Hi all,

I saw this press release and thought you might be interested.

********************************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TO: Dance School Owners and Operators

FROM: Brian McDonald, President NDCA

SUBJECT: Information regarding Amateurs teaching in Commercial
Dance Schools

1. Please note that at this time, the National Dance Council of
America (NDCA) does not endorse Amateurs teaching in the United
States. The NDCA is in the process of trying to reach a joint
agreement with the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association (USABDA) on matters pertaining to DanceSport.

2. Although we are aware that USABDA has approved the top 25% of their championship competitors (79 individuals) to be able to teach for a period of two years, USABDA President, Archie Hazelwood, has advised us that they have strict guidelines under which these Amateurs may teach. One of these guidelines is that Amateurs cannot teach in Dance Schools. It is my personal view that 79 individuals is too high a number, however, the policy of the NDCA may change in the near future. Until such time, I would request that studio owners not permit Amateurs to teach alongside NDCA Registered Professionals.

In conclusion, please note that I have been advised by USABDA that it was their intention for these Amateur teachers to assist in Colleges, Universities and USABDA Clubs, not in Dance Schools.

Sincerely, Brian McDonald President, NDCA

I remember reading someplace that the word "amateur" only means someone who loves what they are doing and the original meaning did not intend to imply that they were not good at it .

This amateur/professional split is always a difficult thing to work out...there are two advanced "amateurs" at my club who offer private lessons, and one of them is almost as expensive as the pro. I think the Olympics going "pro" was a good thing and I wouldn't object to that being the case for dance...all pro SHOULD mean is that you are making your living as a dancer/dance instructor. If an amateur is better than some pros...that's why they have different division levels for competitors.

I suppose someone who was independently wealthy could dance as an advanced "amateur" even if they are better than some pros and people will complain.

Is it possible to get this NDCA certification if you are an amateur? I would think that would solve the problem...the person mught not make a living teaching but at least then the students would have some sort of independent confirmation that they know what they are doing.

[This message has been edited by Belle (edited 08-22-2000).]

Belle's correct. "Amateur" is a French word derived from the Latin "amator" - a lover/one who loves. In it's pure form it simply means one who participates in the arts or sciences driven by love, and not for money. It was not until the corseness of the 20th century that the word began to be used to mean "without skill", American Industrialist society assuming that if one was not makeing filthy lucre off something they couldn't be good at it!