What to Look for in a Ballet Instructor: 9 Traits

A student’s ballet experience is contingent on the skills and techniques their ballet instructor passes on to them, as well as the knowledge, information, and attitude your child learns during ballet. The following provides important considerations for what to look for in a ballet instructor.

What to Look for in a Ballet Instructor

The best ballet instructors are not only professional and knowledgeable in their craft, but are also great teachers. On top of that, when you’re looking for a ballet instructor, you’ll also want one who offers the best experience and opportunities to build your ballet resume.

Below are the 9 top traits you should look for in a ballet instructor:

1. Professional Experience

One of the first things you should look for in a ballet instructor is professional ballet experience. This is true regardless of whether the teacher is for you or your child–a beginner or an advanced student. 

There are many “dance lovers” who attain the capital to start a ballet studio. However, not all experience is equal, and a love of dance doesn’t necessarily translate into productive instruction.

Looking for a ballet instructor who has proven professional experience and success means your technique will be aligned with whatever future opportunities you or your child may be interested in. It means you decrease the risk of learning “bad” technique or habits that may stymie any future ballet pursuits.

2. Educational Background

Besides experience, you should also look for a ballet instructor with an educational background. You’ve probably experienced the phenomenon of the art teacher or history teacher who loves their craft–but has no idea how to teach it. The same is possible in ballet. A great ballet dancer may not necessarily be a good instructor.

While professional experience is most impressive when looking for a ballet instructor, it’s important to also look at educational background. Degrees in teaching pedagogy or ballet instruction are a good sign that your ballet instructor can produce an optimal learning experience.

3. Classical Ballet Technique

One of the wonderful things about ballet is that the technique is universal. Each position and movement is the same, no matter what country you are from. However, this also means movements aren’t up for interpretation. If you or your child plan on having a ballet tenure that extends past this one ballet class, you’ll want to make sure you’re being trained properly. This means making sure to look for a ballet instructor that is highly experienced and knowledgeable in classical ballet technique.

4. Experience Relevant to Your Ballet Goals

When you enroll in ballet classes or hire a ballet instructor, you’re not just learning technique; you’re also gaining the experience and knowledge. Having a ballet teacher who has proven success in (or above and beyond) achieving your goals for ballet makes it more likely you’ll be able to achieve those goals as well. In other words, you’re benefiting from the “been there, done that” experience offered by your ballet instructor.

This is especially true for those instructors who have performed in world-class ballet companies, have coached and choreographed award-winning ballers and ballerinas, and who have had experience dancing with your dream company or for your university of choice. By learning from your instructors’ experience, you’re able to skip some of the trial and error you’d otherwise face and have the chance to emulate their successes. It can also mean you have a better opportunity for networking than if you went with a less experienced teacher.

5. Conducive Personalities

When you’re looking for a ballet instructor, it’s important to find one whose personality meshes with yours—but with the following caveat: you want an instructor who is going to push you and help you to grow, not one who will make things easy and fun all the time.

Instead of looking for the dance teacher whom you “like” the most, look for the teacher who is able to help you stretch your ballet skills and techniques in the most effective way possible. This means a communication style that resonates with your own, a compatible combination of positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, and an attitude that helps motivate you to reach further.

6. Trust & Respect

The way you interact with your ballet instructor will have a big impact on whether you’re successful in your ballet goals. For instance, if you do not trust your instructor’s skills or technique, you may find yourself reluctant to try new movements or less enthusiastic about taking or applying their advice or guidance. This can quickly hinder your progress.

Instead, look for a ballet instructor whom you trust and respect. This will open you up to the important adjustments, motivation, and guidance that can help take your ballet skills to the next level.

7. Goals & Focus Aligned With Yours

There are a few different types of ballet instructors. One type is focused primarily on performances, choreography, and putting on a good show. Another is sweet and accepting, focusing on being liked and making sure each dancer is having a good time. Others may be patient and committed to technique, focusing on how to make you a better dancer, with performances being an outcome of this good instruction, not the primary end goal.

Depending on your goals for ballet—short-term performances, enjoyment, or long-term technique and success—you should look for a ballet instructor whose focus and goals align with yours.

8. Discipline

Regardless of your goals with dance, discipline is a big part of ballet. Ballet as an art form is committed to technique and discipline. Even if you’re just joining ballet for fun, you would be missing out if you didn’t benefit from the discipline and focus of the art.

This is true for young beginner students as well. Some of the best ballet lessons your child will learn are less engrained in technique and more about the discipline, hard work, and motivation that come with learning ballet.

9. Performance Style

When you’re searching for a ballet instructor, you’ll also want to get to know their performance style. For ballet students hoping to pursue a future career in ballet or college scholarships or ballet opportunities, your performance experience will have an impact on your resume.

Look for a ballet instructor whose performance schedule, demandingness, and professionalism fit your goals for ballet.

What Has Surprised You About Your Previous Ballet Instructors?

Have you ever been surprised by something you benefited from (or did not benefit from) with your previous ballet instructors? Something you experienced that you wouldn’t have thought to look for–or avoid? Share in the comments below!

About the Author

Jennie Creer-King

Owner & Artistic Director

Jennie Creer-King is the owner and artistic director of Central Utah Ballet Academy. She is an award-winning dancer, instructor, and choreographer. Among her awards include “Best School Award” by the Youth American Grand Prix, “Best of State” in Choreography and Youth Performing Group, and the Presidential Scholar’s Teacher Recognition Award. Jennie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah School of Dance with an emphasis in Ballet Performance and a Master's Degree from the University of Utah School of Dance emphasis in teaching pedagogy and choreography.

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