To become a dance instructor, you’ll need to first become a skilled dancer. Take dance lessons and participate in dance summer programs to develop your talents.
Consider joining the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), which offers membership options for high school students, college students, and young professionals. The National Honor Society for Dance Arts is a program of the NDEO that has been created to “recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K–12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and postsecondary education.” Visit https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda to learn more about its Junior Program (for those in grades 6 to 8), Secondary Program (grades 9 to 12), and Collegiate Program.
Participate in an information interviews with dance instructors. Ask your dance teacher to participate or visit the National Dance Teachers of America’s Web site, https://nationaldanceteachersofamerica.com/members-directory, for a list of its members (who might be willing to talk to you about their careers).