Dance instructors need extensive experience as dancers and, ideally, at least one year of experience as an assistant dance teacher. Some dance schools, such as the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, do not require any experience (although it is recommended), and have training programs or boot camps for aspiring instructors.
Dance instructors must have a deep love of dancing and a passion for teaching and inspiring others. They should be in excellent health and good physical shape in order to demonstrate dance moves and techniques. Other important traits include an outgoing, energetic, and positive personality; good time-management and organizational skills; creativity; patience; and the ability to work well with people of different ages and abilities. Those who operate their own dance studios need good business and marketing skills.