The DDE is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification that trains you to become a fully qualified ISTD dance teacher. It’s made up of five units: Safe Dance Practice, Observing & Assisting, your Intermediate exam, Practical Teaching, and Child Development. Together, these units prepare you to teach safely, confidently, and to a professional standard. Unlike a performance diploma, the DDE at RDC is built specifically for teachers, it equips you with the skills to plan lessons, correct students, understand how they learn, and prepare them for ISTD exams. It’s the foundation of a sustainable career in dance education.

No, and in fact, most people don’t. The course is designed to be flexible. You can complete the five units in your own time, usually over 2–5 years, depending on your background and pace. For example, Units 1, 2 and 5 are written and theory-based, while Unit 4 is your big practical teaching exam, and Unit 3 is your Intermediate level performance exam. At RDC, we’ll create a personalised plan so you’re never overwhelmed, you can focus on one or two units at a time and build your confidence as you go.

A degree or performance diploma shows you can dance, but it doesn’t prove you can teach. Increasingly, employers, insurers, and safeguarding bodies are asking for formal teaching qualifications like the DDE. This qualification tells the world you’ve been trained in how to teach, not just perform. It covers safe practice, lesson planning, child development, and how to guide students through exams. It also gives you access to ISTD membership and further qualifications such as Licentiate, Fellowship, or even QTLS if you want to teach in schools or colleges. Simply put, the DDE is the benchmark for professional dance teachers- it sets you apart and gives you the authority to charge more, work internationally, and build a long-term career.

Because every student’s journey is different, there isn’t one flat fee. Your cost depends on your prior experience, how many genres you take, and how quickly you want to move through the units.

At RDC, most students pay between £150–£300 per month, with everything broken into manageable instalments. You’ll also need ISTD syllabus notes (purchased directly).

We’ll be clear and upfront about the full costs from day one, and we’ll build a plan that works for you, whether that’s spreading things out over a few years, or fast-tracking in 12–18 months.

Yes, and we’ve proven it works. All our DDE classes are streamed live on Zoom and recorded so you can catch up if you miss anything. You can ask questions in real time, get corrections, and send in videos for feedback, just like you would in person. We’ve had students complete the entire DDE online and pass their ISTD exams with confidence. The key isn’t geography, it’s having the right support, structure, and feedback, which we make sure you get. Wherever you are in the UK or abroad, you can train fully with us.