Dance lecturer jobs are mainly found in universities with strong performing arts departments or in schools created for the specific reason of supporting arts or young dance students. A dance lecturer adds value to the life of a dance student by sharing interesting stories about the history of dance with the student. Dance lecturers could also be called dance instructors. In that sense, there are many types of dance lecturer jobs available, depending on the discipline and the age and ability of the students who attend the courses.
As a dance lecturer at a university, one will need at least a bachelor's degree and a more advanced degree in dance history, dance education, or dance studies. Professors typically need a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degree in order to teach. Many schools offer degrees in these subjects. The aspiring dance lecturer should research schools in his or her area to decide which one is the best fit.
An advanced degree in dance history or dance studies requires a great deal of studying and critical thinking. To become a lecturer, strong knowledge of how dance developed, the different forms of movement, and the key players in the major dance disciplines is necessary. Going through a graduate degree program at an accredited university will help inculcate these subjects in the minds of future dance lecturers.
The vast majority of dance disciplines offer dance lecturer jobs. Whether it is ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, or something else, schools will need qualified lecturers who are patient with students and have a passion for dance. Most dance lecturer jobs require that candidates have at least five years of experience dancing in the discipline they wish to teach. Experience in dance instruction, whether within an internship or full time job, is also a must. Volunteer experience in dance instruction is usually permitted as long as the organization has a serious arts program and the candidate was committed to the volunteer position for a significant amount of time.
Dance lecturer job requirements differ depending on the level and age of the student that the candidate wants to teach. Positions that work with younger, less experience students may accept dance lecturers with less dance experience. The dance studio or school will still need evidence of past experience working with children. Teaching positions working with older more experienced students in a dance studio or a company will normally require candidates to be more experienced and highly regarded as a dancer.