The Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies is a part-time programme delivered worldwide. The programme covers a range of areas in subject and professional studies as well as practical teaching.  This is a new programme, launching in January 2013, for students wishing to study worldwide in English.  The programme will be expanded to include further language options in the future.

Delivery

The programme is offered part-time over two years through distance learning, enabling students to study alongside personal and professional commitments. Students receive one-to-one tutorial support from experienced tutors, with opportunities for collaborative study through the use of on-line student forums. Regular contact is made through email and telephone support with tutors as well as on-line discussion boards. Each module is supported by a comprehensive module study guide and additional materials which can be accessed on-line.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Applicants who are offered a place may apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (AP(E)L), including experiential learning, against one or more modules. Please note that application for AP(E)L is a separate process which can only take place after an offer has been made and accepted. All applications for AP(E)L will be processed centrally by the Faculty of Education Registry in London. AP(E)L is a lengthy, time-consuming process for which a fee will be charged. For more information please click here.

Award

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies and eligibility for registration as a teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance.

Programme Content

Programm Specification 

Year 1 (60 CREDITS)

All year one modules are compulsory

DDTS501: Professional Studies (15 credits)
Delivery: January to March

This module focuses on professional practice, values and attributes required of dance teachers. You will gain deeper understanding of key concepts such as the importance of demonstrating positive values and providing performance opportunities for dance students, having high expectations of all learners, and supporting learning through creative partnerships and professional networks.  Continuing Professional Development as a crucial part of professional practice will also be explored. This module will be assessed by the creation of Career Development Plan and Evaluation.

DDTS502: Dance Pedagogy: How Learners Learn, How Teachers Teach (30 credits)
Delivery: April to July

This module provides an overview of how learners learn and how teachers teach in dance environments.  Drawing on key concepts of cognitive and social development and skill acquisition, you will develop knowledge and understanding of how different learners engage in the learning of dance and how these experiences impact on an individual’s development and progression.  The module also explores effective feedback and motivation strategies, planning for diverse learner needs, informal and formal assessment practices as well the influence of teachers as role models.  This module will be assessed by a 3,000 word essay.

DDTS503: Practical Teaching 1: Exploring New Contexts (15 credits)
Delivery: August to October

This module is the first of two teaching placements which build on the teaching skills acquired at certificate level. You will be to undertake no less than 8 hours of practical teaching in a context which is different to your current practice and with the support of a Practical Teaching Supervisor for the duration of the module.  This module will be assessed through the submission of a Teaching Portfolio.

Year 2 (60 CREDITS)

DDTS504: Practical Teaching 2: Extending Practice (Compulsory/ 30 credits)
Delivery: January to October

In this second teaching placement, you will focus on your primary or main teaching context in order to develop increased knowledge and understanding and higher level teaching skills. These skills include assessment for learning and teaching creatively as well as the ability to adapt teaching to the needs of individual learners. The module will integrate theory and practice and assessment will be via a Practical Teaching Assessment and submission of a Teaching Portfolio.

Option 1:

Delivery: January to March

DDTS505: Music for Studio and Stage (option/15 credits)

This module will offer you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of practical applications of music in the studio and on stage. Module content will include music perception: hearing and listening; working with music and musicians; sound systems and sound techniques; understanding rhythm in dance teaching; finding and evaluating music resources; editing and arranging music for class and performance, and music copyright and licensing for dance. This module will be assessed through a written project and compilation of music for a class or school performance utilising a range of ICT resources and software.

DDTS506: Community Dance: Insights and Impressions, Partners and Practice (option/15 credits)

In a fast-changing world, one thing is certain, people are dancing, communities are dancing, we are dancing! Are the opportunities for dance practice infinite or finite? How does Community Dance function? Is the practice integrated and centre-stage in your country of work or segregated and waiting in the wings? In what ways can you as an individual and as part of a community of dancers, artists, teachers, people, contribute to Dance in the Community?

Tailored to your individual interest, you will gain an insight into current dance provision within community contexts, its diversity, value and political, socio-economic, cultural and creative contexts in which it operates.  Through this module you will be able to unlock or prepare for opportunities of working and participating in the Community through Dance. This module will be assessed through a project proposal.

Option 2:

Delivery: April to June

DDTS507: Optimising Dance Performance (option/15 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of how dancers can optimise their performance, both physically and psychologically. The module will draw upon current research in relation to aspects of dance training and performance, and will look at how, as dance educators, we can help ensure our students develop and maintain a fit and healthy dancing body.  This module will be assessed though a case study.

DDTS508: Ballet Studies (option/15 credits)

This module will enable ballet teachers to extend knowledge and understanding of ballet teaching. You will study ballet vocabulary and progressions at an advanced level, implement movement frameworks for the very young child and explore pedagogical issues relevant to your own teaching contexts. The module will be of interest to Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies graduates as well as ballet teachers from other dance teaching societies.  Emphasis will be given to the variety of contexts in which ballet is taught and the wide range of learners involved.  This module will be assessed though a recorded presentation.

DDTS509: Research and Resources for Dance Teaching (option/15 credits)

This module will provide you with opportunities to extend your dance teaching skills through participation in a new dance genre and the creation of a resource portfolio for dance teaching. The module develops knowledge of dance provision in your local or regional communities with the chance to gain greater contextual knowledge and understanding of a specific genre through practice and research. This module will be assessed through the creation of a resource portfolio. 

How to apply