Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Community Dance (DTCD)

Develop the skills to lead creative, inclusive and participatory dance experiences in community settings and beyond.

The ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Community Dance (DTCD) is an Ofqual-regulated teaching qualification for people who want to inspire and engage others through dance in a wide range of settings.

Whether you aspire to become a community arts practitioner, freelance dance teacher, project coordinator or community dance leader, this qualification provides the knowledge and practical skills to support your career.

The course is designed for those who want to work with diverse participants and communities, and develops the skills needed to work with:

• Children and young people
• Schools and educational settings
• Community groups
• Families
• Adults
• People with disabilities and additional needs
• Intergenerational groups

Rather than focusing on teaching a structured dance syllabus, the DTCD prepares you to plan and facilitate creative, inclusive and participant-centred dance experiences. You will learn how to adapt your teaching to different groups, create engaging workshops, and deliver dance activities that support creativity, wellbeing, participation and personal development.

Graduates may go on to work in:

• Extracurricular school and education programmes
• Community arts organisations
• Health and wellbeing projects
• Cultural venues
• Site-specific and outreach projects
• Youth and family programmes
• SEND dance settings
• Care homes and services for older adults
• Freelance and project-based dance practice

Through a combination of practical teaching experience, child development knowledge and safe teaching practices, you will develop the confidence to lead meaningful dance activity that is accessible, engaging and relevant to the communities you work with.

The DTCD is a nationally recognised qualification and creates progression opportunities to the ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) and Level 6 BA Hons Top Up - Professional Dance Teaching and Education.

Academy Entry Requirements

• Dance knowledge and experience, e.g. dance training for a number of years, performing, teaching
• Age 18+ 
• Some experience of being within a teaching environment or a desire to follow a teaching pathway
• Applicants must have an excellent standard of English, including the ability to understand spoken and written English and to complete written assignments. This should be at a level equivalent to GCSE English Grade 4/C or above, or IELTS Level 6.
• Learners need to hold an enhanced DBS check if they are based in England, a PVG check if they are based in Scotland and have satisfied any local criminal records checks in international settings.

Application Process 

Register your interest now by emailing academyinfo@istdacademy.org or apply via the online link here.

Questions?

Got questions or need more information? Email us at academyinfo@istdacademy.org or call our friendly team on 020 7655 8875.