Do you have to have a degree to open a dance studio?

Question

Do you have to have a degree to open a dance studio?

Answer 1

As frightening as it may seem, I don't know of anywhere in Canada/U.S. where you have to actually have ANY qualifications to open a dance studio. In many places you only need to cough up the money for a business license. However, that said, if people are going to believe in you and your business you'd better be incredibly talented a/o educated. Depending on what type of dance(s) you intend to teach, what levels, what ages, a degree not be a bad thing. Experience weighs in heavily. None of my numerous instructors actually have/had "degrees" in dance. Their qualifications varied from decades of dance experience to competing to taking examinations and becoming qualified as ISTD ballroom instructors.  

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Answer 2

No, but you should.  Depending on what state might in, you may need a dance teaching certificate or license to open a studio.  Also, parents looking for a studio want to see certified teachers, so if you're lacking one, you might lose business.

Answer 3

I'm not sure if you HAVE to, but you should. You'll get better business and parents will probably trust you more.