Trove Teacher Academy

Grow as a Dancer. Lead as a Teacher.

At The Boone Dance Trove, we believe great dance teachers do more than teach steps—they inspire confidence, encourage growth, and help every dancer feel seen, valued, and challenged.

The Trove Teacher Academy is designed for dedicated dancers who dream of sharing their love of dance with the next generation. Through comprehensive dance training, leadership development, and hands-on teaching experience, students will gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to become exceptional dance educators.

Whether your goal is to assist in the classroom, teach your own dance class, or simply become a stronger leader, the Trove Teacher Academy provides a clear pathway for growth.

Why Train in Multiple Dance Styles?

We believe the best dance teachers are well-rounded dancers.

While every instructor develops a favorite style, training in multiple genres creates more knowledgeable, creative, and versatile educators. Students in the Trove Teacher Academy are encouraged to explore every style offered at The Boone Dance Trove, building a strong technical foundation while developing excellence in the style they are most passionate about.

Our goal is to prepare instructors who are confident teaching beginning-level classes in multiple dance styles while also developing the expertise to teach intermediate-level classes within their specialty.

Core Dance Training

Students interested in the Trove Teacher Academy should complete at least two years of training in each dance genre they wish to teach.

Our core dance genres include:

  • Contemporary

  • Ballet

  • Jazz

  • Hip Hop

  • Tap

  • Clogging

Students are encouraged to continue advanced training in the dance style they love most, allowing them to grow toward teaching more intermediate-level classes within their specialty.

Transfer Students

Previous dance experience from another studio may be accepted toward the two-year genre requirement. However, all students must complete at least one full year of training at The Boone Dance Trove before entering the Teacher Academy. This ensures every future instructor develops a strong understanding of our teaching philosophy, classroom expectations, and studio culture.

Your Journey to Becoming a Dance Teacher

Ages 5–12

Build Your Foundation

Begin training in multiple dance styles while developing strong technique, responsibility, leadership, and a love for learning.

This is the perfect time to explore different genres and discover the styles you enjoy most.

Age 13+

Join the Trove Teacher Academy

Students who meet the training requirements may apply to join the Teacher Academy.

This weekly class focuses on the art of teaching and prepares future instructors through topics such as:

  • Lesson Planning

  • Class Structure

  • Child Development

  • Classroom Management

  • Choreography

  • Teaching Technique

  • Music Selection

  • Communication with Parents

  • Professionalism

  • Leadership

  • Safety and Injury Prevention

  • The Boone Dance Trove Teaching Philosophy

Students will also participate in teaching observations and practical teaching experiences throughout the year.

Age 14+

Teaching Apprenticeship

Students who successfully complete the Teacher Academy may be invited to become Teaching Apprentices.

Working alongside experienced instructors, apprentices gain valuable real-world experience by:

  • Assisting younger dancers

  • Leading warm-ups

  • Demonstrating technique

  • Teaching portions of class

  • Helping manage the classroom

  • Receiving ongoing mentorship and feedback

This apprenticeship is designed to build confidence while preparing students for future teaching opportunities.

Age 16+

Become a Dance Instructor

Teaching Apprentices who consistently demonstrate technical excellence, leadership, professionalism, maturity, and a heart for teaching may be invited to teach their own beginning-level classes at The Boone Dance Trove.

Many instructors will continue assisting while expanding their teaching responsibilities as they gain experience and confidence.

Admission

Participation in the Trove Teacher Academy is by application and invitation.

Students are selected based on:

  • Technical ability

  • Leadership

  • Character

  • Dependability

  • Positive attitude

  • Love for children

  • Desire to continue learning

  • Commitment to the mission and values of The Boone Dance Trove

Completion of the Teacher Academy does not automatically guarantee an apprenticeship or teaching position. Advancement through each phase is based on a student's readiness, growth, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Download Your Progress Tracker

Interested in becoming a future dance instructor?

Download the Trove Teacher Academy Progress Tracker to keep track of your dance training, monitor your progress, and see how close you are to joining the Academy.

Be Part of the First Class!

The inaugural Trove Teacher Academy will launch during the 2027–2028 dance season, and we'd love for you to be part of it!

If teaching dance is one of your goals, start preparing now. This season is the perfect opportunity to build experience in multiple dance genres and work toward the training requirements needed to join the Academy.