Canadian Dance Standards Teacher Certification Program
There are many former dancers who now work fulltime as dance educators without any formal teaching education. There are many individuals who work fulltime as dance educators without any dance training at all. These "self-trained" dance teachers are in leadership roles and have the capacity to do large permnament damage to the lives of children across the country. The Canadian Dance Standards provides a governing body for the standards and expectations of dance educators.
The CDS teacher certification program is unique for many reasons. The focus of the certification is on the process of developing teaching and coaching abilities, not on learning and understanding a specific dance style or syllabus. The CDS recognizes the competition that exsists between various dance syllabi. While the CDS offers popular technical courses, teachers are encouraged to obtain thier technical learning from the organization they desire to represent. The CDS teacher program compliments other exsisting dance teacher credentials because our focus is on being a better teacher and movement coach not on the technical attributes of a particular style.
Becoming a certified dance teacher through the Canadian Dance Standards Society
Levels of Teacher Certification
Apprentice Member Certification: Level 1 theory, level 1 practical
Associate Member Certification: Level 2 theory, level 2 practical
Principal Member Certification: Level 3 theory, comprehensive exam, level 3 practical
Components of Teacher Certification Program
- Dance Teaching Theory
- Dance Teaching Practical Experience
- Proof of Updated First Aid Certification
- Continuing Education
The CDS also offers optional courses in Teaching Dance Technique that are not required for CDS teacher certification.
1. Dance Teaching Theory:
Dance teaching theory is broken up into three theory levels. Each theory level builds apon the foundation created from the level before. The following is a framework for topics introduced in each level.
Level One |
Level Two
|
Level Three
|
Classroom Management
Basic Anatomy
Injury Prevention
Safety and Accident Protocol
Teacher Contracts
Introductory Biomechanics
Intro to Choreographic Element
Basic Sewing, Hair and Makeup Workshop
Team Cohesion for Dance Teams
|
Communication and Feedback
Principles of Learning
Decision Making approach to instruction
Parental Control
Spotting Techniques
Conditioning and flexibility training
Hydration for Dancers
Nutrition and Eating Disorders
History of Dance
|
Advanced Anatomy
Injury Prevention for Elite Dancers
Understanding Balance
Advanced Application of Biomechanics
Advanced Teaching Strategies
Choreography and Dance Composition
Dance Psychology
Breathing for Dancers
**Comprehensive Exam**
|
2. Dance Teaching Practical Experience:
The purpose of the practical component of certification is to put the knowlege learnt in theory courses to practice. Candiates are required to obtain a respective number of teaching hours per level and critically reflect on teaching.
Level 1 Practical: 20 hours of teaching (paid/volunteer) experience and self reflection questionaire
Level 2 Practical: 50 hours of teaching (paid/volunteer) experience and relfection on observer feedback questionaire (observation by dance professional of choice)
Level 3 Practical: 100 hours of teaching (paid/volunteer) experience and practical teaching examination. (Site visit by CDS representitive)
3. Updated First Aid:
Candidates are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own first aid certification. The CDS hosts dance teacher first aid courses, contact your provincal branch for upcoming courses and details.
4. Continuing Education:
Once certified, teachers are expected to commit to continued education and reflection of their practice. Teachers are required to complete 3.0 credits of continuing education each year. These credits are obtained through attending one teacher’s conference/educational workshop per annum. Workshops and confrences provide teachers the opportunity to expand on topics covered in theory courses. The are an opportunity for teachers to enhance teaching abilities, learn about the current research findings on a particular dance related topic and interact with other teachers. Workshop faculty are usually actively involves in academic research in their topic or hold the minimum of a bachelors degree in their field. Continued education makes for better educators and better educators make for fewer injuries, safer classes, better results and better business!
Workshops and conferences run at various times throughout the year in various cities across Canada and are designed to bring dance teachers together to work together for our unified purpose: the best education for Canadian dancers.
Dance Teaching Technical Workshops
The fundamental purpose of the teacher certification is to build teaching skills, not an undertanding of a particular style or syllabus. TEACHERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY TECHNICAL COURSES IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR CERTIFICATION. Technical courses through the CDS run solely as resource courses in particular dance styles. These courses are open to the public and are beneficial for physical education instructors in the school system, movement educators of any kind and dance enthusists.
Technical courses are not based on a ladder system like the theory and practical certification process. Teachers may elect to take modules from the technical courses based on their teaching interests and goals.
Target age of dancers for technical courses and classifcation
Kinder: 18months- 5 yrs
Intermediate: 5yrs-11yrs of age
Senior: 12yrs-18yrs of age
Professional Dance Artists: 18yrs of age and above
Recreational: Targeting physical education classes and recreational dance students.
Competitive/Advanced: Targeting advanced or competitive dancers dedicated to consistent training.
Technical Courses Available May Vary Depending on City:
Kinder
|
Recreational
Intermediate |
Recreational
Senior |
Competitive
/Advanced
Intermediate |
Competitive/
Advanced
Senior |
Professional Dance Artists |
Tap
Jazz
Ballet
Creative |
Tap
Jazz
Acrobatics/
Gymnastics
Modern
Square/Line |
Tap
Jazz
Acrobatics/
Gymnastics
Modern
Salsa
Swing
Hip Hop
Square/Line |
Tap
Jazz
Acrobatics/
Gymnastics
Modern
Lyrical
Swing
Salsa
Ballroom
Ballet |
Tap
Jazz
Acrobatics/
Gymnastics
Modern
Lyrical
Swing
Salsa
Ballroom
Ballet |
Tap
Jazz
Acrobatics/
Gymnastics
Modern
Lyrical
Swing
Salsa
Ballroom
Ballet |
Challenging Comprehensive Exam
If you have a degree in education or related background you can order an at home study guide and apply to challenge the comprehensive exam. Once you have successfully passed the comprehensive exam you will become an principal member apon completing the practical component and submitting proof of updated first aid certification. Proof of 100 hours of work experience (paid or volunteer) is required before the practical evaluation exam can be scheduled at your host studio.
For more information about the teacher certification program or course offerings please email: info@canadiandancestandards.com
