Meet the tutors

Learn from two highly experienced dance educators

Between them, Loraine and Lara bring more than 70 years of teaching, examining and running dance schools. Throughout the course, you’ll learn directly from both of them.

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

Loraine Hastings

President of the IDTA, Senior Examiner and International Dance Educator

Loraine Hastings

40+
years in the dance industry
President
of the IDTA
F.I.D.T.A.
Fellow and Senior Examiner of the IDTA

With more than 40 years in the dance industry, Loraine is a highly accomplished professional dance teacher, choreographer, adjudicator and IDTA Senior Examiner, lecturing and choreographing all over the world.

She is a Director and President of the International Dance Teachers Association, a Fellow of the IDTA and Chair of its Freestyle Faculty. She is also co-writer of the IDTA’s new Street Dance syllabus.

Over her career, Loraine has trained thousands of dancers, many of whom have gone on to perform professionally, teach, run their own dance schools or build successful careers in dance.

As an examiner and Freestyle Faculty member, she saw too many candidates arrive at examinations with gaps in their knowledge after training through some of the online courses available. DTTA is her answer: the convenience of online learning, combined with genuine expertise, practical studio training and individual feedback from people who know exactly what the examination requires.

  • Director and President of the IDTA
  • Fellow of the IDTA (F.I.D.T.A.)
  • IDTA Senior Examiner
  • Chair of the IDTA Freestyle Faculty
  • International lecturer, choreographer and adjudicator
  • Co-writer of the IDTA’s new Street Dance syllabus
Lara King

Dance Principal, Teacher Trainer and Experienced Dance Educator

Lara King

35+
years in dance education
13
years teaching in a special needs school
6+
years as a dance school Principal

With over 35 years of experience in dance education, choreography, directing and school leadership, Lara is a passionate and dedicated dance professional committed to developing the next generation of dance teachers.

Charismatic, energetic and highly creative, she has inspired dancers of all ages and abilities, from young beginners to advanced students and aspiring professionals, with a particular passion for nurturing confidence, creativity and excellence in both dancers and teachers.

As Principal of a successful dance company in Essex for over six years, she oversaw every aspect of running a dance school: teaching, choreographing, directing productions, preparing students for examinations and competitions, and creating performance opportunities at venues including Her Majesty’s Theatre and Disneyland Paris.

She has also worked extensively as a freelance dance teacher, delivering classes, workshops, choreography and teacher support across many dance schools and performing arts settings. For 13 years she taught Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre to sixth-form students with additional learning needs, strengthening her belief that dance should be accessible, inclusive and empowering for everyone.

Through DTTA, her mission is to bridge the gap between being a skilled dancer and becoming an exceptional teacher, helping aspiring teachers develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to lead inspiring, safe and successful classes of their own.

  • Former Principal of a successful dance company in Essex
  • 13 years teaching students with additional learning needs
  • Choreographer and director of productions
  • Professional qualifications with the IDTA and ISTD

Teaching experience across

  • Freestyle
  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Modern
  • Contemporary
  • Musical Theatre
  • Street Dance
  • Drama
  • Choreography

“Great dance teachers don’t simply teach steps. They inspire confidence, nurture talent, and create a lifelong love of dance.”

Lara King

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