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, and would like to apply to begin in 2028, should complete a written application by May 1, 2027, and must attend the Dunham Technique Intensive, July 19-23, 2027, where the applicants will audition. (Dates to be confirmed.)
Our Dunham Foundations program will be held the week prior to the Intensive, July 12-17, 2027. (Dates to be confirmed.) This programming is intended for dancers who are interested in certification, including those who are applying for 2028 and those who wish to apply in the future. The week will be limited to 15-20 dancers so early registration is advised. This week of Dunham Technique classes along with a few folkloric classes and some lectures will help those interested in certification ready themselves for the Intensive and the audition. We recognize that it is hard to find Dunham training and we offer Dunham Foundations to address this. Dunham Foundations is optional but highly recommended for applicants.
On Monday of the Intensive there will be an informational meeting to answer any questions. On Friday, July 23 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 2028. 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 will attend at least three Dunham Teacher Certification Workshops (for some dancers it may take longer—see below.*) The Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop is a hybrid program that begins online in January of each year and meets every other Sunday. The in-person aspect is in July, usually the middle two weeks. (See Certification Requirements for more specifics.) Dancers are required to attend at least two Dunham Technique Intensives, after acceptance into the program. However, we highly recommend attendance at the Intensive every year during an individual’s process. If a dancer can only attend two out of three, we recommend that they attend the Intensive directly following the first and second year of their Certification process.
During the Workshop, the dancer will take classes in Dunham Technique, History and Theory, and Pedagogy. The 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.
Throughout the candidate’s process there will be written assignments that culminate in the Portfolio, which consists of 6 questions to be answered in narrative or detailed outline form. After Year 1, candidates can choose to begin working on their Portfolio, about which there are details on the Certification Requirements page. However, usually the Portfolio questions are completed after Year 3. Candidates are free to establish their own timeline for the Portfolio questions. 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. and must be completed before a dancer can move to the next year’s curriculum.
*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 a leave of absense 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.