What is Professional Certification?
In the dance industry, professional certificates are granted to dancers who submit themselves to a standardized exam from one of the accredited organizations, and who pass that exam satisfactorily. A credential from any of these organizations is an asset to your career.
The certification exam for which we prepare you is the Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA®) certification. We base our teacher training curriculum on the DVIDA® syllabus and exam structure; provide complete and thorough training for all the DVIDA® professional exams; and are available to administer the exam itself.
DVIDA®’s Reputation
DVIDA®, the Certification branch of Dance Vision, was created with the same high standard of excellence for which Dance Vision is known. The syllabus and exam structure were immediately approved by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), and the industry response has been overwhelming: the DVIDA® certification system is hailed as excellent, professional, and fair. The manuals and corresponding videos were created by U.S. champion dancers and offer the highest quality instruction. Dance Vision’s commitment to the dance community is unparalleled, with cutting edge products and services, prompt and friendly customer service, and innovative programs to help dancers grow and improve at every stage.
Why Should I Get Certified?
The Professional Certification process offers extraordinary benefits to dance teachers, deeply enriching their dancing and teaching, and greatly expanding their career opportunities. Diane says, “Going through the certification training and taking the exams has taken my dancing to a much higher level, given me the ability to run my own school, and given me entree into the judging arena. The teachers I know who have become certified unanimously agree that it is the single best thing they have done for themselves in their dance career.”
- Become a Better Teacher
The process of preparing for your certification exam will teach you dance concepts you may not have fully understood. You will improve both your verbal and presentation skills. You will learn the precise vocabulary for describing the technical elements of dance figures, which will help your explanations become clear, succinct, and consistent. Your knowledge of the precise alignments will improve your ability to choreograph routines for your students. You will expand your knowledge of musical terms and concepts, and you will understand how dancing and music relate. Finally, the process of technical mastery will improve your eye, so you will know instantly how to correct your students. - Become a Better Dancer
The technical expertise required to pass your certification exam will catapult your dancing to an entirely new level. You will learn the “rules” of technique that will keep your dancing consistent and help you master new, advanced figures. You’ll develop a language that will help you work more effectively in your dance partnerships. Above all, your confidence will soar with the true mastery of dance technique that will stay with you for the rest of your career. - Declare Your Professional Excellence
The certificate you receive when you pass your certification exams declares your expertise to the world. You’ll be able to attract serious students and earn more for your services. You will be a desirable employee in dance studios around the country. You can even obtain your judging credential. Your certification is the first step to being recognized as a national expert.
The DVIDA Teacher Certification Program offers a progressive pathway to grow your teaching expertise, build credibility, and make a lasting impact in your community.
There are two pathways you can follow and we will be your guide no matter which direction you desire.
Dance Vision Teacher Certifications
Your starting point. Ideal for those teaching beginner social dancers or wanting to get started teaching, this certification ensures you can confidently guide students through essential steps, rhythm, and partnership basics, creating a welcoming and fun learning environment. These exams are provided at four levels: Social Foundations, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level adds new areas of expertise and achievement. When you couple these certifications with the BDTC teaching and business methodologies – you are READY, SET —> GO!!!
Dance Vision Professional Certifications
Completing this level of exam means you are on the pathway to becoming a future judge, dance director or examiner. It shows you have sufficient knowledge of the Dance Vision Syllabus to be able to also examine others. With achievements at the Associate, Master and Grand Master Levels – you are ready to build a brand new world of Ballroom Dance.
How We Can Help You
Preparing for any certification exam can be a daunting task. Studying with a BDTC certification trainer gives you unparalleled insight and clarity, and a deep understanding of the overall principles. Your studying becomes more efficient and effective, allowing you to pass your exam with confidence. We offer professional dance instruction in both American and International styles as well as social dances such as Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing and Salsa in preparation for all level of exams. We can establish a study timeline and framework that is customized to meet your individual schedule and professional goals.
Exams
Hannah Cole is a Regional DVIDA® Examiner for American and International styles, and is available to administer exams in-person or via Zoom. Please contact us to book an exam.
Certification Training & Exam Preparation
We offer several options to help you prepare for your exam. Even if you don’t live in the Southwestern area, you can take advantage of our services and meet your dance goals.
- Certification Intensives at Sol Ballroom: These customized ‘stay’cation courses offer intensive instruction, study, and practice of various DVIDA syllabi. They vastly condense the time you need to spend preparing for your exams. You will leave fully ready to take your DVIDA® certification exams, or we can arrange for you to take your exams while you are here. Certification workshops are perfect for out-of-town professionals, as well as amateur dancers who want to improve their knowledge and dancing or who are considering teaching ballroom dance as a profession.
- Remote Training via Zoom: We offer private lesson certification training (ONLY: $135 per session), as well as group training sessions for two or more students at a time. “Zoom for Two” allows students to share the cost of training, no matter where they live ($75 per person per session).
- Teacher & Certification Training at Your Studio: We can come to your studio to organize an ongoing program to give you and your staff the tools necessary to succeed in becoming certified. She will create a program tailored specifically for your staff and your business needs.
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At the time we took your certification intensive 3 years ago, we both knew it was a turning point for us. But we have only begun to understand the full depth and benefits of that training.
It has given us the structure and knowledge to share dancing responsibly. We would never have had the confidence to pursue our passion for teaching dance without it. Now, 3 years later, we are still growing from the seeds planted there.
~ Clay & Tami Belcher, Retirees turned Ballroom Dance Instructors
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Custom Designed Teacher Training and Certification
Whether you can come for a long weekend, a month, or several months, we will help you find housing and create a training schedule that will fit your individual needs. This has proven to be a very successful option for teachers from different parts of the country.
Please contact us to get started!