Latin Dance Teacher Training Program

Week 1: Understanding Body Awareness
We begin by developing a proper understanding of body movement mechanics needed for Latin dancing in any style or genre. 

The goal of this lesson is to allow the instructor to teach more than just steps. Once the individual understands movement and body mechanics in their body, they will be able to break it down for their students. The more the individual practices this information the better they will be able to handle each class and any questions asked during class. 

Week 2: Understanding Music, Rhythm, and Musicality
This session will cover music theory, how the music is constructed, and how to use music in our bodies. We will also cover which part of the body connects to which part of the song, and how to use it to fuel creative spontaneous expressive movements.

Instructors will gain a better understanding of how to coordinate their bodies to the music, how to choose material and songs for class, and how to build choreography in a way that works with their own creative process.

Week 3: Breaking Down Mechanics of Latin Dance Suitable for All Styles 
In this week, we combine knowledge of Weeks 1 & 2 so we can coordinate our bodies to different styles of Latin dance and rhythms. We will break down some of the most common usages of Latin dance and movements and learn how the general technique is applicable to different types of music.

This knowledge empower instructors to teach any and all styles of Latin dance––you will no longer be limited to only using one kind of music or body movement, and will be able to give your students more variety through their instruction. 

This knowledge allows continued evolution of creativity, which allows you to always give your students diverse information and creative choreography. It also roots the instructor in knowledge that is logical and founded on fact, not cultural ideas or opinions.

Week 4: Connection, Partnering, and Spinning
This week we study everything relating to dancing with a partner.

Proper connection and lead and follow technique will be broken down and adapted to all styles, so that after this week instructors will be able to teach any style of partnering across all genders and levels. 

We will also go over all elements of turn and spinning technique so the instructors can identify the issues they see and address the corrections based on knowledge not opinion. All needed skills for spinning and turning solo and with a partner will be covered.

Week 5: Understanding Levels and Building a Syllabus
Now that each instructor has a solid foundation of their own skills, we will begin working on class structure. 

We start by understanding what a syllabus is, and how to build one. This lesson will allow each instructor to be able to teach a comprehensive, easy-to-follow-and-grasp class so their students retain information and are make progress. 

We will also discuss levels of difficulty and skill, and cover how to recognize difficulty, so each instructor can understand the level of their students and plan material based on the student's current level and capability. 

This will allow each instructor to cater to the room and teach based on what is needed by the student not based on what makes them feel cool in the moment. 

Week 6: Ethics, Professionalism, and Communication Skills
This week we dive into delivering the best service in a healthy and professional manner. 

Because learning is a very vulnerable activity, you have check your ego and be aware of your behavior and communication style when teaching. I will teach you how to use your teaching platform as a way to share knowledge and empower students to feel whole and capable, instead of as a way to boost your own self-esteem. 

We will divulge the phycology of dance, , how to establish a healthy teacher-student relationship. This week will also cover how to identify boundaries to uphold, standards to maintain, behavior to look for in the students, and how to set tone and structure as a whole. 

Week 7: How to Prepare for Class
We will talk about how to structure a good class, how to engage students, and how to keep them excited and motivated to be their most productive. 

We will also identify the differences between a private lesson, group class, workshop, seminar, etc., and cover how to successfully navigate each type of learning structure as an instructor. Your homework this week will include preparing a verbal class plan, so you can practice developing the right structure for each type of environment. 

Week 8: Teaching and Learning Styles
This week you will deepen your understanding of what you excel in as a teacher and define your "niche." Once your different strengths and weaknesses have been identified, I will teach you how to navigate them without shame to provide the best possible service. I will also teach you how to always be your best as an instructor and handle nerves and pressure. 

We will identify all of the ways a teacher makes an impact, and discuss the qualities and capabilities that make a good teacher, as well as how to embody the service of teaching.

We will will break down different teaching tactics and learning styles (auditory, visual, sensory, etc.), and cover what to do in specific student scenarios. I will also show you how to identify student personality traits so that you can support your students in moving through any resistance to learning that may arise either during a private lesson or group class.

After this week everyone will be ready to teach and provide a valuable long lasting service under any circumstance and in any environment. 

Week 9: Practice Exam
You will be given a lesson to teach for the group and given personal feedback on your instruction. Since I will be studying each throughout the program, your practice exam will be chosen to support you in overcoming the specific challenges identified for you. 

We will learn from each others examples, and have the opportunity to correct ourselves and do better, so that we can continue to grow and improve, and offer the best service possible.