Dance Teaching Qualifications with bbodance

bbodance is introducing changes to its dance teaching qualifications, which will come into effect in 2026. The new dance teaching qualifications shift away from an academic, level-based progression to pathways that align with industry expectations and scope for dance teachers to specialise.

This means that dance teachers can become fully qualified at Level 4 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF), rather than having to progress to Level 5. In addition, qualified teachers teaching in the private sector can study specific genres of the bbodance syllabi to extend their dance genre and syllabus knowledge.

Shelly Saint-Smith, Head of Teaching Qualifications at bbodance, explains, “We’ve placed the dance teacher at the heart of our changes: what does a trainee dance teacher need to build a successful and sustainable career and how can we best support dance teachers through the qualifications we offer?”

The teaching qualifications provide entry points depending on the stage of development and experience of applicants: the Dance Teaching Assistant Certificate is ideal for dancers who are working or volunteering as dance teaching assistants; the Introduction to Dance Teaching Diploma is designed for dancers who are new to dance teaching and are at the very start of their careers; the Dance Teaching Practice Diploma has been created to qualify dance teachers at Level 4 with a focus on developing or enhancing their existing dance teaching knowledge and practical skills; the Licentiate enables qualified dance teachers to specialise in specific and multiple genres of dance and gain essential syllabus-based knowledge and expertise.

All bbodance teaching qualifications are recognised by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales and are designed with the dance teacher in mind: they are affordable, accessible, flexible and transferable.

The Dance Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Dance Teaching and Dance Teaching Practice courses focus on the principles of teaching and support development of each individual’s practice regardless of what genre they teach or the specific sector within which they work. They can be studied online from anywhere in the world.

The Licentiate combines online learning with an intensive studio-based course, focusing on the teaching of bbodance syllabi, developing genre specific knowledge and preparing students for syllabus examinations.

Our awardees have included Tiny Toes Ballet franchisees, commercial choreographers, bbodance, ISTD, RAD and IDTA syllabus teachers, after school dance club and GCSE Dance teachers, adult community class teachers, current and former professional dancers, and teachers located worldwide. As bbodance nears its centenary year, this is an exciting time to learn with bbodance.

In an increasingly competitive industry, gaining a dance teaching qualification is vital for career longevity and progression. A bbodance qualification indicates level of skill and expertise, giving customers (such as parents and students) and employers confidence in you as a dance teacher. Additionally, taking this step with bbodance guarantees life-long learning and support through its generous membership schemes, CPD offering and annual events, further emphasising to customers and employers a commitment to the dance teaching profession and wider recognition of your value as a dance teacher from a well-established, international organisation. 

Fiona Knower, CEO of bbodance, reiterates, “bbodance is an organisation which is forward thinking but incredibly proud of its heritage. As we near our centenary year, I am excited to see our global community more connected and enthusiastic than ever. We provide a gateway to the dance teaching profession through our brilliant and affordable teaching qualifications programme, alongside regulated muti-genre syllabi and a family of dedicated professionals, keen to share their passion for dance with all.”

Applications are now open for bbodance teaching qualifications starting in 2026. More information can be found at https://www.bbo.dance/bboteach.