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Level 4+
Dance Teaching in the Private Sector Foundation Degree
COURSE OVERVIEW
UCAS Course code: 009W
Do you dream of studying dance at degree level while gaining an internationally recognised teaching qualification? Our innovative two-year Level 5 Foundation Degree in Dance Teaching is the perfect way to take your skills to the next level. Offered in partnership with the University of Chichester, this programme is built on Chichester College’s reputation for delivering high-quality ISTD dance teacher training and the University of Chichester’s long-standing reputation for its breadth of study.
Designed to fully prepare you for a successful and rewarding career in the dance industry, this course equips you with the skills to become a performer, choreographer, community dance practitioner, or dance teacher in the independent sector. You’ll train in a supportive and creative environment, working with expert tutors to develop your technique, performance skills, and choreographic abilities. Through practical training and theoretical study, you’ll gain a deep understanding of dance education, safe teaching practices, and professional development.
Throughout the course, you will complete modules covering safe teaching practice, child development, dance techniques, choreography, performance, researching dance practice and dance culture and community. You’ll also gain hands-on experience assisting, observing, and leading dance classes, refining your teaching skills under expert guidance. At the end of the course, you will achieve a Level 5 Foundation Degree and the internationally recognised ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) – a key qualification for teaching in the independent sector.
You’ll have the opportunity to train at both Chichester College and the University of Chichester’s Bishop Otter campus, where you’ll work alongside students from BA (Hons) Dance, Dance Performance, Dance Education & Teaching and Dance Science. With small class sizes, personalised support, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll be fully supported throughout your studies. Additionally, you’ll have access to university resources, including libraries, sports facilities, the student union, and performances by visiting dance companies at the University Showrooms.
This course also provides a direct pathway to further study, allowing you to progress into the third year of a BA (Hons) Dance programme at the University of Chichester. Whether you aspire to perform, choreograph, or teach, this Foundation Degree will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications to succeed in the dance industry.
Course Modules:
- Preparing for Safe Dance Teaching (to include Child Development
- Genre-Specific Dance Practice (ISTD Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap)
- Dance Techniques
- Choreography and Devising
- Choreography and Performance
- Researching Dance Practice
- Assisting, Observing, and Teaching Practice
- Dance Culture and Community
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to stand out and secure your place on our course? Here’s how we evaluate your application:
You will need to be aged 18 and over and have studied dance to Intermediate level and wish to work in the performing arts industry as a dancer, choreographer or community dance practitioner and/or a dance teacher within the independent sector.
You will need:
- ISTD Intermediate in the genres to be studied for DDE (or recognised equivalency including professional practice)
- A combination of GCE A Levels, or BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diplomas (or equivalent qualifications) totalling 104-120 UCAS tariff points
- GCSE Mathematic and English Language are preferred at grade 4 or above
Successful completion of this course will enable you to apply for full membership of the ISTD and embark on a career as a fully qualified dance teacher in the independent sector. Alternatively, you may choose to continue your higher education studies by progressing into the 3rd year of the University of Chichester’s BA Dance course which will afford you the opportunity to move on to post graduate studies such as PGCE or Masters.
- ISTD dance teacher
- The owner of an independent dance school
- Choreographer
- Community dance practitioner
- Dance teacher in the public sector
- Dance company education officer
- Dance movement psychotherapist (with postgraduate study)
- Dance or arts administrator
- Dance journalist or critic
- Independent dance artist (performer, choreographer)
- Stage manager
Teaching
You will be taught by experienced, professional and practicing dance specialists who will share their expertise with you to nurture your talent and extend your creativity. You will experience a variety of dance techniques including ISTD Intermediate and Advanced level Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap and range of exciting contemporary dance classes.
Assessment
For Units 1 and 5 of the ISTD DDE you will compile a portfolio of documentation and assignments which will be assessed by an ISTD moderator. You will be entered for the Unit 4 practical examination, examined by a senior ISTD examiner and final teaching practice, Unit 2, will be assessed initially by your unit tutor and then moderated by an appointed ISTD assessor.
Dance Techniques 1 & 2, Choreography & Devising, Choreography & Performance, Researching Dance Practice and Dance Culture and Community will be internally assessed through a combination of course work and practical assessment.
Finance Options:
There are several options available to help manage your tuition fees:
- Student Loan
- Instalment Payment Plan
- Company Sponsorship
For more information, please visit our Finance and Funding page – Funding Your Course | Chichester College
Additional costs for your course:
When planning your studies, it is important to consider potential costs beyond tuition fees. While tuition fees cover teaching, assessment and access to college facilities, such as studios, shared IT resources and workshops, some course may require additional expenses.
These could include:
- Textbooks/syllabus books: Essential texts are available in the college libraries, but you may wish to purchase personal copies for convenience.
- Set and free music for all the ISTD grades and Intermediate.
- Computer Equipment: While on-campus computers are available, having a personal laptop or tablet may offer greater flexibility for off-site study.
- Printing and Photocopying: Most coursework is submitted online, but some assignments may require printed submissions, optional binding, or other presentation materials.
- Materials: Practical courses often require equipment. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon enrolment.
- Additional examinations: Your fees cover every unit of the DDE however should you wish to be entered for DDE Unit 4 (practical examination) in more than one genre you will pay the examination fees for the additional genres.
We are committed to providing transparent information about any additional costs to help you plan effectively for your studies. For more information regarding the financial support that we can offer, please visit our Financial Support page – Financial Support | Chichester College
For further information about the ISTD DDE qualification visit;
Initial Dance Teacher Qualifications – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing