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Mid Atlantic Training Center

Ian is proud to have established the MATC (Mid Atlantic Training Center) in August 2010. This Center offers groups and individual teachers a customized and intensive DVIDA certification program. It is ideal for professionals who would like to study and obtain their credentials.

For example, Ian can arrange from a one-day to five day course individually tailored to meet your specific requirements. Based in Alexandria, Ian can help arrange accommodation as well as flights. It is recommended that out of town teachers fly into Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Hotel and airport are both metro accessible. Hotel is located in Old Town in Alexandria, a very historic area with lots of quaint shops and cobbled stoned streets.

Current courses offered include:-

Junior Associate and Full Associate figures in American Style Smooth and Rhythm

Junior Associate and Full Associate figures in International Standard and Latin American.

Each exam has four sections and each course will cover:-

1. Dancing

2. Theory

3. Teaching Methodology

4. Overall Presentation.

PART 1: Dancing

Dance as leader and follower

Dance solo amalgamation

* Presentation

* Posture

* Frame

* Footwork

* Timing and musicality

* Routine

* Technique

* Lead and follow

Part 3: Teaching

Specific teaching questions, testing one knowledge and skills. This may include definitions of dance terms, starting a class to music, developing a student's frame etc.

Part 4: Presentation

This will cover dress, poise vocal projection and confidence.

I am often asked why it is so important to have a degree in dance...

1. For new teachers it offers a way to understand the structure of the technique and thereby gain a greater confidence when teaching as well as expanding one's knowledge.

2. For more experienced teachers, it helps to consolidate and refresh the correct technique.

3. Improved teaching skills.

4. Improved dancing skills.

5. At the present time there are no state laws that require dance teachers to be licensed, although there are signs that this may change. Would you want to see a doctor who is not licensed? Keep ahead of the curve.

6. Reputation. Potential students may find it confusing when looking for a teacher. A qualified teacher will attract more students. Potential employers will look more favorably when a teacher has credentials.

7. Keep up to date. DVIDA® offers technique books and DVD's that are regularly revised and have been written by the best in the industry.

8. Uniform standard of quality. We have all seen the huge increase on television with shows like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance?. Well, the public's expectations are increasing and so it is vital that we meet that demand by offering a uniform standard of quality and so that we offer the most professional experience when walking into a dance studio for the first time.

DVIDA Professional Membership Benefits

1. Online Member Directory listing. Enables credentials to be validated by studnets or employers as well as confirming that membership is in good standing.

2. Recognition. ProDVIDA, is an organization established by some of the most widely respected professionals in the USA.

3. Commitment. Belong to an organization that stresses progression and forward thinking. DVIDA philosophy? Commitment to Constant and Never-Ending Improvement.

4. Professional certification. Your examination will be prepared in advance, according to a system of universal standards of excellence for the dancing industry

5. NDCA recognized. ProDVIDA is a member of the National Dance Council of America, therefore your Professional Certification will be recognized by the NDCA.

6. Participate. ProDVIDA encourages active participation from members in developing dance standards, promoting business innovations, and celebrating the art of dance.

7. Best service. By providing the best possible service and support to members.