Unlock Your Future as a Dance Teacher
The Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Delivered by the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), the DDE offers a dynamic and supportive pathway to becoming a qualified Level 4 ISTD dance teacher.
Designed to complement your university training or stand alone as a professional qualification, the DDE equips learners with the pedagogical knowledge, practical experience, and subject-specific expertise needed to deliver dance teaching in various professional settings. Each unit within the course is self-contained, meaning students can progress through the qualification at a pace and order that suits their individual needs.
Units are delivered online and in our state-of-the-art studios, taught by experienced and professional tutors who are both examiners and lecturers for the ISTD.
Awarding Body: Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
Delivery Format: Blended learning (Online and Studio-based)
Disciplines Offered: Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, and Tap
Course Duration: Typically completed within 2 years (maximum of 5 years from first submission)
Course Units
The DDE consists of five independent units. Some are common across all genres, while others are genre-specific (Tap, Modern Theatre, Imperial Classical Ballet). Students may enrol in units individually and are encouraged to follow a structured but flexible learning journey. Students can also transfer from another centre.
This unit explores and builds foundational knowledge around health and safety, anatomy, biomechanics, and legal responsibilities in dance education. A clear understanding of student safe practices is expected, along with the ability to discuss how you will apply this knowledge within your teaching practice.
Content Includes:
- Safe dance environments and practices
- Legal and professional responsibilities of a dance teacher
- Basic anatomy and biomechanics applied to dance
Assessment:
- Three written worksheets (totalling 17 questions, 100–200 words per answer)
- One Zoom session per worksheet, with individual written feedback, with additional resources sent by email
- A submission guidance video is provided at the end of the unit.
Delivery Format: Online via Zoom
Cost: £400
Exam Fee: £108
Additional Support (if required): £40/hour
Submission Deadlines: 3 submission dates each year, November, February & June
Note: This unit must be completed and passed before beginning Unit 2.
For more information and to book, please email: a.avis@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
This practical unit provides students with real-world classroom experience, helping them to develop effective teaching strategies through observation, assisting, and independent teaching.
Content Includes:
- Observation of four dance classes
- Assisting in five dance classes
- Teaching five classes, including lesson plans and evaluations
- Final assessed recorded lesson (Lesson 6) with a 30-minute viva
Assessors can ask for more if they need to watch more of the observations, assisting and teaching.
Assessment:
- Observation and teaching documentation
- Recorded lesson and reflection
- One-to-one tutor support throughout, including written feedback and Zoom check-ins
Delivery Format: Blended – Independent school-based teaching with online tutor guidance
Cost: £700
Exam Fee: £275
Additional Support (if required): £40/hour
Note: Students must secure access to a suitable dance school for practical work. Limited opportunities may be available at GSA Saturday School upon request. Part 1 must be completed and passed before final assessment can be submitted.
For more information and to book, please email: a.avis@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
This unit requires candidates to obtain the ISTD Intermediate vocational graded qualification in their chosen genre. It is a prerequisite for entry into Unit 4 in that discipline.
Genres Available:
- Imperial Classical Ballet
- Modern Theatre
- Tap
Assessment:
- External ISTD Intermediate exam
Cost: Variable based on training needs
Exam Fee: £86
Note: A separate Intermediate qualification is needed for each genre you wish to teach through Unit 4.
For more information and to book, please email: a.avis@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
The focus of this practical unit is on developing your dance technique, understanding how to apply teaching methods and safe dance practices within your genre, and exploring the connection between music and dance, particularly in the context of teaching.
Delivered face-to-face in GSA’s studios, it prepares candidates to teach the selected genre confidently and in accordance with ISTD requirements.
Content Includes:
- Training in ISTD Grades and Intermediate syllabus
- Understanding of safe teaching practice in a practical setting
- Teaching methods and musicality in dance education
Structure:
- 22-day intensive training delivered over four seasonal blocks:
- September: 6 days
- December: 5 days
- Easter: 5 days
- June: 2 days + 4 days exam preparation
Assessment: Final practical examination following the last block.
Delivery Format: Face-to-face in studio
Cost: £2,400
Exam Fee: £289.25
Entry Requirement: Interview prior to enrolment
Dates:
- 6-day intensive: 8th-13th September 2025, 10am-5pm
- 5-day intensive: 6th-10th December 2025, 10am-5pm
- 5 day intensive: 15th-19th April 2026, 10am-5pm
- 2-day refresher: 6th and 7th June 2026, 10am-5pm
- Final sessions: 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th June 2026, 10am-5pm (Provisional dates)
- Exam dates: 22nd and 23rd June 2026 (provisional dates)
For more information and to book, please email: a.avis@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
This theoretical unit examines the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development of children and how these areas relate to dance teaching. Sessions will focus on both the physical aspects of growth and the cognitive and emotional stages of development. You will be required to carry out your own research and provide personal insights.
Content Includes:
- Research-based understanding of child growth and learning
- Application of developmental theory to teaching practice
- Emphasis on inclusive, age-appropriate education
Assessment:
- Three written worksheets exploring key developmental themes
- One Zoom session per worksheet, with comprehensive feedback and guidance
- Own independent research. A clear understanding of student development is expected, along with the ability to discuss how you will apply this knowledge within your teaching practice.
- Final video outlining submission requirements
Delivery Format: Online via Zoom
Cost: £400
Exam Fee: £108
Additional Support (if required): £40/hour
Submission Deadlines: November, February, June
Note: Emphasis is placed on personal research, understanding, and reflection. There are no absolute right or wrong answers, students are assessed on comprehension and application.
For more information and to book, please email: a.avis@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Why Enrol For The DDE Qualification at GSA?
- Learn from ISTD-qualified lecturers and examiners with real-world teaching and performance experience.
- Flexible Learning: Take one unit at a time, at your own pace, while managing academic or professional commitments.
- Blended Delivery: Enjoy a balance of online theoretical study and in-person studio training in our state-of-the-art facilities.
- Individualised Support: Regular one-to-one sessions and personalised feedback help guide your development.
- Professional Recognition: Qualify to teach within the ISTD framework and enhance your employability across dance studios, schools, and performing arts institutions.
Enrolment and Further Information
The DDE is open to all who meet the entry requirements, including GSA students and external candidates. Whether you aim to establish yourself as a dance educator or gain an accredited teaching qualification alongside performance training, this course offers a supportive, structured route into the professional teaching world.
Why study at GSA
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training within a purpose-built environment on the University of Surrey campus.
GSA operates a pedagogic approach that utilises student-centred learning. Every module has an ethos of nurturing and enabling employability and personal development opportunities for the students. Our working practices encourage dialogue and are most effective when a collaborative approach is undertaken. Our learning environment grants our students the freedom to take risks and to embrace spontaneity.
We keep our cohorts small to ensure you get personal attention and contact from our expert teachers, who have extensive first-hand experience in professional theatre in the UK, Europe and the US.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
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