1. What do you dislike about dancing?
I would say the constant traveling can be grueling. And sometimes when I end up teaching discipline and rules instead of dance. I feel that this is the responsibility of the parents/guardians, so it can be frustrating as a few students make it difficult for the full class. With that said, my motto is: “A good teacher teaches what they want. A great teacher teaches what is necessary.”
2. Please explain what do you like about what you do?
Just to say out loud “I dance for a living” is awesome. Also, with teaching and creating projects, it is amazing to see people achieve what they want and enjoy the sense of movement. I would not be at peace with my life if dance did not exist in it. To create this for others is the most satisfying.
3. Tell us how did you get started?
My mom taught dance when I was young and she put me in class to keep me occupied. I was a very hyper kid and tap dancing was the one art form that I gravitated towards that challenged me and taught me focus.
4. Tell us what do you do for a living?
I am a professional dancer/choreographer and teacher. I also run my own corporation titled 3D Dance Network, INC. which produces and creates opportunities for dancers.
5. Tell me aren’t Dance Lessons Are Really Expensive There?
This is the best ballroom dance school in the world, and you will keep this skill forever. Something that will last that long is an investment worth making.
6. Explain what does your work entail?
Teaching all ages in usually tap, musical theater, jazz and hip hop. Also, with running my own corporation, I also need to manage finances and organize details for traveling and shows.
7. Tell me how much money did/do you make starting out as a Choreographer?
You usually can get paid $1000 for the day with film or TV or stage show. If you are choreographing in a studio for recital or competition group, you could start anywhere from $350-$500 for the routine, depending on the size of the routine. Sometimes, if you visit or see the students numerous times, you might get paid your hourly rate, which can add up more over time.
8. Explain a successful training session?
A successful training session for me is when I give all I can in the gym, having this feeling of accomplishment, making sure to hit the part of my body that I worked out for that session, feeling the blood flow all over that particular part.
9. Tell me aren’t You A Little Old To Do Something Like That?
Ballroom and Latin dancing can be done socially or competitively at any age. Just like music, it’s only the rare exception that begins as a toddler and continues into adulthood. The overwhelming majority of students start as adults and enjoy the hobby for a lifetime.
10. Tell us how much money do Choreographers make?
This can range from $400-$20,000 for the day. Depends on your resume, and type of job. A lot of times, you are compensated not just for the time on set or in the studio, but for all the preparation time and direction of concept.
11. Last Time I Checked You Had No Rhythm?
Rhythm isn’t a pass/fail. Anyone can learn to dance, no matter what they believe about their rhythmic abilities.
12. Explain me why should we hire you over someone else?
I am completely dedicated to fitness and my whole lifestyle is based around this. I would put in 100% effort all of the time and I absolutely enjoy being in this environment.
13. What Makes You Think You Can Dance?
If you take the time, bite the bullet, and schedule an appointment, anyone can learn to dance.
14. What are your goals/dreams for the future as Dance Instructor?
Not to sound cliche, but just continuing doing what I’m doing and creating more opportunities for the community of dance.
15. Please explain what’s a typical work week like?
I teach 2-3 days during the week locally in LA and then travel around 40 weekends a year, with another 15-20 weeks, teaching and choreographing. This includes preparation and coordinating music.
16. Tell me where Are You Ever Going To Use Ballroom Dancing Anyway?
Knowing how to dance unlocks dance opportunities that only dancers can see.
17. Name 5 cardiovascular exercises you recommend to your students?
Jumping jacks, skipping rope, shadow boxing, running on the spot, swimming.
18. What education, schooling, or skills are needed to do this?
You can go to college to get a degree in dance, but it is not necessary. A lot of known choreographers, grew up around dance at dance studios, worked professionally for a bit then developed into choreographers. Skill set varies with what style of dance. In the big scheme of things, the more you study and learn of all styles of dance, allow you to create your own style which helps you stand out.
19. How much time off do you get/take as Dance Instructor?
Maybe 3-4 weeks total a year. It’s very time consuming, but worth it.
20. Explain what is most rewarding?
Experiencing the people and opportunities throughout my career.
21. What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
Be prepared and remember that a professional dancer/choreographer is not just a job but a life style!
22. What is most challenging about what you do?
I would say the traveling again.
23. Tell me isn’t Ballroom Dancing A Little Old Fashioned?
The classic grace and charm is still there, but ballroom dancing has never been more popular.
24. Tell us have you ever helped train a friend? How did that work out?
I did help a lot of friends to train well if you have a look at almost all my high school friends everyone is ripped or big or even competing in bodybuilding shows because they were inspired by me.I was always there for all my friends either with a fitness program or being there trainer.
25. What do you know about our company policies?
Yes, many a time. Working within the gaa organization I have to talk to strangers. The last time I walked up to a stranger was only a couple of days ago at a match I had organised and I had to walk up to the team manager and we just then had a general conversation.
26. Are you CPR certified? Tell me about your other certifications?
Yes CPR was part of my BTEC course. I have been given a certificate but you can affirm with my old college.
27. Tell me since When Do You Have Free Time to Do Anything Fun?
Everyone is busy, but people tend to find the time when they feel like the activity is worth the time. There is every kind of professional imaginable at the Studio, and they all feel recharged after a dance lesson.
28. Tell me how would you describe what you do?
My main profession is traveling and teaching dance to all ages. I work with private workshops along with conventions like Co. Dance and Dance Olympus. I also produce and host a summer tour of tap intensives called Tap into the Network. Other side projects include mixing music, writing for dance publications, and having my own tap company, Tap Sounds Underground.
29. Tell us how do you make money/or how are you compensated?
I get paid independently from studios, conventions, etc… I also sell my own instructional DVD’s along with music. Lastly, with working professionally, you can make residuals on movies, TV shows and commercials. This is where every time it is played or sold, you make a small amount. Adds up after many jobs.
30. What is a common misconception people have about what you do as Dance Instructor?
That because we are dancing, it’s not a real job. Teaching dance alone, helps so many kids and adults with self-expression, confidence and personality. And that’s not even “tapping” into the physical benefits of being fit, flexible and healthy.
31. Tell me what advice would you offer someone considering this career as Dance Instructor?
Be patient and never forget that passion you have for dance. So many dancers have certain expectations, and when they don’t occur, then frustration sets in and the passion can get lost. Also, always have another vocation to help with the financial side of things. You can make a lot of money dancing, but it takes time, so set yourself up so that you can be patient and not have to stop dancing because of finance problems.
32. Tell me are you trying to be like One of Those Professionals on Dancing with the Stars or Something?
Any hobby can be enjoyed as an amateur. Whether it’s learning the guitar, ballroom dancing, or pole vaulting in the Olympics.
33. Tell me what are your thoughts on a vegan lifestyle? Do you support it or think it is overrated?
I don’t follow a vegan diet myself. I do believe not the protein in meat is important and is needed for a healthy lifestyle.
34. Tell me how do you draw a line when pushing your client to the limits during a workout?
When they are no longer able to talk or communicate in anyway is when there at their limits.
35. Please explain three essential exercises you would have any client do? Why are they in your top three?
First is running, using a treadmill or not is just fine, second is a full body work out divided into 2 parts per day, third is a cooling-down exercises or stretching.
36. Suppose if a client complains about an injury suffered during your last training session, how do you handle it?
Ask where it hurts, figure out when it could of occurred, apologies, assess injury, offer a free session from you or ask if they want a different instructor.
37. Do you know how important is nutrition to you? Will you strongly suggest your clients follow a better diet to improve their fitness goals?
Nutrition is extremely important because physical activity and nutrition ultimately complement each other. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet along with counting calories to achieve weight loss, weight gain, or improve sport performance. Yes, I would absolutely suggest a well-balanced diet to achieve goals.
38. Explain me summary of a training program you would set up for a client strictly looking for weight-loss and toning?
First I will give him a meal plan on what to eat on a daily basis, like low carbs, sugar and calories, next is to give him a work out that is more on burning calories like cross fit, cardio training and some high reps workout.
39. As you know this job is about getting clients with dancing, getting referrals, and making sales with dancing, how will you perform with this pressure?
I was trained with that kind of situation by my past job experience, hitting quotas every quarter or hitting a certain amount to make sure to stay on that job, I did that for the past 7 years and I know I can do it.
40. Suppose you saw me at gym, average build kind of guy, and you wanted to approach me to potentially sign me up for sessions, what would you say to me?
I would kindly ask would they be interested in bulking up or toning down or maintaining the weight. Based on the answer they give I will talk in more detail about that area for example if they say there interested in bulking up I will talk about the fantastic free weights and weight machines.
41. Suppose if any client walks in and says they want to start training, what evaluations would you begin doing to determine their appropriate fitness program?
Id first run through a screening form with them to see if they have any health conditions that would affect their training program such as cardiovascular disease. I’d ask about any injuries recent surgery or pregnancy. To determine their fitness level id ask have they done any exercise recently if so what have they done.
42. Explain me how do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
I am constantly researching new ideas and keeping myself up to date. On social media I follow a lot of fitness gurus and food nutritionists always seeking new ideas.
43. Explain me what nutrition education have you received?
Applying the principles of nutrition to a physical activity program, Nutrition for sport and exercise.
44. Tell me how do you keep an aerobics group motivated throughout the exercise?
Keeping a group exercise class motivated can be accomplished with high energy or enthusiasm when performing the exercise and walking around the classroom offering motion of good form, smiling, offering words of inspiration (“Good Job” or “Looking Strong”) provide the group motivation to keep working hard.
45. What education have you acquired as Dance Instructor?
I didn’t really study sales until I was put into a situation in work where I had to sell so I learned from experience. I also learned sales in two module components in college which were finance and customer service.
46. What are your personal fitness goals as Dance Instructor?
Yes I have, I am currently training for the Dublin mini marathon and my goal before starting the training was to finish it, so I’ll know Monday if I reached my goal.
47. Why did you decide to become a personal Dance Instructor?
I decided to be a personal trainer because some years ago I was fat then I transform my physique and slowly progress into bodybuilding and seeing other who dont have proper guidance to move on and achieve there fitness goal really pushed me to become a personal trainer.
48. Please explain about an experience you’ve had dealing with an unhappy customer?
I had to refuse sale of alcohol to a guy that was obviously intoxicated. My colleague called me over as the man was becoming hirate and uncooperative. I remained calm and controlled as I reinforced the fact that he would not be sold the alcohol today. I got security on board.
49. Explain me what techniques would you employ to increase your clientele?
I would put online motivational videos on youtube and facebook the most common social sites and get noticed from there.