Amateur Coaching Scheme - A rough guide
On the 17th July, David Corfield presented a proposal for the EADA Amateur Coaching Scheme to the British Dance Council. This was voted on and has been adopted by the BDC. Here is a ‘rough guide’ for your information.

Just because you are a good dancer, it does not follow that you would make a good teacher. The coaching scheme aims to ensure that those that teach as amateurs have both a good knowledge of dancing, and the ability to teach as well. This series of qualifications will have a professional equivalent to ensure a smooth transition to the professional ranks (or “The Dark Side” as it is known) when appropriate.

The scheme allows for four levels of teaching qualification :

Level 1
Candidates must be over 16, and will be asked to demonstrate steps from a given syllabus, and will be asked to show knowledge of foot position, alignment, amount of turn, rise and fall, footwork, CBM CBMP and sway . (A figure in level one waltz is Natural turn for example)

Level 2
Candidates must be over 17, and will be asked to demonstrate steps from the level 2 syllabus (ie basic weave or double reverse spin) . They will need to show understanding of “Quicks” and “slows”, Sway, description of (latin) figures, and give 2 precedes and follows to each figure in the syllabus.

Must have an understanding of balance, deportment and basic teaching methods for beginners.

Level 3
Must be 21 or over, demonstrate figures as above, and show how they would start a class.

Show knowledge of additional figures, and show all precedes and follows listed for figures. (Level 3 steps include open tele mark - cross hesitation)

Level 4
Must have held level 3 for 3 years.
Must demonstrate high quality dancing , and have an in depth knowledge of all aspects of teaching to a high quality (level 4 steps include Fallaway reverse and slip pivot)

Level 1 may assist a professionally qualified dance teacher.

Level 2 may in addition act as a representative and under the guidance of a professionally qualified dance teacher in educational establishments and leisure centres. Run general sports coaching sessions at the request of EADA, but still under supervision.

Level 3 may in addition coach individual couples up to and including intermediate level on the premises and with the permission of a professionally qualified dance teacher. Run Dancesport coaching sessions for EADA.

Level 4 may in addition coach individuals of all grades on the premise and with the permission of a professionally qualified dance teacher.

As soon as we have more information we will update this section.

Submitted 18 July 2005