Dance Teacher

Teaching dance professionally in France is regulated for three disciplines: classical dance, contemporary dance, and jazz dance. You must hold the Diplôme d'État (DE) de professeur de danse in at least one of these disciplines to teach independently. The DE is obtained after training at an approved center and passing both technical and pedagogical examinations.

A dispensation procedure exists for experienced professionals who can demonstrate significant teaching or performance credentials. The Direction générale de la création artistique at the Ministry of Culture oversees the profession. Dance teachers working in licensed establishments must also comply with public safety regulations for the premises.

Required Qualifications

  • Diplomas: State diploma (DE) as dance teacher or aptitude certificate (CA) for dance teacher functions, issued by the State, or recognized equivalent foreign diploma
  • Exemptions: Possible due to particular renown or confirmed experience in dance teaching, or for persons teaching for more than three years as of July 11, 1989
  • Options: Classical dance, contemporary dance, jazz dance
  • Training: Minimum 600-hour training organized by the National Dance Center (CND), including music training, dance history, anatomy-physiology and pedagogy

Procedures for EU/EEA Nationals

  • Temporary and occasional service provision (LPS): Prior declaration to the Directorate General for Artistic Creation before the first service. Response time: one month. Mandatory annual renewal
  • Permanent establishment (LE): Application for recognition of professional qualifications to the Directorate General for Artistic Creation. Response time: four months. Possibility of compensation measures (aptitude test or adaptation period) if substantial training differences
  • Required documents: Copy of identity document, certificate of competence or training certificate, description of professional experience, content of studies and internships

Integrity Requirements and Restrictions

  • Prohibitions: Exercise of the activity is prohibited for persons sentenced to imprisonment without probation exceeding four months for rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor or procuring
  • Teaching children: Children aged 4-5 can only practice body awakening activities; children aged 5-6 only initiation. No constraining body work or excessive extensions for children aged 4 to 7
  • Appeals: ENIC-NARIC Center, SOLVIT for European disputes