The process of becoming a fitness instructor and a dance health and fitness trainer has taken me 10 years, a gradual journey of development stemming from my love of fitness and dance along with a lot of hard work. When you’re made to do something you just know – the challenge is normally finding what that is. I was fortunate, I stumbled across it very early on.
Enthusiastic from a young age, I remember loving dance from the very beginning, I got competitively involved in gymnastics and dance – introducing me to the world of fitness. I realised I could turn my hobby into a career when I won a ballet and tap scholarship at the age of 12. Up until this point I wasn’t aware of how good I was, but this realisation brought on the ambitious side.
Volunteering as a motivator in a local gym at 16 was so valuable to my growth and, a year later, I was in professional training to become a freelance instructor. I quickly knew I wanted to work within this industry and continued to dance and work my way up the Association of American Dancing (AAD) examination syllabus. There were difficult times; before my sport and dance degree I knew where I wanted to be to but wasn’t confident enough to go for it straight away. I had a year out purely working in the fitness industry, which was tough because dance was out of my life until I went back to uni.
I took extra teaching qualifications (gymnastics and swimming) while finishing my degree to widen my experience, develop my teaching skills and knowledge. While studying, I came across the field of dance health and science, which was so significant to me and my career as it combined both of my passions.
Continuing education has been key to building my career. Conventions and courses are essential for keeping updated on the latest research and advice, and applying it to my clients or schools. Putting your money into education is imperative, as it exposes you to different approaches and techniques. You become more skilled as a teacher with a huge idea “tool box” in your head.
At the beginning of my career I found volunteer work to be the best way to get into the industry. The more experience you have, the quicker your progression. Acquiring skills and knowledge doesn’t have to cost you money and, in fact, most practical-based industries want and value experience at the beginning.
Continuing to study after my degree was the best decision. I continue to attend conventions and courses both in fitness and dance, which has enabled me to do what I do now – consequently, I now enjoy every day at work. The fitness and dance industries really compliment each other and I love the balance it gives me both physically and mentally. It’s great to see people enjoy your classes but also see how they progress. Ultimately, I see my work as helping people get the most out of their bodies, which has a direct influence on how they feel mentally.
Interested in a career as a dance instructor?
The key moves to make:
- Try to experience dance at every opportunity.
- Get onto a course that suits your needs.
- Gain work experience by volunteering on a regular basis.
- Start with general education to get a broader outlook of the industry and narrow the field as you progress to gain specialist knowledge.
- Go the extra mile and keep informed by attending conventions and industry events.
- Network and gain experience at every opportunity, be creative and try to make as many contacts as possible; be friendly to those in the industry.
- Keep motivated and remember you will need determination to succeed.
Want to know more? For the chance of receiving funding towards your dance qualification click here.
