The Best Western Dance Academy Teacher Training Course is comprised of three separate days training covering comprehensive aspects of line and western partner dancing.

Each day's course is designated Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Students may vary the time-scale between each course dependant upon experience.

Although it is quite customary to undertake Level 1 & Level 2 training on consecutive days, it is not compulsory - they may be taken at your convenience as long as they are taken in order.

Training is conducted by fully qualified BWDA instructors who are also approved training instructors having undergone three further stages of instruction themselves. Only courses conducted by these trainers, after notification has been given to the Training Officer, will receive BWDA approval.

We do ask that candidates have a minimum of one year's line/Western dance experience at Higher Intermediate level.

Please remember, we do not teach you to dance, but how to teach others.

DATES OF TRAINING COURSES:

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  The level 3 courses are for those candidates already having passed levels 1 & 2 on previous courses

LEVEL 1 - THE NEW INSTRUCTOR

Covers the essentials of setting up and running a beginner line dance class.

Applicants for Level 1 do not necessarily need instructing experience but are expected to have a minimum of 1 years line/western dancing experience at higher intermediate level.

The course introduces line dance safety and music recognition, teaching beginner level dances, microphone technique and foot positions.

You are required to pass at this level before progressing to Level 2.

Subjects covered will include:

1. PREPARATION
   Selection of venue
   Suitability and Facilities
   Catchment Area
   Check for other classes in close vicinity.
   Advertising - Various advertising methods will be reviewed.

   Teaching Programme - Selecting dances to teach beginners
   Different types of dances
   Accurate step sheets

   Self Personal grooming
   Suitable clothing/footwear
   Knowledge of material to be taught.

   Equipment/Music - In good working order
   Variety of music (different tempos etc.)

   Legal Requirements Licenses and insurance

   Suitable Dances - Recommended dances, covering the four basic styles, suitable for beginners

   Teaching Methods - Several dances of different types will be taught using Best Western Dance Academy recommended techniques. These techniques will be fully explained and demonstrated so that students become fully conversant with important teaching principles that will be used throughout the courses.

2. MICROPHONE - Development of good microphone technique
3. DEVELOPMENT OF CLASSES - How to structure a class for the students development
4. MUSIC RECOGNITION - Suitable music for the different dance types
5. B.P.M. - How to calculate B.P.M. of a piece of music when B.P.M. is not given
6. TERMINOLOGY - Essential to use correct terminology
7. FOOT POSITIONS - Correct foot positions to improve styling
8. DANCE FLOOR ETIQUETTE - Essential for comfort and safety (View BWDA Etiquette page)

LEVEL 2 - THE DEVELOPING INSTRUCTOR

• The four types of line dance
• Foot positions
• Terminology
• Microphone usage

1. INTERMEDIATE DANCE TEACHING TECHNIQUES
   Students will be shown how to use different teaching techniques when teaching intermediate dances. We will develop the cue-word call used for beginners into the pre-cue technique.
2. PARTNER DANCING
   Students will be shown how to introduce partner dancing to their class, by showing line dances done to partner line dances and progressing to simple partner dances danced around the perimeter of the dance floor.
3. COUPLE (FREESTYLE) DANCING
   Students will be taught a specially developed freestyle exercise to introduce couple dancing. This exercise will be used for freestyle waltz, two-step and cha cha enabling all students to have experience of this style of western dance.

You are required to pass at this level before progressing to Level 3

LEVEL 3 -THE ASSESSMENTS

• The four types of line dance
• Microphone technique
• Foot positions
• Terminology
• Teaching methods
• Pre-cueing
• Dance floor etiquette
• Dance positions
  
  And also introduces body alignment in dance.

1. ADVANCED LINE DANCING
   An advanced line dance will be taught with emphasis on using correct teaching techniques using the pre-call
2. REVIEW OF PARTNER DANCING
   A review of the freestyle exercise as taught on Level 2 with emphasis on beats/steps in patterns
3. MICROPHONE
   All students to use microphone demonstrating proficiency in use
4. FREESTYLE SWING
   Students will be taught a basic East Coast Swing routine
5. PRACTICAL
   Each student will be asked to take the class in a pre- arranged routine using the microphone to:
   • Cue the music
   • Count in
   • Call the dance in time for four patterns
   • Stop the dance
6. WRITTEN ASSESSMENT
   Students will complete a written assessment under examination conditions (time allowed 45 minutes)

Successful completion of all three levels and the written/practical assessments leads to the FULLY QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR status.

LEVELS 1 & 2 CAN BE TAKEN OVER A WEEKEND PERIOD BUT THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM INTERIM PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS BETWEEN LEVEL 2 AND LEVEL 3

You must pass BOTH section of the Level 3 examination.