All staff at the Walsall Academy of Dance have been trained to teach by Miss Christa or by her predecessor Miss Diane Millard. All staff partake in weekly training sessions to keep syllabus work up to date, to choreograph work, and to learn the art of teaching dance through various methods.
To become a teacher you must first hold an Intermediate level qualification in the syllabus you want to teach. As part of their training, teachers learn the syllabus thoroughly and learn how to teach exercises to classes of various abilities and sizes. They must also learn basic anatomy and its application in the teaching of dance. Trainees are expected to attend training weekly and will be required to produce a portfolio of evidence to take into their examinations.
Student teachers and teachers who want to become more qualified are encouraged to attend classes every week and have private lessons nearer examination time. Qualifications can be taken in many genres of dance and are subject to prior learning of syllabi and anatomy and physiology.
Please speak to the Principal directly for guidance and advice about these qualifications.
“I first came to WAD when I wanted to begin my teaching examinations. Having been a student teacher at another school where they didn’t offer the opportunity to take teaching exams, I found Miss Christa. She has guided me through 2 Associate Level exams in Tap and Ballet (gaining Distinctions in both) and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the teacher I am without the training I have received from her. As well as a dance teacher I am a professional musician and the teaching skills I have learned throughout my excellent training from Miss Christa have translated across into my music teaching. If you have the dedication needed to take your teaching exams and train in a relaxed yet professional environment, this is the place to come – Thank you Miss Christa!”
Christina Slominska
