100% Pass Rate

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 for our 20 October 2026 intake.

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, President of the IDTA, 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 Surrey.

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 four face-to-face training days in Surrey 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 President of the IDTA personally prepares you for your IDTA qualification.

Loraine Hastings

Loraine Hastings

President of the IDTA, 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.

  • President and Director of the IDTA
  • 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 trained with Loraine and Lara, passed their IDTA examinations through DTTA, and went on to realise their dreams of teaching dance professionally.

Placeholder: student testimonials will go here once they’re supplied.

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

    Book your suitability call

    After submitting the form, you’ll be directed to Calendly to choose a convenient time for a short call with Loraine or Lara.

  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.

No payment is required before your suitability call.

Next Associate and Level 4 courses begin Tuesday 20 October 2026

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 the 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 four face-to-face practical training days in Surrey.

Where do the practical training days take place?

The four face-to-face training days take place in Surrey. 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?

Recordings are available, but live attendance is strongly encouraged because discussion, feedback and practical correction are important parts 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?

The final examination is expected to take place in Surrey. Exact arrangements will be confirmed during the course.

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.

Can international students apply?

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

Your dance teaching career starts here.

Applications are open for the 20 October 2026 intake. Complete the short application form and book your suitability call with Loraine or Lara.

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