In the United States, aspiring dance teachers who wish to own a private studio do not need certification. While this may be convenient and cost-efficient, it can backfire on your future endeavors as a teacher and a business owner.
According to a study in 2017, many dance classes are led by unqualified instructors, which can pose a risk to many students, especially children. This practice continues to be a pressing issue because instructors who have ineffective teaching strategies or qualifications can seriously harm and injure such students.
The Revolutionary Principles of Movement (RPM) is a method that was developed in the 1960s by Jo Anna Kneeland and Ruth Petrinovic. Their intense research on the relationship between science and dance results in a practical guide for teachers and students.
In the case of teachers, the official website offers certification for serious teachers who want to share the joy of ballet. They offer Level I certification, which covers the following:
- The history of RPM
- Anatomy
- Kinesiology
- The Fourteen Principles of movement
- Creating learning strategies and lessons, and much more.
They offer virtual courses that future teachers can take at home or studio for comfort and flexibility.
Why Should I Get Certified?
There are many benefits to getting certified as a dance teacher, especially in RPM. Some of these reasons include the following:
1. It creates a sense of trust between you and your students.
Many parents enroll their little ones in dance classes to tap into their creative side. Being a certified teacher helps create a sense of trust between you and the parents (or students) because it shows your seriousness as an educator.
2. It legitimizes your work as an artist and business owner.
Being certified gives you a professional edge over your competition because you set yourself up to higher standards. The RPM method is backed by science and research, which integrates movement, anatomy, and expression fundamentals.
Certified dance instructors also possess more knowledge of their craft and offer a better and more worthwhile investment for people on the fence.
If you’re a parent or student, you want to learn from someone with the knowledge and skills to back up their reputation.
3. It offers career opportunities that your uncertified colleagues may have yet to have.
Many RPM Level I Certified teachers had made a worthwhile investment in their careers. Many of them in this link had created their dance studios with incredible results. Additionally, if you’re certified, you are more likely to meet other qualified teachers, which only means more personal and professional growth opportunities.
Still, need a little help? Contact a master teacher of RPM here for any inquiries and concerns.
Visit Revolutionary Principles of Movement: https://rpm.dance/
Cheryl Ale The Spark 