The Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School has a comprehensive curriculum, where master teachers instruct classes in teaching techniques for most disciplines of dance. The curriculum includes the teaching techniques in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, gymnastics, lyrical, musical theatre, children’s work, and modern. Specialty classes in folk dance, ballroom, and interpretive dance supplement the core disciplines, along with courses in music theory, dance notation, nutrition, alignment, dance history, kinesiology, choreography, studio business, costume design, and lighting. Recent additions to the Post Graduate curriculum are the Musical Theatre Dance Intensive and Choreographers Workshop.

Our Teacher Training School Program implements a well-balanced approach to the teaching of the core material, utilizing a variety of class formats. Classes effectively use a combination of dancing, exercises for hands-on teaching skills, lectures, rap sessions, group study sessions, video, and individual practice time. Attendees take up to seven classes per day, consisting of core and non-core classes during the day. The curriculum for both core and non-core classes varies with each grade level. In addition, optional evening classes are available to all attendees who make their selection, dictated by their own personal preferences and interests. Optional classes have been offered in Latin, Swing, Partnering, Projection, Comparative Jazz Styles, Tap History, and both the Cecchetti and Vaganova Schools of Ballet.

Dance Masters of America’s slogan, “Excellence in Dance Education - Generation after Generation” and the Teachers Training School’s slogan “Excellence in Dance Education - From Teacher to Teacher” both exemplify the concepts and ideals behind the Teachers Training School Program. The program at the Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training School is completely about learning, acquiring knowledge, and the enhancement of our teaching techniques so we may pass this knowledge on to others. At the Teachers Training School the faculty and attendees network with each other both in and out of the classroom. This sharing of information and ideas allows everyone involved to improve, themselves, their students, their profession, and their businesses.

Topics often discussed during class include:

• What are some effective techniques for teaching this particular dance principle?

• How do I correct this problem that my students are having difficulty with?

• What material do I teach to the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels?

• How do I properly construct a class? What material do I include and don’t include? What do I teach first?

• What do I need to do during class so that can I communicate to my students and make my point?

• Where did this dance step originate and what is the history behind it?

• What suggestions do you have for solving this particular problem?

• How do you handle this situation?

• How can I improve my business?