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IDTA Freestyle Associate

Become a qualified dance teacher

Train live online with Loraine and Lara and prepare for a recognised IDTA teaching qualification designed to help you begin teaching professionally.

Apply for your place

No payment is required before your suitability call.

The qualification

What the Associate qualifies you to do

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

Who it’s for

  • Aged 18 or over
  • Trained to IDTA (or equivalent) intermediate standard, or at least two years’ experience as a professional dancer
  • Ideal for dance assistants moving into teaching, working dancers and former professional performers
  • Not suitable if you don’t already have a dance background

How the course runs

Live online training, backed by practical studio days

  • Weekly live online sessions

    One two-hour session every Tuesday evening, covering the Associate syllabus through guided discussion, interactive teaching and weekly Q&A.

  • Practical days in Surrey

    An induction day, a mid-course studio day, your mock exam and your final IDTA examination, all in Surrey.

  • Video submissions and feedback

    Submit regular videos of your practical work and receive detailed individual feedback to keep you progressing.

  • Exam preparation

    A full individual mock exam with an IDTA examiner, personalised feedback on theory and practical work, and clear guidance before the real thing.

What you’ll study

Your course, week by week

The course follows a week-by-week plan, building from the foundations through to full exam preparation.

  1. 01

    Weeks 0–5

    Foundations

    • Induction day in Surrey: meet your tutors, collect your theory books and train on all syllabus steps and movements
    • Compulsory questions 1 and 2, definitions and the history of Freestyle dance
    • Simple anatomy, posture and correcting postural faults
    • Building your warm-up in stages, with video feedback each week
    • Cooldowns, breathing exercises, isolations and combination exercises
  2. 02

    Weeks 6–10

    Routines and teaching

    • Choreographing and refining your intermediate routine
    • Compulsory questions 3, 4 and 5
    • Head, arm, hand and body movements
    • A full practical studio day to perfect all routines to date
    • Teaching ability, safety and social media
    • Your creative routine, and a theory test on all work so far
  3. 03

    Weeks 11–16

    Exam preparation

    • All compulsory questions and a full recap of the course
    • Video submissions showing all routines confidently and with counts
    • Completing your portfolio: scripted routines, safety risk assessments and teaching ideas
    • Your mock exam with an IDTA examiner

20 October 2026 intake

Key dates

All practical days and examinations take place in Surrey. Full venue details are provided before the course begins.

  1. Tuesday 20 October 2026

    Course starts

    First live online session

  2. Saturday 24 October 2026To be confirmed

    Practical studio day 1

    Induction in Surrey: meet your tutors, collect theory books and train on all syllabus work

  3. Saturday 5 December 2026To be confirmed

    Practical studio day 2

    Full day in Surrey practising all routines with clear counts and communication

  4. Saturday 16 January 2027To be confirmed

    Mock examination

    A full mock exam with an IDTA examiner, with personalised feedback

  5. Saturday 30 January 2027To be confirmed

    IDTA Associate examination

    Your final examination, in person in Surrey

Pricing

Course fees and payment

Tuition fee

£1,495

Payment plan

£225 deposit, followed by four instalments of £317.50

No payment is required before your suitability call.

Included in your tuition

  • Weekly live online training with Loraine and Lara
  • Four practical days in Surrey
  • Video submissions with individual feedback
  • One-to-one tutor support
  • Course materials
  • A full mock exam with an IDTA examiner
Apply for your place

IDTA fees

IDTA examination fees aren’t included in your tuition and are paid separately.

IDTA Associate examination fee
£187

IDTA membership and registration fees are also separate.

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

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.

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.

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