Frequently Asked Questions

To be a ballroom dance teacher you need to know not just how to dance the steps, but also how to lead and follow each dance you teach.  The most successful teachers are capable of not only teaching all 17 dances, but also knowing the musical, technical, and historical information for each dance.  Come to Valley Social U and in just 16 months, we can teach you everything!

What are the prerequisites for the 16 month teacher training course?

The 16 month teacher training course is for people with no dance background and seasoned professionals alike.  The only thing you need is the desire to teach dance.  This course will teach you everything you need to know for a successful career in ballroom dance.  You will learn how to lead and follow 17 ballroom dances and how to teach these to others.

How far in advance should I enroll for the Teacher Training Course?

To secure your spot in the class, we recommend submitting the $100 non-refundable deposit at soon as possible.  We only accept 24 trainees.

I am already a very accomplished dancer.  Will this course improve my technique and own dancing?

The Teacher Training program is designed to teach you all the figures of the Bronze American syllabus in 17 dances so that you will know those figures inside and out.  It will teach you the elements of the figures and the terminology to teach them with.  It will give you practice in presenting in front of the class, and you will be tested frequently to insure retention and facility with the material.  Your technique will improve through this process, but this class is not designed to make you a competitive dancer.  That type of training is best done in private lessons.

How much outside class study is required?

We recommend about four hours of outside class study per week.  However, with the opportunity to take all classes at both Valley Social locations and attend all parties and workshops free of charge, there are unlimited opportunities to practice.  And as we all know, practice makes perfect!

Is the class balanced between men and women?

While the gender ratio varies from semester to semester, there tend to be more women them men.  However, because all students need to learn both leader and follower roles, the gender balance is irrelevant.

Do you help graduating trainees get jobs?

As one of the only vocational teacher training programs in the country, studios are constantly contacting us looking for teachers.  We regularly pass job listing on to our graduates.  Our strong relationship with dance studios in the community will give you a head start to finding the dance job you want.

What Kind of salary can a graduate of Valley Social U earn?

A Valley Social U graduate always warrants a much higher salary then someone else who has not been trained.  The salary that staff members make at dance studios varies from studio to studio.  However, both the salary of an independent contractor and staff member is based on the value of their lesson, which is directly related to their training and experience.  Graduates of the Valley Social U teacher training program are far ahead of the game because they have already received specialized training.

Must I complete all 16 Months of Teacher Training to get a certificate?

No.  The entire course consists of four sections and each section takes 4 months to complete.  You will receive a certificate upon completion of the required components for each section.  If you do finish the entire 16 month program, you will receive five certificates in all, one per section and one comprehensive certificate.

Is the teacher training course International or American?

The 16 month course utilizes the DVIDA Syllabus and covers the American Style Bronze Level dances (Smooth, Rhythm, Latin, Nightclub, and Swing)

What is DVIDA and ProDVIDA?

The DVIDA System is America's Leading Ballroom Syllabus consisting of visual media, manuals, charts and certification for students and professionals.  ProDVIDA is a professional teacher organization that is open to all professional dance teachers and competitors.  ProDVIDA encourages and welcomes active participation from its members in developing dance standards, promoting business innovations, and celebrating the art of dance.  The goal of ProDVIDA is to provide the professional with top-notch service and valuable tools and to identify those teachers who exemplify the highest levels of skill and ethical standards, through training, experience and certification.

What is the difference between ProDVIDA and Teacher Training Certification?

Teacher Training certification recognizes you have successfully completed the vocational teacher training program and can teach all 17 ballroom dances.  While the DVIDA certification recognizes your masterly knowledge of the dances you are certified in at the national level.

Is there someone who can speak with me by phone to answer my questions?