DDA Leadership Academy

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more...you are a leader."

We strongly believe in providing our students with opportunities to gain leadership skills, and especially encourage our young girls who may have entrepreneurial dreams! The skills and lessons they will gain from these roles are qualities they will carry with them throughout their lives. That is why we offer our students the following opportunities. It is the DDA way.

Some opportunities are regular weekly commitments (Student Assistants as well as some Ambassador positions), while there are also always opportunities that pop up throughout the year that we need help at such as birthday parties, festivals, and studio events.

OUR TWO LEADERSHIP ACADEMY POSITIONS FOR AGES 10 AND UP

Student Assistant

Student Assistants assist the instructor with classes and receive hands on teacher training. This is a great opportunity to learn how teachers plan before class, run class, and all the in’s and out’s of teaching and working at a studio! We may also ask for Assistants for special events and birthday parties.

Once you are 16 years old (or 15 with a work permit) and have completed at least three full years of assisting and ambassador duties, you are eligible to become an Studio Assistant. You will assist with duties around the studio, as well as have opportunities to sub classes and do more on your own. Oh - and you receive a paycheck! You become an official DDA employee.

Student Ambassador

Student Ambassadors assist around the studio and at events by: being greeters during the first week of classes, activity assistants at festival booths, behind the scenes during recital time, assist with giving back and volunteer initiatives at the studio...and any other odds and ends that come up throughout the year. Do you dream of owning a studio one day or love being a leader? Then this is a program for you!

OUR TWO LEADERSHIP ACADEMY POSITIONS FOR DANCERS AGE 15 AND UP*

* Open to LA members after at least 2 years of Assistant/Ambassador training, as well as an invitation to be promoted to these positions. It is NOT a given to be promoted. These are paid positions. If not yet 16, dancers need to obtain a work permit.

Studio Assistant

Studio Assistants are dancers who have been part of the Leadership Academy for at least three years. They are at least 15 years old and must be invited to become a Studio Assistant - it should not be expected after two years, it definitely is a prestigious honor that is earned and not taken lightly.

Teacher in Training

Our Teacher in Training program is for well-rounded dancers who have successfully participated in the DDA Leadership Academy. The Teacher in Training program is for those interested in pursuing teaching. Must be at least 14.5 years old, and must obtain a work permit if under 16 years.

This program is designed to prepare you with the tools, training, knowledge, and experience to one day instruct dance classes on your own. Trainees must be mature, responsible, and communicate well with both children and adults. This is a paid position.