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The Dance Guru Teacher COURSES

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The Social Dance Teacher Academy.

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We recognise that the world of Social Dance would not be where it is today without the work of so many people that give up their time either for profit or not-for-profit to enable Social Dance events across the world.

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Whilst many regulated dance genres follow strict guidelines of using qualified teachers and progressive exams or assessments of students, the world of social dance remains widely unregulated.

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This lack of regulation has had many positive and negative effects. On the positive side it has remained relatively easy for anyone to setup and offer social dance classes and events. On the negative side it has led to a huge variation in teaching quality and teaching experience for learners.

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When we think of Social Dance congresses and festivals we conjure up names of 'famous' dancers within a certain genre who are known around the world for their teaching and performing. But we must not forget the grass root teachers in every community who often teach for little or no pay, put on weekly classes and local events and help many thousands of people to discover the world of Social Dance.

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We believe every aspiring teacher or instructor should have the opportunity to continue with their professional development, which is why we have launched The Dance Guru Teacher Academy.

Dance Instructor Courses

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Level 1 - An Introduction to Social Dance Teaching (Award)

  • Total Qualifying Time = 60 hours

  • Credits = 6

  • Entry requirements= Any social dancer

  • Split into 2 Courses:

    • Preparing for Safe Dance Teaching

    • Dance Teaching in Practice

 

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Level 2 - Award in Social Dance Instruction

  • Total Qualifying Time = 120 hours (includes 60 from Level 1)

  • Credits = 13.25 (includes 6 from Level 1)

  • Entry requirements = Must complete Level 1 first & be a competent social dancer in at least 1 dance style

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COMING SOON

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Level 3 - Certificate in Social Dance Teaching 

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Level 4 - Diploma in Social Dance Teaching

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Level 5 - Diploma in Social Dance Practice

 

Level 6 - Diploma in Social Dance Instruction and Studio Management

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Level 7 - Diploma in Community Dance Practice

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Why choose our Dance Teacher Courses?

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Our Dance Teacher Courses are completely modular and progressive. All our courses are comprised of 'units' within 'modules' within 'fields of study'.

 

You may have heard the term 'nested', this means that units from lower levels are 'nested' into higher levels and count towards credits for each of the higher levels.

 

All the units in Level 1 are included in Level 2 plus more, all units in Level 2 are included in Level 3 plus more and so on.

 

Why is this important? Well, you will only need to complete a unit once. If you start your journey in our entry level courses and then continue further, everything you did in your lower level courses will count towards your higher level courses.

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This means no repetition. You can complete a unit and move on, knowing that it has been saved in your Learner's account forever. Any assessments, written assignments or practical assessments will be marked and stored.

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When we study a topic at Level 1 we will give you an overview, understanding and basic knowledge of the topic. At higher levels we will delve deeper into the same topic and learning activities will encourage you to thinking more proactively and eventually at Levels 6 and 7 you will be demonstrating your analysis and problem solving skills in the topic.

Fields of Study in Dance Leadership

 

We have arranged our courses into 6 fields of study. This helps us to align our training with the National Occupational Standards in Dance Leadership (see explanation of this below).

 

Our fields of study are:

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  1. Preparing for Safe Teaching

  2. Dance Teaching in Practice

  3. The Theory of Dance

  4. Business Marketing & Development

  5. Leadership & Management

  6. Community Dance Practice

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Within each Field of Study there are a number of modules, and within each module a number of units.

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Each Unit & Module is given a credit value in line with the Ofqual framework

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As you progress through the levels of courses you will study each field in more depth

The National Occupational Standards for Dance Leadership

 

The Dance Guru wants to ensure effective practice across all dance genres and through our courses we help learners to demonstrate the National Occupational Standards for Dance Leadership as approved by the Creative & Cultural Skills Council (CCSkills).

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These standards set out 23 Knowledge, Understanding & Performance Criteria that leaders of dance activities should be able to demonstrate. In simple terms they setup what an individual needs to know, do and understand in order to carry out their role in dance.

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National Occupational Standards are formally recognised by a sector’s skills council and help to identify knowledge, skills and experience that demonstrate good dance practice. As a dance leader you will be able to easily identify where you sit it terms experience and where any gaps may need to be filled.

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Each of the Dance Guru Academy Teacher training courses is mapped against the NOS for Dance Leaders and helps you to fill those gaps by choosing the appropriate courses.

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When looking for employment, the NOS can be used to write CVs and Job Descriptions.

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All full version of the National Occupational Standards for Dance Leadership can be downloaded here, but they are summarised below:

 

CCSDL1 Evaluate and communicate your skills in leading dance

 

CCSDL2 Identify, research and understand your market

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CCSDL3 Identify and communicate to others, your personal skill and contextual

knowledge of your dance style(s)

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CCSDL4 Communicate how you carry out creative and compositional skills

appropriate to your target market

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CCSDL5 Communicate your competence and readiness to lead dance with specific

groups of people and/or places

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CCSDL6 Use different media and methods to communicate with your target market

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CCSDL7 Design programmes of dance work that are appropriate to specific groups

and individuals

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CCSDL8 Manage expectations with participating individuals, groups, funders and

Partners

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CCSDL9 Build relationships and trust with and within community groups to inspire

take up to your session(s)

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CCSDL10 Build trust with host organisations and funders

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CCSDL11 Encourage involvement and collaboration with supporting teams

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CCSDL12 Deliver safe and effective dance leading

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CCSDL13 Engage and manage groups through your dance leadership in a creative

Context

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CCSDL14 Demonstrate technical skill and knowledge in leading your dance style(s)

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CCSDL15 Structure dance for engagement of participants and groups

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CCSDL16 Collaborate with other art forms

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CCSDL17 Work with volunteers, support workers and managers

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CCSDL18 Evaluate the impact of your dance leading through engagement with your

groups and stakeholders

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CCSDL19 Communicate the results of evaluating the impact of your dance leading

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CCSDL20 Develop awareness in your participants and group

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CCSDL21 Recognise your professional development needs

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CCSDL22 Research, identify and resource your continuing professional

Development

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CCSDL23 Reflect on and resource your professional delivery

The Dance Guru Course Levels

 

We have based our levels on the Ofqual framework of levels. 

 

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Level 1: Equivalent to a lower level GCSE

  • Dance Instructors working at Level 1 have a basic level of knowledge in their chosen dance style

  • Level 1 Dance Instructors can work under the supervision of an experienced Dance Teacher

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has basic factual knowledge of a subject and/or knowledge of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well-defined routine tasks and address simple problems; and is aware of aspects of information relevant to the area of study or work.

  • Skills Descriptor: Use basic cognitive and practical skills to complete well-defined routine tasks and procedures. Select and use relevant information. Identify whether actions have been effective.

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Level 2: Equivalent to a higher graded GCSE

  • Dance Instructors working at Level 2 show a good level of knowledge in their main style of dance

  • Level 2 Dance Instructors are able to teach a Beginner's level class in their chosen dance style with some supervision or guidance

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has knowledge and understanding of facts, procedures and ideas in an area of study or field of work to complete well-defined tasks and address straightforward problems. Can interpret relevant information and ideas.
    Is aware of a range of information that is relevant to the area of study or work.

  • Skills Descriptor: Select and use relevant cognitive and practical skills to complete well-defined, generally routine tasks and address straightforward problems. Identify, gather and use relevant information to inform actions. Identify how effective actions have been.

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Level 3: Equivalent to an A Level

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 3 are demonstrating a range of knowledge and skills including 1 Main dance style and 1 Subsidiary dance style.

  • The main dance style can be taught to Improver Level and the Subsidiary dance style to Beginner level.

  • Teachers are working independently but under the umbrella of a more experience Dance Teacher

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to complete tasks and address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine. Can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas. Is aware of the nature of the area of study or work. Is aware of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.

  • Skills Descriptor: Identify, select and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills, methods and procedures to address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine. Use appropriate investigation to inform actions.
    Review how effective methods and actions have been.

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Level 4: Equivalent to an HNC or BTEC or 1st year of a Degree

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 4 will have around 3+ years of regular teaching experience.

  • They will be teaching 1 Main Dance Style and 2 Subsidiary dance styles

  • The main dance style will be taught to Intermediate Level, their 1st Subsidiary dance style to Improver level and their 2nd Subsidiary dance style to Beginner level

  • They will be running their own dance classes regularly and may be performing at Social Dance Events

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has practical, theoretical or technical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine. Can analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.Is aware of the nature of approximate scope of the area of study or work. Has an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.

  • Skills Descriptor: Identify, adapt and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills to inform actions and address problems that are complex and non-routine while normally fairly well-defined.Review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results.

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Level 5: Equivalent to and HND or Foundation Degree

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 5 will have around 5+ years of regular dance teaching experience

  • They will be teaching multiple Social Dance styles to advanced levels

  • It is likely that they are running a part-time or full-time dance teaching operation

  • They are involved in complex decision making and problem solving regarding lesson planning and progressive course development

  • They are supervising new Dance Instructors

  • They are running multiple social dance classes and events

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has practical, theoretical or technological knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to find ways forward in broadly defined, complex contexts. Can analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information, concepts and ideas. Is aware of the nature and scope of the area of study or work. Understands different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the reasoning behind them.

  • Skills Descriptor: Determine, adapt and use appropriate methods, cognitive and practical skills to address broadly defined, complex problems. Use relevant research or development to inform actions. Evaluate actions, methods and results.

 

Level 6: Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 6 will be researching, analysing and contributing to the promotion of Social Dance activities

  • They will be responsible for the training & development of new Dance Instructors

  • They will be running multiple social dance classes and events

  • They will be attending and teaching at National and International events

  • They will be running a Dance School / Dance Studio or Social Dance Practice full time

  • They will be developing their Business Management skills

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Has advanced practical, conceptual or technological knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to create ways forward in contexts where there are many interacting factors. Understands different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the theories that underpin them. Can critically analyse, interpret and evaluate complex information, concepts and ideas.

  • Skills Descriptor: Determine, refine, adapt and use appropriate methods and advanced cognitive and practical skills to address problems that have limited definition and involve many interacting factors. Use and, where appropriate, design relevant research and development to inform actions. Evaluate actions, methods and results and their implications.

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Level 7: Equivalent to a Post-Graduate (Master) Degree

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 7  will be teaching Advanced classes and Masterclasses in multiples styles.

  • They will be invited as guest teachers to high profile dance events

  • They will regularly attend National & International Social dance events

  • They will hold regular bootcamps, intensive courses and seminars

  • Dance Teachers working at Level 7 will be highly regarding in their community and be instrumental in the development and promotion of Social dance 

  • They will see Social Dance as a driver to reducing social isolation and exclusion

  • They will work with other Dance teachers and Studio owners to promote, train and develop Dance Instructors of the future

  • Knowledge Descriptor: Reformulates and uses practical, conceptual or technological knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to create ways forward in contexts where there are many interacting factors. Critically analyses, interprets and evaluates complex information, concepts and theories to produce modified conceptions. Understands the wider contexts in which the area of study or work is located. Understands current developments in the area of study or work. Understands different theoretical and methodological perspectives and how they affect the area of study or work.

  • Skills Descriptor: Use specialised skills to conceptualise and address problematic situations that involve many interacting factors. Determine and use appropriate methodologies and approaches. Design and undertake research, development or strategic activities to inform or produce change in the area of work or study. Critically evaluate actions, methods and results and their short- and long-term implications.

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Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) previously the Qualifications and Credits Framework (QCF)

The RQF is a nationally recognised, accessible framework providing flexible routes to full qualifications. in 2015 this replaced the QCF.

 

Every unit and qualification in the RQF has a credit value that tells you how long it takes to complete – one credit represents 10 hours’ work.

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Each unit and qualification has its own level, between Level 1 and Level 8. The level indicates the challenge or complexity of the qualification with Level 3 being equivalent to ‘A’ levels and Level 8 being equivalent to PhD.

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The combined credit value of a qualification dictates the size:

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  • Award (1 to 12 credits)

  • Certificate (13 to 36 credits)

  • Diploma (37 credits or more)

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Whilst we are not yet an Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual, we follow the same high standards provided by these frameworks

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