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.TEACHERS
TRAINING SCHOOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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History
of the Teachers Training School?

Dance Masters of America established the TTS program at the turn of
the century desiring to present the best possible education and
teaching philosophies for its members and future members. Each
season the TTS program grows and improves, always setting higher
standards and keeping up with new trends.
What is Teachers Training School?
Although the Dance Masters of America has always included a program for the training of Dance Educators, into their curriculum, it wasn’t until 1970 when it was moved to Kent State University that it evolved into the program we now know as the “Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School.” Master teachers instruct classes in teaching techniques for all disciplines of dance: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Theatre Dance and Hip Hop. Specialty classes will be offered in Children’s Work, Folk Dance, Ballroom, Interpretive, Music Theory, Dance Notation, Nutrition, Alignment, Dance History, Kinesiology, Choreography, Studio Business, and Examination Review.
Travel Guide
• If you are flying you should fly into the Greater Buffalo
International Airport which is approximately 10 miles from the
campus. A cab is the best form of transportation to the University.
The cost is reasonable.
• There are two Amtrak Passenger Stations in Buffalo:
1) 55 Dick Road, Depew 14043 (716) 683-8440
2) 75 Exchange Street, Buffalo, 14203 (716) 856-2075
What does the Center for the Arts at the
State University at Buffalo have to offer?
The
Center for the Arts at the State University at Buffalo is a modern
facility dedicated to the Arts. Most importantly it affords us the
facility and faculty to enhance and grow with our Teachers Training
school Programs. The facility offers:
• Large and fully air conditioned classroom
• Room to grow and expand our Programs
• Easy access to the airport
• Full dance and Theatre Departments
• Screening room for lecture classes
• Specialty classes in Costume Design and Stage Lighting
• Unlimited dormitory availability
• Telephone availability
• College credits for both Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
• Walking distance or shuttle service from dormitories to
classrooms
What is the age requirement at TTS and
what is the average age in attendance?
You must be 18 years of age to participate in the TTS program. 45%
of the participants are between the ages of 21 and 40, 20% of the
participants are over 40 years of age and the remaining participants
are between 18 and 20.
Is
TTS only for future dance teachers?
No, TTS is also a very informative refresher course for the
established teacher, as well as an intensive training course for the
development of stronger future dance educators.
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Does
Grade I offer teaching techniques only for beginner level?
In addition to beginner teaching techniques and materials presented
in the Grade I core classes, every evening a full optional program
is available to all participants. Here you will be able to choose a
realm of disciplines that will span a wide variety of levels.
Is their an Attendance Requirement?
Yes, in order to receive college credit, or DMA certification credit you may not miss more than 3 classes (not including optional classes).
What are the accommodations for room and
board?
If you choose dormitory living for your stay at TTS, a campus dormitory that is within walking distance of the classrooms will be
provided. You can choose between single occupancy rooms or shared room accommodations. Fans, and telephones and can be
rented through the University, but they must be ordered at the time of registration. A lounge, TV room and vending machines
are available in the lobby. There are live phone jacks in every room and are available to you if you bring your own phone and
purchase a phone card upon registration. A meal ticket may be purchased. Three meals a day will be provided in the Atrium, located
in the Center for the Arts. Off campus housing is also available.
Are bedding and towels provided?
Yes. Pillows, sheets and a blanket are provided for the week, You must bring your own towels and wash cloths, It is also suggested
that you may want to bring an alarm clock, radio, fan, and laundry detergent. Washers and dryers are available in the dormitory.
Where will classes be held and are the
rooms air conditioned?
All classes will be held on campus either in the Center of the Arts or the adjoining facilities. All classrooms in the Center for the
Arts are fully air conditioned except for the gymnasium.
When
are the examinations given and are they mandatory?
Examinations will be given at the end of the week. Grade I, Grade II and Grade III students will be given assessments for future
class placement only as preparation for their Grade IV Certifications Examinations. Grade IV participants will be examined in the
dance discipline(s) of their choice. To receive a Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School Diploma the Grade IV
participant must receive a passing grade on a minimum of two (2) examinations. Certification of passing grades in those dance
disciplines where examinations have been passed will be stated on the Diploma. Additional examinations may be taken by Graduates
for further certification. Your examination scores will be sent to the Dance Masters Chapter of your choice if you would like to
become a DMA member. Please be sure to let the administrators know which chapter you are applying to.
Can I become a member once I’ve taken
the Teacher’s Training School examinations?
The answer to this question is YES. Please keep in mind that membership in DMA can only be accomplished through one of our
Affiliated Chapters. Your Teachers' Training School examinations are accepted for membership in all of our Affiliated Chapters.
However, each of the Affiliates within the DMA Organization are independent Chapters with there own bylaw, rules and membership
requirements. Therefore, you must meet the requirements set by the Chapter you wish to join. A complete list of Chapters within
DMA and contact information can be found on our National Website at www.dma-national.org
. A copy of your examination scores will be sent by the TTS Administrator to the Chapter of your choosing
Why do Attendees return to TTS?
The Teachers Training School Program broadens their knowledge of dance. Every year the faculty and fellow participants provide
new approaches and ideas so useful throughout the year. TTS also provides a reunion of friends and the opportunity to share ideas
with new people from across the country, Canada and abroad. Through the growth and support of our Post Graduates, we are now
able to offer a full Post Graduate Program as well as the freedom to participate in any other level and optional classes. We also offer
to Post Graduates specialty classes that are not offered to our undergraduates, such as Costume Design, Stage Lighting, and Tap
History. TTS also offers a “Certified Masters in Dance Direction” Degree is available upon completion of
the Certified Masters in Dance Direction program.
What do I wear to class?
All participants should bring appropriate dancewear attire and shoes for the classes.
Click here for TTS
Dress Codes
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What else must I bring to TTS?
All participants must bring the following:
1. Cover-up to wear over dancewear when out of the classroom.
2. Summer dress or pant suit outfit for Banquet.
3. Dance attire and proper dance shoes.
4. Notebook and writing materials.
5. DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA MANUALS: These are the study guides in disciplines of dance. Manuals are required reading
and can be purchased on site. However, it can be ordered in advance through the National Office before May 1st.
Can Day Students purchase a Meal Ticket?
Yes, at registration. Only available by the week.
Can I get college credits?
Yes, the cost for the Undergraduate Program and Graduate Program will be available at registration. These credits are only available
to U.S. Citizens. There is a special College Credit Application that must be filled out and returned with full payment at registration.
Undergraduate credit $210 per credit and Graduate credit $330 per credit.
An Outstanding Faculty Shares Their Excellence
The faculty at the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School will share an enormous amount of knowledge and talent with
every participant. The course is a learning experience unsurpassed by any other similar program, Its unique focus on technique,
teaching skills and a nurturing of camaraderie among fellow teachers makes this a week no teacher can afford to miss. This
program is highly recommended for the long established educator as well as a teacher in training.
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