More and more people have become aware of the joys of
partnership dancing in recent years. Many public and
private schools now offer courses in this type of dance,
and most universities and colleges have some sort of
social dance club.
Houston USA Dance - formerly known as US Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association (USABDA)
- is responsible for much of the "dance interest" in our
school systems. Dance Teaching Organizations such as the
US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (USISTD) have
promoted this interest in the Adult population. USA
Dance
and USISTD work closely on projects of mutual interest,
and are continually looking for more ways to provide
high quality dance education to all sectors of the
population.
Virtually every competition in the US features the
USISTD International style syllabi. Colleges and
Universities often encourage their dance clubs to use
the USISTD syllabi, and some, like Fairmont State
College in West Virginia, have set up state-sponsored
courses through which students can gain USISTD academic
dance teaching qualifications.
All of this has combined to create an immediate
demand for high quality and fully certified dance
teachers. What's more, dance studios, public and private
schools, colleges and universities want teachers
knowledgeable in - and able to teach - the USISTD
syllabi.
Dance teachers work with folk from all walks of life,
travel, attend seminars and lectures, enter
competitions, and often develop distinguished careers as
Professional Competitors.
In Houston, TX, USISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip
Stephens offers training for aspiring teachers. He has
trained many dance teachers who have opened their own
studios, entered into competition careers, and who have
eventually become judges for dance competitions. He
travels extensively giving speeches and lectures,
coaching dancers and conducting USISTD examinations.
Phillip is part owner of and teaches at Houston's
largest dance studio - The Dance Place. He may be
reached via phillip@theplace2dance.com or 713-248-2299.