Dance only with the pros

ACROSS the globe we see more and more unqualified teachers offering dance classes for children.

This practice is of great concern to the qualified, professional ballet and dance teachers of the East London Dance Forum.

Dance teachers train for many years, first as pupils and then undergo rigorous dance training with qualified teachers to qualify. They then do the necessary examinations that allows them to coach various dance disciplines. These qualifications include a detailed knowledge and understanding of the set dance syllabi that are taught, as well as the study of anatomy and physiology which are essential for a healthy approach to developmental safe training practice.

As an educator, it is important to clearly define the anatomical potential and limitations of individual dancers in order to safely maximise technical training and performance.

Inexperience and lack of knowledge can result in incorrect training which can lead to injury or physical problems later in life. Coaching incorrectly also results in instilling the wrong muscle memory which takes years to correct if a young dancer then moves to a qualified teacher. Professional qualified teachers are registered with International and national dance organisations.

Professional dance teachers also follow a code of ethics set out by various dance organisations.

The East London Dance Forum urges the public of East London to check on the qualifications of their children's dance or movement teachers.

A list of qualified dance teachers in East London will be appearing on our website.