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  5. Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Community Dance (DTCD)

The ISTD Academy DTCD equips aspiring dance teachers with practical skills and knowledge essential for a successful teaching career. Engage with up-to-date research, gain a regulated qualification, and unlock opportunities for further education and career progression.

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Welcome to the Diploma in Teaching Community Dance (DTCD), an initial teaching qualification designed to support aspiring dance teachers. This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to embark on a fulfilling career in dance education, particularly within community settings. Our comprehensive curriculum, aligned with the ISTD’s vision for inclusive dance education, ensures you are well-prepared to teach diverse groups safely and effectively.

The DTCD covers safe teaching practices, child development, and practical teaching techniques, fostering professional dance teachers with strong knowledge, independent thinking, and the ability to analyse, adapt, and evaluate. Graduates will be proficient in applying skills in real-world contexts and understanding current professional practices.

Achieving the DTCD not only provides a regulated qualification but also offers pathways for further advancement. You can progress to the ISTD’s Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) or the Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy (DDP).

This qualification enhances your employability and equips you with versatile, transferable skills valuable in various educational and creative settings.

 
 

Course Details

Start Date:September 2025 - July 2026

There are 3 Units to complete to achieve the full DTCD qualification:

Unit 1: Preparing for Safe Teaching (15 credits) 
Unit 2: Applied Teaching Practice (20 credits) 
Unit 5: Child Development (17 credits) 

Fees

Unit 1,2 and 5 £2971

ISTD Additional Costs for Non-Members

ISTD Registration £35

 

Click on the links below to explore Individual Units of the DTCD and DDE course.

DDE Unit 1     DDE Unit 5

Enrol today and embark on your journey towards becoming a qualified dance teacher with the ISTD! 

Academy Entry Requirements

  • Dance knowledge and experience, e.g. dance training for a number of years, performing, teaching
  • Age 18+ 
  • Some experience of being within a teaching environment or a desire to follow a teaching pathway 
  • GSCE English (or equivalent) at Level 4/C or above (or equivalent) 
  • Students for whom English is a second language are expected to hold an IELTS at Level 6
  • Learners need to hold an enhanced DBS check if they are based in England, a PVG check if they are based in Scotland and have satisfied any local criminal records checks in international settings.

Application Process 

Register your interest now by emailing academyinfo@istdacademy.org or apply via the online link here.

Questions?

Got questions or need more information? Email us at academyinfo@istdacademy.org or call our friendly team on 020 7655 8875.  

 

For further information about the DTCD course, please download the Programme Specification.

Read here