DanceLife Magazine
2025
Ask Rhee
Advice for Dance Teachers
Q:
Dear Rhee,
policy. Some studio owners fully fund certifications, especially when the training directly benefits the studio’s offerings. Others might offer to split the cost or reimburse part of it after a certain period of continued employment. And yes, sometimes it’s something a teacher invests in independently, especially early in their career. In your case, it’s absolutely okay to bring it up again—this time with a clear, respectful proposal. Let the studio owner know why this certification matters to you, how it will strengthen your teaching, and how it can enhance the studio’s acro program. Then ask if they’d be open to supporting it in full or in part. Even if the answer is no, your desire to learn and improve is never wasted. Growth always finds a way to pay you back—through better teaching, greater confidence, and increased value as a dance educator.
I want to become certified in an acro curriculum. I’ve been teaching at the same school for several years, and I’ve brought up that I would be willing to continue my education in this program. However, the studio owner never offers to help me financially or asks any questions. I really want to do this, and I think it would be great for our acro students and for me. Should I ask her to pay for it? Maybe partially? How does this normally work? This is my first time checking into it.
– Curious and Committed
A:
Dear Curious,
First, let me applaud you—it speaks volumes that you’re looking to grow as an educator and bring even more value to your students. That kind of initiative is something every studio owner should recognize and appreciate.
Keep going. You’re on the right path.
– Rhee
When it comes to continuing education, there’s no one-size-fits-all
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