Become a Hip Hop Dance Instructor

Becoming a hip-hop dance teacher is not everyone's cup of tea, it is better to know your truth and then go for such dance forms. One can indeed learn how to dance, but rhythm is something one is born with, and today, in this article, we will help those who wish to become a hip hop dance instructor. If a person is dedicated with the right training, teaching, they can turn their love for hip hop into a professional career.
If your dream is to turn your passion into your dream, and whenever you dance or watch hip hop, you are captivated by the rhythm, energy, and raw expression of hip hop dance, you are at the right place. Various dancers are looking for a similar question: how to become a hip-hop dance teacher? Whether a dancer wants to inspire others in a studio or wishes to lead classes on big stages, the journey starts with the right training, qualifications, hard work and mindset.
Becoming a successful hip hop dance teacher demands more than just talent; it requires structured training and education, such as completing a hip hop dance teacher certification and participating in hip hop dance instructor training programs. These hip-hop certifications and training programs help dancers improve their teaching skills, choreography techniques, and their learning capacity of dance moves. Understanding the importance of qualifications for hip hop dance teachers is also important, such as total experience, knowledge, versatility and an unstoppable mindset to stand apart in the competitive field.
- Steps to Become a Hip Hop Dance Teacher
- Best Certifications for Hip Hop Dance Instructors In India
- Skills and Qualifications Needed for Teaching Hip Hop Dance
- Job Opportunities and Salary for Hip Hop Dance Teachers
Steps to Become a Hip Hop Dance Teacher
Here are some of the most important steps for those who are looking for an answer to, How to become a hip hop dance teacher?
If you're passionate about dance and love teaching, becoming a hip hop dance teacher can be both a fulfilling and dynamic career. While the path may vary based on location and goals, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn your passion into a profession.
- Mastering Your Skills: Before you start teaching, it is best to build a strong foundation in hip hop dance styles like breaking, popping, locking, or freestyle. Try to invest more time training with experienced dancers, attend workshops of other renowned hip hop dancers and instructors and practice daily. Being a great dancer is the first step toward becoming a great teacher.
- Gain Teaching Experience: Start small, assist in local dance classes, volunteer at community centres, or offer beginner sessions. Teaching requires more than just skill; it demands the ability to communicate, inspire, and adapt to different learning styles. Early experience helps you build confidence and develop your teaching voice.
- Get Formal Training or Certification (Optional but Valuable): Though it is not mandatory, enrolling in a hip hop dance instructor training program or getting a hip hop dance teacher certification can add credibility to your career. These certifications and dance courses are helpful to cover teaching methods, choreography planning, classroom management, and dance skill development to become a well-rounded hip-hop dance instructor.
- Learn about the Qualifications for Hip Hop Dance Teachers: Depending on where you wish to teach, schools, studios, or cultural events, needs may change. Some institutions look for specific qualifications like a certification, while others prioritise experience and references. Always check with the organisation you are applying to and improve your professional skills.
- Build Your Presence Online and Offline: Create a professional online profile or portfolio. Share your choreography, class schedules, and student testimonials. Social media can also be a powerful tool to attract students and connect with other dance professionals.
- Know the salary range: Many aspiring instructors looking to know about the hip hop dance teacher's salary should know that it can differ based on multiple factors such as location, experience, and the place of teaching and performing, from local studios to prestigious performing arts schools, to mass-level events.
Best Certifications for Hip Hop Dance Instructors In India
Aspiring Hip Hop Instructors should go through the following table to check out the best certifications for Hip Hop Dance Instructors in India and hip hop dance choreography colleges in India.
Certification Program |
Institution |
Duration |
Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
Professional Dance Training in Hip Hop |
India International Dance Institute (IIDI) |
Duration varies; visit the official website for details |
Get to learn teaching methodologies for different age groups, and also get licensing in Breaking (BBoying) for aspiring teachers. |
Certified Professional Teacher Training Program |
The Danceworx |
12 weeks online + 1 week in-studio |
Designed by Ashley Lobo, the program consists of masterclasses, mentorship, and lifetime association with the academy. |
Diploma in Dance Foundation Course |
Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute |
6 months; 5 days per week, 3 hours per day |
Detailed and well-organised training with a focus on different dance forms. You need to go through a video audition for enrollment. |
Zenith Dance Professional Training (ZDPT) & Certification Course |
Zenith Dance Academy |
Flexible durations (1 to 6 months); online and offline options |
Offers a well-structured course with varying intensities; suitable for different proficiency levels. |
Dance Instructorship Certification Program (DICP 6) |
India International Dance Institute (IIDI) |
2 days; 8 hours total |
Focus on teaching techniques recognised by Conseil International De La Danse. |
Dance Teacher Training Programs |
Aspiring Professionals Teacher Training Institute (APTTI) |
Certificate: 6 months; Diploma: 10 months |
Focuses on pedagogical skills, dance lesson planning, and classroom management; apt for various dance forms. |
Street Dance Diploma Program (SDDP) |
Hip Hop India Dance Co. |
12 months; structured certification course |
Specialising in street and urban dance education, a detailed program for aspiring instructors. |
India Dans Theater |
Duration varies; contact the institute for details |
Designed for dancers with experience and prior training, it aims to deepen skills and understanding of dance and movement arts. |
Also Read:
- Diploma in Performing Arts Courses 2025-26
- Top Colleges offering Dance Courses: Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria & Fees
- Best Dance & Choreography colleges in India - Courses, Fees, Admissions 2025
- Dance Courses After 12th: Check Out Courses, Colleges, and Fee Structure
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Teaching Hip Hop Dance
Hip-hop dancers who aspire to be dance instructors should go through the following table to check out the important skills needed to pursue this career path.
Skill |
Why It Matters |
---|---|
Strong Dance Technique |
Mastery of hip hop styles (breaking, popping, locking, krumping) is essential. |
Teaching & Communication |
Helps break down complex moves for students and maintains a positive class vibe. |
Musicality & Rhythm |
Enables you to choreograph accurately and stay in sync with beats and lyrics. |
Patience & Adaptability |
Important when working with beginners or diverse student age groups. |
Creative Choreography |
Keeps routines fresh, fun, and challenging, especially for performance teams. |
Knowledge of Dance History |
Adds depth and cultural respect to your teaching. |
Physical Fitness |
Builds endurance to demonstrate, repeat, and perform movements confidently. |
Classroom Management |
Helps maintain discipline and engagement, especially with kids or large classes. |
Job Opportunities and Salary for Hip Hop Dance Teachers
Learn about some of the important points related to the salary range and job opportunities for hip-hop dance teachers.
- Dance studios
- Schools and colleges
- Fitness centres
- Online platforms
- Cultural events on a mass level, pan-India, or in other countries
- Entertainment and media industry events, and more
Hip Hop Dance Teacher's Salary
A hip hop dance teacher's salary can differ based on where they are situated, years of experience, and the kind of skill they have. For an entry-level hip-hop dance instructor, who is working part-time at local studios can earn around INR 10,000 to INR 25,000/month in India, while experienced hip hop dancers and teachers in metro cities or those working with established institutions or celebrities can earn INR 50,000/month or more.
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