Thank you for your interest in the Ballroom Dance Company professional
Instructor Certification Training Program (ICTP).
Next Training Session: September-December, 2008

Immediate Openings - for Trained Instuctors in Prince George's County, and Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas. Experienced teachers should call or e-mail: Executive Director Ray Bugnosen at (240) 462-7292.


The Ballroom Dance Company was established in 1997 as not-for-profit organization, and is now the DC area's largest proponent of all styles of social partner dancing. We have been training professional instructors for over six years and have developed a program that is second to none in quality, practicality, and economy. Unique to the BDC professional training program, you will learn to be better dancers and how to teach others to do the same. You will also be taught the necessary business aspects and industry secrets that will ensure a consistent influx of students, successful class programs, and even how to start your own business.

Candidates for the ICT Program must have a strong desire to further the company's mission:
"To spread the joys and benefits of all styles of partner dancing through quality instruction, artistic exhibitions, and inspiring performance."

... which inherently includes striving to better oneself first, by continuing to develop one's own dancing and teaching skills; to be the best example you can be of a dance professional and an ambassador to the world of Ballroom (partner) dancing. As professional instructors, we must lead by example to earn our students' respect.

Training will be in a broad base of styles and rhythms (not just one or two areas of special interest) with a concentration on the most common social dances - which are most likely the dances you would be asked to teach first. To be an effective instructor, the BDC feels it is necessary to be versed in the many different styles that a student may encounter, so that he/she will be most able to lead/follow effectively and graciously in any situation. Candidates must complete all aspects of the training program to certify and teach BDC programs. This can only be achieved through cross-training and an open attitude towards the company's policies, its most 'tried and true' methods, and the guidance of the organization's officers. Certification through the ICT Program can lead to placement in BDC instructional programs if desired (providing all other employment criteria are met).

The three month intensive training program requires at least two nights a week and one weekend day (or other designated training day TBD) - total commitment of three days a week. The program is relatively self-paced and certification is contingent on the passing of all requirements and exams. The cost for the program is $2400.00 per person for the 16 week program, and includes examination fees and all manuals. Previous training and experience is certainly helpful, but not required. Once the minimum number of trainees has been accepted and training class has been scheduled, there can be no refunds for withdrawal from the training program. (Private, 'one-on-one', training programs also available at a cost commensurate to experience.)


If you are ready to...
* Professionally enhance your own dancing and teaching skills so that you can...
* Enhance the social skills and fun times of others;
* Become certified in a marketable skill that will always be in demand any where you may go;
* Learn an art form that will continue to enrich your personal well being indefinitely;
* Become part of a revolutionary arts/education organization for the enrichment of others with unlimited growth potential; and
* Earn an additional part- to full- time income doing something that you love, and that is a lot of fun...

Contact BDC Executive Director, Ray Bugnosen for a no-obligation interview for the purpose of answering any and all questions pertaining to the BDC Instructor Certification Training Program

Ray Bugnosen, Executive Director
RayBugnosen@BallroomDanceCompany.org
(703) 593-0100 ext.111
(240) 462-7292 direct/mobile

As we struggle to meet the demands for qualified instructors to teach programs at an ever growing number of dance studios, health clubs, community centers, churches, and synagogues, we sincerely hope that you are serious about helping people to feel comfortable and confident at social events, inspire the next DanceSport Olympians or professional performers, or perhaps even encourage others to keep their health with this extremely fun source of exercise. We hope you will find our program compatible to your goals and desires, then join the Ballroom Dance Company and help to share the joys and benefits of all style of partner dancing through quality instruction and, perhaps, exhibitions and shows.




SPECIAL NOTE: Join the Ballroom Dance Company now and be able to participate in the new BDC Performance Teams this summer!

Excerpted from BDC official inter-company memo...
4. BDC Performance Teams
The time has come for us to put together the company routines that will really make our name known to the non-dancing public and increase participation in our class programs as well as grow the area dance community. The goal will be to have a signature choreographed formations in all of our main dances that can be done with any number of couple; and keep them consistent and ready to perform at all times. Each routine will include advance level material worthy of a ‘professional performance’. Advance technical training will be applied and necessary to properly execute the Silver and Gold choreography. Learning and practicing at this level in a consistent routine will give each person the repetition necessary to really “own” the technique that makes one look and feel (to your students) like a confident dance professional. These rehearsal/trainings will be open to all instructors and any other BDC personnel (WS’s, Admin team), and possible advanced students who have the prerequisite experience to keep up – only. The pace will be as fast I think the group can go (be prepared to be pushed). As emphasis will be on technical execution as well as choreography, participants may be required to do extra training and rehearsal, or be put on reserve. Only people ready to do so will perform...