male, 14.1% Female, 85.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.2% 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 and dance teacher duties and responsibilities

Dance instructor example responsibilities.

  • Promote for demonstrate leadership skills and competence in managing students.
  • Choreograph beginner, intermediate and advance dance repertoire in the areas of ballet, pointe and modern dance.
  • Teach classical ballet, contemporary dance, and Pointe work to children, teens, and adults.
  • Dance instruction include skills such as Zumba workouts, ballet, tap, jazz, and Hawaiian dance.
  • Earn the title of Sensei.
  • Administer first aid when need and hold CPR certification.
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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 vs dance teacher skills

Common dance instructor skills
  • Dance Classes, 16%
  • Role Model, 9%
  • Hip Hop Dance, 8%
  • Dance Program, 7%
  • Fine Arts, 5%
  • Front Desk, 5%
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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