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Dance teacher training for aspiring professionals

Become a qualified dance teacher through expert-led online training and recognised International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) qualifications.

Apply for your place

Applications are now open! Our next course begins on 10 November 2026, with limited places available.

Loraine Hastings and Lara King with a group of qualified DTTA dance teachers

Hear from a qualified former student

What is the DTTA?

Expert training. Recognised Qualifications. Real Results.

Founded by Loraine Hastings, Chair of the IDTA Freestyle Faculty, and Lara King, an experienced Dance Principal, DTTA prepares experienced dancers for either the IDTA Associate Freestyle or Ofqual-recognised Level 4 qualification.

You’ll learn through live online tuition with both tutors, supported by four practical training days in London.

Why become professionally qualified?

Turn your passion
into a profession

Becoming a professional dance teacher is about more than knowing how to dance. Professional qualifications give you the knowledge, confidence and recognised credentials to build a respected teaching career. Through recognised IDTA qualifications, DTTA helps experienced dancers become exceptional teachers.

  • Earn parents' trust

    A recognised professional qualification demonstrates your commitment to safe, high-quality teaching, giving parents confidence in your knowledge, professionalism and standards.

  • Help your students achieve more

    Become eligible to enter students for recognised IDTA examinations, giving them clear goals, structured progression and achievements that keep them motivated.

  • Protect yourself and your students

    Gain the essential qualifications and safeguarding knowledge needed to secure appropriate insurance, teach responsibly and keep every student safe.

  • Build a respected teaching career

    Build your career on recognised professional standards, earning a reputation for high-quality teaching and the credibility to grow your school.

Why an IDTA qualification?

More than a qualification. A professional pathway.

A lot changes when you earn your IDTA qualification. You can apply for professional membership, offer recognised progression opportunities to your students and continue developing with the support of an established dance teaching association.

An IDTA Associate in Freestyle Dance certificate
  1. 01

    Join a professional community

    Eligible for IDTA membership, you gain ongoing support from experienced teachers and examiners.

  2. 02

    Keep your teaching fresh

    Attend free meetings, workshops and syllabus updates for new ideas, guidance and teaching techniques.

  3. 03

    Support every kind of student

    Offer recognised pathways for students of different ages, abilities and ambitions, including scholarship opportunities.

  4. 04

    Run examinations more flexibly

    Benefit from multi-discipline examiners and a flexible payment system that reduces risk from student withdrawals.

Choose your qualification

Which qualification is right for me?

Both pathways lead to professional qualification. Choose the route that best fits your goals and the way you want to teach.

Pathway 1

IDTA Associate Freestyle

Course length: 4 months

The core teaching qualification that enables you to teach with confidence and build your career.

  • Qualify to teach Freestyle dance
  • Open your own dance school
  • Teach at other IDTA schools
  • Enter students for IDTA examinations
  • Become eligible for IDTA membership

Best for: Those who want to teach professionally, open their own school and enter students for IDTA examinations.

Explore details and pricing

Includes everything in the Associate course

Pathway 2

Ofqual-recognised Level 4 Freestyle

Course length: 5 months

The Associate qualification plus additional Level 4 modules and an Ofqual-recognised diploma.

  • Everything in the Associate pathway
  • Ofqual-recognised Level 4 diploma
  • Additional health, safety and portfolio work
  • Meets requirements for the education sector
  • Broader opportunities within education

Best for: Those who want to teach in schools, colleges or other educational settings.

Explore details and pricing

Both courses include live online training, face-to-face intensives, tutor support, course materials and a mock exam with a senior IDTA examiner.

How the training works

Your journey from student to confident dance teacher

A clear, supportive training experience combining expert tuition, practical training and personalised guidance every step of the way.

A student taking notes during a live online DTTA session with Loraine, Lara and other students
  1. 01

    Learn live online

    Join weekly live online sessions with Loraine and Lara. Benefit from interactive teaching, discussions and feedback.

  2. 02

    Put it into practice

    Attend 3–4 face-to-face training days in London, including your induction day to develop your practical skills and teaching confidence.

  3. 03

    Build your knowledge

    Complete guided study, coursework and practical preparation between sessions with our high-quality resources.

  4. 04

    Prepare for assessment

    Receive tutor feedback and support, a mock exam with a senior IDTA examiner, and be fully prepared for success.

Meet your tutors

Learn from two highly experienced dance educators

DTTA is the only dance teacher training academy where the Chair of the IDTA Freestyle Faculty personally prepares you for your IDTA qualification.

Loraine Hastings

Loraine Hastings

Chair of the IDTA Freestyle Faculty, Senior Examiner and International Dance Educator

With more than 40 years in the dance industry, Loraine is an internationally respected teacher, choreographer, adjudicator, IDTA Senior Examiner and Fellow of the IDTA.

  • Chair of the IDTA Freestyle Faculty
  • International lecturer and adjudicator
  • Co-writer of the IDTA Street Dance syllabus
Read Loraine’s full profile
Lara King

Lara King

Dance Principal, Teacher Trainer and Experienced Dance Educator

With more than 35 years in dance education and school leadership, Lara has taught dancers of all ages and is dedicated to helping aspiring teachers lead safe, confident and inspiring classes.

  • 35+ years in dance education
  • Former Principal of a successful dance company
  • Extensive experience across multiple dance styles
Read Lara’s full profile

Student success stories

Real teachers. Real results.

Hear from dancers who were trained by your tutors, passed their IDTA examinations, and went on to realise their dreams of teaching dance professionally.

  • Louise Evans

    Louise Evans

    Qualified IDTA Dance Teacher

    Completing my dance teacher qualifications with Loraine Hastings was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Her knowledge, support and encouragement gave me the confidence and skills to become a qualified IDTA dance teacher. Her expertise across theatre and freestyle subjects made the training inspiring and comprehensive. I would highly recommend her training to anyone looking to begin or develop their teaching career.

  • Sophie Middleton

    Sophie Middleton

    Achieved IDTA Teaching Qualifications

    Training with Loraine Hastings towards my dance teacher qualifications was an incredible experience. Her extensive knowledge of theatre and freestyle dance was hugely motivating, and her guidance and ongoing support helped me build the skills and confidence needed to achieve my IDTA teaching qualifications. With accomplishments including Chair of the Freestyle Faculty and President of the IDTA, I feel very fortunate to have been trained by her.

  • Elaine Walker

    Elaine Walker

    Trained in Theatre and Freestyle Dance

    Loraine trained me in both theatre and freestyle dance. Her knowledge and experience are exceptional, and she shares them in a clear, engaging way. Her teaching is supportive, encouraging and inspiring, helping every student build confidence and reach their full potential.

How to apply

Apply for your place in three simple steps

  1. 01

    Complete the application form

    Tell us briefly about your dance background, teaching ambitions and which qualification interests you.

  2. 02

    Arrange your suitability call

    After you submit the form, you’ll hear from Loraine or Lara within 24 hours to arrange a convenient time for your suitability call.

  3. 03

    Secure your place

    If the course is right for you, you’ll be invited to enrol and pay the 15% deposit to confirm your place. Finance plans are available.

No payment is required before your suitability call.

Applications are now open! Our next course begins on 10 November 2026, with limited places available.

Apply for your place

Take the first step towards your dance teaching career

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Who are the courses for?

Adults aged 18 and over who want to become qualified dance teachers or develop their existing teaching careers. No previous teaching qualification is required, all genders are welcome and there is no upper age limit.

What’s the difference between the DTTA and the IDTA?

The IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) is the established professional association that sets the syllabus, examines candidates and awards your qualification. DTTA (Dance Teacher Training Academy) is the training academy, founded by Loraine Hastings and Lara King, that teaches you and prepares you for your IDTA examination. You train with DTTA, and your qualification is awarded by the IDTA.

What dance experience do I need before applying?

You should have received some formal dance training and consider yourself at an intermediate level or above. We assess each applicant individually during your suitability call.

What is the difference between the Associate and Level 4 courses?

The Associate qualifies you to teach professionally. Level 4 includes the Associate content plus broader study and an Ofqual-recognised diploma, supporting opportunities in schools, colleges and other educational settings.

Which qualification is right for me?

Choose Associate for a direct route into professional teaching. Choose Level 4 for broader academic recognition, especially if you want to teach in schools or colleges.

Do I need previous teaching experience?

No. Previous teaching experience is not essential. Your dance background, commitment and suitability for the course are more important.

Is the training fully online?

No. Most training is delivered live online, supported by 3–4 face-to-face practical training days in London, including your induction day.

Where do the practical training days take place?

The 3–4 face-to-face training days take place in London. Full venue details will be provided before the course begins.

How many live online sessions are there each week?

Associate students attend one two-hour weekly session. Level 4 students join this session, followed by an additional one-hour session covering the extra Level 4 units.

What happens if I miss a live session?

If you miss a live lesson, you can catch up with a restricted-access Zoom recording. Live attendance is still expected, as discussion, feedback and practical correction are an important part of the training.

How much independent study is required?

You will complete guided study, coursework and practical preparation between sessions. The amount varies by qualification and your existing experience.

Where will the final examination take place?

Your final IDTA examination is arranged by the IDTA. The location, in the South East, is still to be confirmed.

What happens after I pass?

You’ll hold a recognised IDTA teaching qualification, may apply for IDTA membership, and can become eligible for insurance to teach or open your own dance school. Loraine and Lara can guide you through the next steps.

Can I enter students for IDTA examinations?

Once appropriately qualified and registered with the IDTA, you can enter students for recognised IDTA examinations.

Is a deposit required to secure my place on a course?

Yes. A 15% deposit is required only after your suitability call and invitation to enrol. Nothing is payable before the call. Finance plans are available to help you spread the cost of your tuition, so just ask us.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students can apply, but they must attend the live online training and travel to London for the required practical days, and to the South East for the final examination.

Your dance teaching career starts here.

Applications are now open. Complete the short application form and you’ll hear from Loraine or Lara within 24 hours to arrange your suitability call.

Apply for your place
  • Limited places

    Small class sizes for personal support

  • Speak with a tutor

    A short call to make sure it’s the right fit for you

  • Secure your place

    Reserve your spot with a 15% deposit