Dunham Teacher Certification
History of Certification
The Institute for Dunham Technique Certification was created in 1993 by Dr. Albirda Rose, with the approval and input of Katherine Dunham. In 1993, Katherine Dunham and Dr. Rose invited ten dancers to pursue Dunham Teacher Certification under the newly developed process of certification. This first group of dancers started the process after 10 years of attendance to the Dunham Technique Seminar and years of experience teaching Dunham Technique. Since Miss Dunham’s passing in 2006, IDTC, a working volunteer collective, has continued refining and reimagining the certification process to best train the next generation of expert teachers of the Dunham Technique.
Entering the Certification process
To apply, one must be an established dance teacher/educator, choreographer, and/or performer with previous training in Dunham Technique. In some cases, a dancer without extensive Dunham training will be considered, if, during the Intensive and the audition, they demonstrate a strong aptitude for Dunham Technique, as well as competence in African diasporic folkloric traditions.
Dancers who meet these requirements should complete a written application by May 1, 2024, and must attend the Dunham Technique Intensive 2024 (July 22-July 26). 2024 Dunham Technique Intensive
On Monday of the Intensive there will be an informational meeting to answer any questions. On Friday, July 26 there will be an audition for applicants. Through the written application, observation during Intensive classes, an interview, and the audition, a team of certified teachers will assess the dancer’s readiness for the certification process. Applicants will be notified by the end of September.
If the IDTC collective determines that it is an appropriate time for the dancer to enter the certification process, they will begin their certification classes in January 2025. If IDTC deems that it is not the right time for the dancer to begin, the reasons will be fully discussed with the individual and suggestions will be made to help them find the best path forward.
Candidate’s Journey
Once a dancer is on the path to certification, they must participate in at least three Dunham Teacher Certification Workshops and at least one Dunham Technique Intensive, after acceptance into the program. During the Workshop, the dancer will take classes in Dunham Technique, History and Theory, and Pedagogy. The Dunham Technique Intensive offers the opportunity for dancers to practice what they have learned during the Workshop, as well as a chance to get individual feedback from certified teachers. We highly recommend attending the Intensive each year.
After Year 1, each candidate will begin to work on their Portfolio, about which there are details below. The Portfolio consists of 6 questions to be answered in narrative or detailed outline form. We offer a recommended timeline for working on the questions, but candidates are free to establish their own timeline. The portfolio also includes three teaching practicums. These fall between Year 1 and Year 2, between Year 2 and Year 3, and after completing Year 3. Unlike the questions, this part of the portfolio has specific due dates that are required before moving forward to the next year.
It is possible to attain Certification in 4 years. However, the length of the certification process depends upon many factors and is different for each individual. Some of these factors are:
· the candidate’s fulfillment of all IDTC certification requirements
· the candidate's technical skill
· their teaching experience
· their training during the year
· their timeline for completion of the Portfolio
If an individual has been unable to meet each of these requirements, we work with them to establish a path forward, which may include repeating a year with an emphasis on the area needing work. We have seen that candidates who take time off between their curriculum years face more challenges than those who move forward with their cohort. That said, we understand that doing all the years consecutively may not be possible. It is suggested that candidates who wish to accomplish Certification in 4 years attend both the Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop and the Intensive each year.
Click here to see a list of Certified Teachers.