.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, Specialty classes will be offered in Acrobatics, Children’s Work, Folk Dance, Ballroom, Interpretive, Music Theory, Dance Notation, Nutrition, Alignment, Dance History, Kinesiology, Choreography, Studio Business, Costume Design, and Lighting, in addition to classes in teaching children, rap and study sessions. 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 Page index 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.

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. 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. This year there will be shuttle service available for those who wish that convenience. You can choose between single occupancy rooms or shared room accommodations. Fans, telephones and refrigerators 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 upon request. Call TTS Administrators. Are bedding and towels provided? Yes. Pillows, sheets, two towels and a wash cloth are provided for the week, You may want to bring extra towels and wash cloths, It is also suggested that you may want a blanket, alarm clock, radio, fan, and laundry detergent. Coin operated 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 Alumni Arena. All classrooms in the Center for the Arts are fully air conditioned except for the gymnasium. The Alumni Arena is not. 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 examinations only as preparation for their Grade IV Certifications Examinations. Grade IV participants will be examined in the dance discipline(s) of their choice and must submit a video tape representative of their teaching skills. 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 Post Graduates for further certification. Upon request, examination scores will be sent to the Dance Masters Chapter of your choice for membership consideration. Can I become a member once I’ve taken the Teacher’s Training School examinations? Your exam scores will be sent to the Dance Masters Chapter of your choice for membership consideration. The exams are accepted by the member chapters, however each chapter specific qualifications for membership differ. You must contact your respective chapters to verify the full requirements necessary for membership. Your application for membership to Dance Masters is done through your local chapter not through the National office. Page index Why do Attendees return to TTS? Attendees return for several reasons, first and foremost, five days of intense study cannot be found anywhere for the tuition fee offered by the Dance Masters of America. Secondly, 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 and Canada. 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. What if I need medical attention? The Sports Medicine Clinic is on campus and is available to us. The Family Care Clinic is close to the University and will provide us with all of our medical needs.  What do I wear to class? All female participants must be attired under the following guidelines: Leotard one piece leotard or unitard (NO HALTER OR TWO-PIECE LEOTARDS) Tights footed, footless or stir-up Cover-Ups permitted ONLY for the beginning of class and MUST BE WORN OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Shoes appropriate shoes for each class All male participants must be attired under the following guidelines: Leotard, jazz pants or unitard and t-shirt Appropriate shoes for each class .

What else must I bring to TTS? All participants must bring the following: 1. Registration receipt for TTS from the National Treasurer’s Office. 2. Cover-up to wear over dancewear when out of the classroom. 3. Casual wear for Welcome Party. 4. Summer dress or pant suit outfit for Banquet. 5. Dance attire (see above) and proper dance shoes. 6. Notebook and writing materials. 7. DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA SYLLABI: These are the study guides in disciplines of dance. Syllabi are required reading. It is suggested that you order them in advance through the National Office. EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL ORDER FORM IS LOCATED IN THIS PUBLICATION. 8. Recital programs, studio brochures, show videos and other material you would like to share with the other participants during our “RAP” session. Can Day Students purchase a Meal Ticket? Yes, at check in. 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. There is a special College Credit Application that must be filled out and returned with full payment at registration.  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. In addition to beginner teaching techniques and materials presented in the Grade I, every evening a full optional program is available to all teachers. Here you will be able to choose a realm of disciplines that will span a wide variety of levels.  Page index