REQUIREMENTS
Attendance
This course trains you as a professional ballroom instructor and maintains a fairly rigorous pace. Missing class is not advised since it will be easy to fall behind. Coordinating with other trainees to set up practice times is a great way to cover any missed material. You may also schedule a private lesson, at an additional cost, with the Master Teacher.
Class Times & Exam Schedule
Classes are held at Cheryl Burke Dance Mountain View on Tuesday & Friday evenings, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Examinations will occur during regular class times. Any missed exam may be rescheduled with the Master Teacher on a private lesson basis.
Practice
Practice makes perfect. While the amount of time varies from student to student, we reccommend you commit to at least one hour of practice and study for each hour of class instruction. All current trainees will receive free practice time at Cheryl Burke Dance Mountain View until 7:00 PM daily. Also, trainees will be offered free Cheryl Burke Dance group lessons during the semester.
Materials
Each 4-month semester requires a DVIDA syllabus manual and the Montage Ballroom Teachers Academy training manual. Please see the SCHEDULE for which manuals are needed per semester. The DVIDA manuals are available from Dance Vision, and may be ordered online at www.dancevision.com. The MBTA training manual is provided at your first class and is included with your enrollment fee. The manual will include all class handouts for the entire 16-month curriculum.
Shoes & Attire
All students will be required to have proper dance shoes by the second class meeting. Most students will find a basic "practice shoe" with a durable suede-sole will be comfortable and wearable for long periods. Personal comfort is the guiding principle when selecting the proper dance shoe. We reccommend Ballroom Connection in Sunnyvale if you are looking for a local dance shoe retailer. Find them online at www.ballroom-connection.com. While there is not a strict dress code enforced, it is requested that you dress professionally. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and will allow for movement. Layering is reccomended as the dance studio may feel a bit cool at first. Please no shorts or sweats.
Participation
Since this is a teachers academy, there will be a consistent emphasis on presentation. Trainees will be asked to demonstrate a dance figure or present a brief history or characteristics of a specific dance in front of the class. All class assignments will be given well in advance of any presentation, so you will have time to prepare.