Courses
At RDC, every course is designed with one purpose in mind: to turn your love of dance into a confident, credible teaching career.
ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE)
Your route to becoming a fully qualified, ISTD-registered dance teacher.
This Ofqual-regulated, 120-credit course (equivalent to the first year of a degree) can be studied in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, or Tap, or all three, if you choose. Alongside genre-specific training, you’ll gain the teaching skills, safety knowledge, and child development insight to run a class with confidence from day one.
The DDE is designed for aspiring teachers, not performers. It’s flexible, fully supported, and available in-person or online- so whether you’re local to Southampton or learning from abroad, you’ll have access to the same high-quality, interactive training.
Intermediate & Advanced Exam Preparation
The stepping stone to your DDE and to a confident teaching career.
Whether you’re preparing for ISTD Intermediate, Advanced 1, or Advanced 2 in Ballet, Modern, or Tap, we do things differently here. Our focus isn’t on competition or comparison, it's on your progress and your growth as a future teacher.
Expect small classes, one-to-one feedback, and a teacher-first mindset that builds the technique, understanding, and confidence you need to succeed- without the pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Our Teaching Approach
At Roynon Dance Centre, everything is built around the needs of aspiring teachers.
Every class, every piece of feedback, and every bit of support is designed to help you walk into the studio with:
Confidence in your skills
Authority in your role
A clear sense of who you are as an educator
We teach through collaboration over competition, following our GROW & RISE values. That means:
No comparison culture
No performer-focused distractions
Just the right environment to refine your skills and grow your voice as a teacher
Whether you’re starting your first teaching qualification or working towards advanced exams, you’ll be surrounded by tutors who’ve been where you are now and know exactly how to get you where you want to be.
About the DDE
The ISTD Level 4 DDE is the starting point for a real career in dance education.
It’s:
Ofqual-regulated
Worth 120 credits (the same as the first year of a degree)
Your direct route to becoming a qualified ISTD teacher
This course gives you more than steps, it gives you the understanding of how people learn, why safe practice matters, and what it takes to truly inspire the next generation.
Course Overview
Qualification: Diploma in Dance Education (DDE)
Validated By: ISTD
Course Director: Jessica King
Location: RDC Southampton
Next Course
Start: September 2025
Contact Us
Course Structure
The Course comprises 5 units, and all have to be completed to be awarded the full DDE qualification.
DDE Units:
Unit 1 - Preparing for Safe Teaching
Unit 2 - Observing, Assisting and Teaching Practice
Unit 3 - Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Intermediate
Unit 4 - Dance Practice Examination
Unit 5 - Social, Emotional and Cognitive Development
“Highly recommended! Highly qualified and very professional teachers who support and lead you through each step of your training.”
— Viki, Graduate.
Entry Requirements
Entry to ISTD Dance Teacher Training Requires the following:
Aged 17+ in the academic year of enrolment
Aged 18+ to undertake the DDE practical teaching exam
Unit 3 Intermediate Exam Certificate (if already achieved, if not, we’ll prepare you for it)
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
Your fees will depend on your prior experience. We break them down into manageable monthly payments via direct debit.
Exam Fees
Invoiced in advance, with instalment options available.
Funding
Bursaries are sometimes available via the ISTD- find out more here:
https://www.istd.org/teach/bursaries-funding/
FAQs
How much does it cost?
Because your course is tailored to you, the cost depends on your prior knowledge, experience, and how quickly you progress. You can start from as little as £150 per month.
We split payments into easy monthly instalments, so it’s manageable and accessible no matter your budget.
What prior experience do I need?
An ISTD Intermediate exam in your chosen genre is ideal as it gives you a strong foundation.
If you haven’t passed it yet, we can train you for it here so you’re ready to progress into the DDE.
How do I apply?
Just Click here to send us a message or request a prospectus.
We’ll have a chat about your goals and experience, then help you choose the right path to get started.
Will I be able to get work after qualifying?
Absolutely. The ISTD Level 4 DDE is respected worldwide, and dance schools are actively looking for DDE-qualified teachers.
It shows employers you meet a recognised standard, can run safe and effective classes, and are committed to your professional development.
Once qualified, you can also confidently charge more, because your skills, credibility, and value are higher.
How long is the course?
It’s part-time and flexible. Most students take 2–5 years to complete, but you can go faster if you already have experience and want to move quickly.
You have up to 5 years from registering with the ISTD to finish your qualification.
Where are classes held?
Unit 4 and Vocational Classes are held at
Sarisbury Green Parish Rooms
Southampton
SO31 7BH
Can I train entirely online?
Yes. All lessons are live-streamed, interactive, and supported with catch-up options.
We’ve had students qualify from outside the UK, if you’ve got WiFi and commitment, you can train from anywhere.
What can I do after the DDE?
Your career options open right up. You could:
Teach in established schools
Start your own dance business
Work internationally where ISTD is recognised
Take your ISTD Licentiate and Fellowship
Train to become an ISTD Tutor or Examiner
Explore further teaching or education qualifications
When are classes held?
Monday
9:00-12:30 - DDE Modern
12:30-1:30 - Advanced 1 Modern
1:30 - 2:30 - Advanced 2 Modern
Tuesday
9:00-12:30 - DDE Tap
112:30-1:15 - Advanced 1 Tap
1:15-2:00 - Advanced 2 Tap
Wednesday
9:00-12:30 - DDE Ballet
All sessions are streamed live via Zoom for online students, with catch-up options available.
What genres can I study?
You can qualify in, Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance
Choose one, two, or all three, whatever fits your ambitions.
We also offer training for ISTD Intermediate, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2 exams.
Classes are available in small groups or one-to-one.
Is there an age limit?
You can start the course from age 17 (and must be 18 to take the practical exam).
There’s no upper age limit, if you’re passionate about teaching, you’re welcome here.