IMO it is not only is the qualificiation/training of the teacher important but the quality control that goes with the class. In this respect I think Ceroc scores. If you go to Ceroc night you know what you are going to get in general. A reasonably taught class, a venue that is at least adequate and generally a DJ that will play at least tried and trusted sounds backed up by a franchisee that has made an investment in the business.
Regarding non Ceroc teachers and venues I would go to are based on the reputation of each teacher or venue individually and not the qulaification of the teacher. For instance, I have no hesitation ingoing to Le Surrey, Jag Jive or Ijig events.
Therefore I think your search for an answer ended before it started. Ceroc have been there, got the T Shirt and doing a good job. For independents to do as well they will have to provide a better service or they won't survive.
Not really, Ballroom and Latin, have a system for this I understand.
Salsa, Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango - has anyone refused to attend any of these classes before you look at thier teaching qualifications?
Well, I for one, have said I am not "qualified" in terms of bits of paper, but I consider myself "qualified to teach" due to experience and ability.
I do know that I could gain a written qualification with little effort, due to my experience and ability, but I choose not to at this time, as I do not have a high regard for written qualifications.
This does not mean I have no regard for " high quality", I respect teachers that teach well, and if they teach exceptionally well, I would be the first to go up to them later and thank them for delivering such a good lesson and for teaching so well.
Although there is nothing wrong with being qualified, to use this to say one is somehow better than someone else does not sit right with me.
I am qualified in computing, I have a well recognised B.Sc Hons in computing... that does not make me any better at teaching , building or fixing computers than my friend with no formal education in computing, who is far better than me when it comes to computers.
So yes, I do not value pieces of paper, not because I can not attain them, but because I would prefer to see a day to day demonstration that one can do what one sais they can do.
As you know Andy, this is not a personal slight on you in any way, in no way would I, or do I, show or feel, any disrespect for you, it is just my opinion, and that is what the forum is about, gathering opinions.
It is of course your right to disagree with me.
You've kind of proved Andy's point there though haven't you?
I'm sure that the awful teachers that we've experienced consider themselves "qualified to teach due to experience and ability" too; otherwise they wouldn't be doing it.
So really, what might overcome that issue is some kind of framework for a minimum standard of teaching plus regular vetting/assessment?
As im in no doubt that was aimed at me I'll reply...
I have done an award in dance leadership which was a 5 day course and more recognised in the dance world than a Leroc one.
Can I also remind Andy before he moans anymore about unqualified teachers, He was one for several years. !!
It's done in units
1. Running and planning a dance activity
2. Health, Fitness and safe dance practise
3. Communication Skill for dance activities
4. Understanding Music
5. Understanding differences in dance and scope.
6. Creating dance pieces
7. Demonstration of leadership.
the course should be available through the sports and activities section of all local councils (or at least most) and is really cheap (£30 I paid). It lasted 30 hours over 5 days (though I think it can be done in 3)
At the end you are assesed on running a class of around 30 dancers.
It's run by the british sports trust (Sports Leaders).
Would recommend it to all teachers. The downside is you have to be over 14years old to do it meaning that there are alot of youngsters on the course (me being the oldest by about 10 years!!!) and it's not partner dance specific (mainly street) but each area or class you do it in may be different.
Last edited by Lee Bartholomew; 4th-March-2010 at 07:30 PM.
Need 5 characters here to postOriginally Posted by from Old Email
Last edited by Lee Bartholomew; 4th-March-2010 at 07:29 PM.
I constantly slip in tips on dance technique and musicality. However, you need to know those things before you're taught how to teach. It's a bit like being a French teacher - when you become a French teacher they don't teach you the language.
However, they do examine you on things like musicality and technique when you do the exam. Again, I guess they speak to you in French when they assess your ability to teach the language.
I'm guessing from Lee's response that it's this one.
It looks like it's a qualification that's nationally recognised too.
(With apologies to readers outside England - the education system in other UK countries is different, especially in Scotland, and I'm not sure how to tell whether or not this particular qualification is included.)
Love dance, will travel
Who are they accredited by? The UKA website (assuming I've found the right one?) isn't exactly the most informative I've ever seen...
Love dance, will travel
The Leroc exam does not mean you have passed a UKA exam, it simply lets you be a MEMBER of the UKA for free, rather than paying a membership fee if you don't have the leroc exam.
The UKA is one of MANY ways to get an NVQ in dance. The Leroc exam is only a dance RECOGNISED by the UKA.
I looked at setting up an associasion awhile back and contacted the UKA (not the correct details on their website btw). To do it I need to give them a description of the dance and if they recognise it as a dance form, I would need to pass a dance NVQ.
I could then do exams and offer free UKA places like leroc do. I could also appoint someone else to teach and examin students and it would still work the same way.
Last edited by Lee Bartholomew; 5th-March-2010 at 12:21 AM.
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