CDTA Dance Teacher Training Program
(10–12 Months-Virtual)
Program Overview
The CDTA Dance Teacher Training Program is a 10 – 12 month online program designed to prepare emerging dance educators through structured learning, mentorship, and practical teaching techniques. This program will offer a clear, supported pathway to CDTA membership.
This pilot project will be available in Tap and Jazz for the 1st season, with all classes held online to ensure accessibility across Canada.
ASSOCIATE LEVEL (10 Months)
Minimum age: 17 (as of December 31, 2026)
Associate age: 18 (as of December 31, 2027)
Fee: $1450.00 for one discipline
Additional Discipline: $555.00
Includes:
- 20 hours of classes
- 1 year CDTA membership
- Junior Syllabus
- Access to Online Junior Syllabus Intensives
- Access to Online Teacher Development Courses
- A representative will be available to answer your questions.
**Additional discipline includes:
- 5 terminology classes
- Junior Syllabus in 2nd discipline
- Access to Online Junior Syllabus Intensives in 2nd discipline
Tentative Outline: (Program details may be updated to ensure the best possible learning experience)
Month 1
How to teach Preliminary Terminology (Tap) (40 min)
Intro to Teaching and Professionalism (40 min)
Communication and Confident Presence (40 min)
How to teach Preliminary Terminology (Jazz) (40 min)
Month 2
Jazz Specific Anatomy and Common Alignment issues (20 min)
Tips for teaching young dancers (50 min)
Tips to get the most out of your assistant (25 min)
Working with male dancers (25 min)
Tap Alignment and helpful tips (20 min)
Month 3
How to teach Primary Terminology (Jazz) (40 min)
Giving Corrections & Encouraging Growth (40 min)
Classroom Management & Behaviour Strategies (40 min)
How to teach Primary Terminology (Tap) (40 min)
Month 4
Music (for Jazz) (30 min)
Rhythm & Movement (45 min)
Music selection, accents, dynamics, variety (45 min)
Music (for Tap) (30 min)
Month 5
How to teach steps from Grade 1 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Jazz) (60 min)
Inclusivity in the dance class (1 hour)
How to teach steps from Grade 1 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Tap) (60 min)
Month 6
Lesson Plans (60 min)
Arm work, support, lines (30 min)
Share a video recording of you teaching Grade 1 terminology (30 min)
Month 7
How to teach Grade 2 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Jazz) (60 min)
Jump basics, strengthening exercises (60 min)
How to teach Grade 2 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Tap) (60 min)
Month 8
History (Jazz) (30 min)
Cross training (Lindsay’s webinar) (1 hours)
How to incorporate syllabus, the value of dance exams (30 min)
History (Tap) (30 min)
Month 9
How to teach Grade 3 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Jazz) (75 min)
Turn basics (45 min)
How to teach Grade 3 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Tap) (75 min)
Month 10
Choreography (present a self-choreographed combo to a selected style of music- explain the style and execute choreo) (90 min)
Course review (20 min)
**Must submit a non-syllabus lesson plan for a Grade 3 level class, along with a video demonstrating the teaching of that class. Must also complete the Syllabus Intensives (Prelim-Grade 3), watch the Teacher Development Courses, and submit assignments as required prior to receiving Associate Level Membership.
Outcome: Successful candidates are awarded Associate Level Membership.
LICENTIATE LEVEL (Additional 2 Months)
Minimum age: 20 (as of December 31, 2026)
Licentiate age: 21 (as of December 31, 2027)
Candidates must have achieved Associate status and either be enrolled in the 10-month program or applying for the 2-month program as an existing Associate. (Existing Associates will need to submit assignments as required along with presenting videos of 2 pieces of choreography done to contrasting pieces of music. More information will be forwarded to candidates)
Fee:
$500.00 per discipline for candidates enrolled in the 10-month program
$700.00 per discipline for candidates enrolling in the 2-month program only (ie. existing Associates)
Includes:
- 4 hours of classes
- Grade 4 and Elementary Syllabus
- Access to Grade 4 and Elementary Syllabus Intensives
- A representative will be available to answer your questions.
Month 11
How to teach Grade 4 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Jazz) (120 min)
How to teach Grade 4 Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Tap) (120 min)
Month 12
How to teach Elementary Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Jazz) (120 min)
How to teach Elementary Terminology/Historical and Stylized Steps (Tap) (120 min)
**Must submit non-syllabus lesson plans for both a Grade 2 and an Elementary level, along with videos demonstrating the teaching of each class. Must also complete the Syllabus Intensives (Prelim-Elementary), watch the Teacher Development courses, and submit assignments as required, prior to receiving Licentiate Level Membership.
Outcome: Successful candidates are awarded Licentiate Level Membership.
Please note: Our current examination process will remain as another pathway to achieve CDTA certification.
Videos must be on during the virtual classes.
Classes will be held on
Sunday September 20, October 18, November 22, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 13
2 Licentiate Session Dates July 11 and August 15
(Daylight Saving) 10AM BC -11AM AB/SK – 12PM MB – 1PM ON/QC – 2PM ATL
(Standard Time) 11AM BC/AB – 12PM SK/MB – 1PM ON/QC – 2PM ATL