Your dancer will learn and grow as a student teacher trainee!
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Our DanceStep Student Teacher Education Program provides our young dancers with an opportunity to gain important skills that will benefit them over their lifetime.
As affiliate members of the DanceStep program, our studio is thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for our dancers to flourish not only as young people, but to also help them grow into competent and confident assistant teachers and student leaders. Candidates are 10 years of age or older, are currently enrolled in at least one weekly in-person DANCE class, and is committed to regular and consistent attendance. Per-level DanceStep registration fee: $195+HST Student teacher trainee practicum class attendance (five to six months): FREE! Interested in learning more? Read on!
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What are the benefits of DanceStep?
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Students enrolled in this program are affectionately known as "DanceSteppers". In this program, DanceSteppers:
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How does DanceStep work?
As a DanceStep leader, you will be a role model and provide support and care to the younger members of our studio. The DanceStep program has two components:
1. Theory: Remote learning
Each DanceStep student receives access to their own online learning portal and downloadable workbook for completion. Subjects include Anatomy, Safe Dance Principles, Self-Leadership, Planning for Performances, Behaviour Management, Teaching Strategies, Learning Styles and Communication. The online course content takes about 15 minutes a week for the duration of the level. DanceSteppers have periodic check-ins with the director to review questions and clarify material.
2. Practical: In-studio
Each DanceStep student is allocated a lower-level class to attend as a student teacher trainee (this is known as a "practicum"). There, DanceSteppers get a chance to apply their new knowledge and skills while also joining in as a participant. During this time, skills such as patience, empathy and taking initiative, as well as feedback and communication strategies are further developed. The practicum portion runs once a week during the dance season. DanceStep students also assist with performances and events as laid out in the schedule. Occasional meetings help form bonds with other student leaders and provide the opportunity for discussion, trouble shooting, and further learning.
The DanceStep program has four levels. Each level typically takes between six months and a year to complete. In order to graduate a level, DanceSteppers complete both the online portion and the required practicum hours, and receive authorization to graduate by the director. At the conclusion of the first three levels in DanceStep (there are 4 levels) students receive a certificate and are eligible to apply to the next level of training. Upon completing the fourth and final level, students receive their certificate of graduation from the level and the program.
1. Theory: Remote learning
Each DanceStep student receives access to their own online learning portal and downloadable workbook for completion. Subjects include Anatomy, Safe Dance Principles, Self-Leadership, Planning for Performances, Behaviour Management, Teaching Strategies, Learning Styles and Communication. The online course content takes about 15 minutes a week for the duration of the level. DanceSteppers have periodic check-ins with the director to review questions and clarify material.
2. Practical: In-studio
Each DanceStep student is allocated a lower-level class to attend as a student teacher trainee (this is known as a "practicum"). There, DanceSteppers get a chance to apply their new knowledge and skills while also joining in as a participant. During this time, skills such as patience, empathy and taking initiative, as well as feedback and communication strategies are further developed. The practicum portion runs once a week during the dance season. DanceStep students also assist with performances and events as laid out in the schedule. Occasional meetings help form bonds with other student leaders and provide the opportunity for discussion, trouble shooting, and further learning.
The DanceStep program has four levels. Each level typically takes between six months and a year to complete. In order to graduate a level, DanceSteppers complete both the online portion and the required practicum hours, and receive authorization to graduate by the director. At the conclusion of the first three levels in DanceStep (there are 4 levels) students receive a certificate and are eligible to apply to the next level of training. Upon completing the fourth and final level, students receive their certificate of graduation from the level and the program.
How do I join DanceStep?
Are you a student who loves to dance? Are you interested in sharing that love of dance with others? DanceStep may be for you!
Students who find the best success with this program:
Candidates are currently enrolled in at least one weekly in-person DANCE class at the studio, and are committed to regular and consistent attendance. Eligible students can apply for the program the month that they 10 years old, or any time after that. Email us for an application form! Once it's filled out, we meet for a short interview, and then we get started!
Students who find the best success with this program:
- are interested in learning new things
- enjoy being around little people
- feel great when they help others
- are willing to work through challenges
- are committed to making the program a priority, and are supported in this by their caregivers
Candidates are currently enrolled in at least one weekly in-person DANCE class at the studio, and are committed to regular and consistent attendance. Eligible students can apply for the program the month that they 10 years old, or any time after that. Email us for an application form! Once it's filled out, we meet for a short interview, and then we get started!
