Dunham Teacher Certification Requirements

*Requirements for Applying*
*Requirements for Certification*

Photo Credit: Bree Gant

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING for DUNHAM CERTIFICATION 2026

wRITTEN Application Packet (dUE DATe - mAY 1, 2025)

Application Fee: $25 - non-Refundable (dUE DATE - mAY 1, 2025)

ATTENDANCE AT THE DUNHAM TECHNIQUE INTENSIVE 2025 AND AUDITION (July 21-25)

written Application Packet:

Please send all materials to patricia@dunhamcertification.org and rachel@dunhamcertification.org

· Statement of Interest

· Why do you want to pursue Dunham Technique Certification?

· What is your background in Dunham Technique?

· How do you envision using Dunham Technique in the future?

· This is your opportunity to tell us a bit about yourself.

· Suggested length: 1-2 pages

· Current Resume Including

· Address, phone number, e-mail address.

· Experience as a dance teacher/educator (location, dates), choreographer and/or performer (company, dates)

· Education: college or professional degree(s) and/or certification(s)

· Previous training and involvement in Dunham Technique through study with Master Teachers, Certified Teachers, and other teachers, seminars, master classes, workshops, and community/studio classes ( teachers, dates)

· Optional: Published or unpublished written work showing knowledge of Katherine Dunham, her technique, history and philosophy. Include title, subject, date, and purpose of paper (class, thesis, dissertation, other).

· Current Headshot

· This doesn’t have to be a professional headshot. It can be a selfie.

· Letter of Recommendation

· From a certified Dunham teacher, if possible, or another professional in the field.

Dunham technique intensive and Audition:

A required part of the application process is attendance at the Dunham Technique Intensive 2025, July 21-25, during which the dancers will audition. Applicants must register for the Dunham Technique Intensive, general registration, not the Educator Track.

Dunham Foundations:

This year, for the first time, we will offer a new program called Dunham Foundations, optional but highly recommended, to be held the week prior to the Intensive, July 14-19, 2025. This programming is intended for dancers who are interested in certification, including those who are applying for 2026 and those who wish to apply in the future. The week will be limited to 15 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.

Program dates for 2026:

The Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop 2026 consists of an online segment and an in-person segment. Dancers must be available for the following program dates in 2026. The 2026 online classes will start on January 25 and end on June 28. The in-person segment will be from July 13 to July 19 at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to this, we highly advise the dancers to stay for the Dunham Technique Intensive, which will be July 21-25.

The online classes will be every other Sunday, with some exceptions due to holidays. The online dates will be as follows: 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/12, 4/26, 5/17, 5/31, 6/14, 6/28. (The online dates are subject to change.)

The time will be either 2:00-4:00 pm ET/11:00-1:00 pm PT or 4:15-6:15 pm ET/1:15-3:15 pm PT. This decision will be made based on what is most convenient for the majority of the group.

IDTC Financial Philosophy:

The Institute for Dunham Technique Certification is dedicated to the legacy of Katherine Dunham and to the dissemination of the Dunham Technique. This is our purpose and our lifeblood. In alignment with Ms. Dunham's philosophies, it is also part of our mission to keep the prices of our classes and our certification process as accessible as possible while still maintaining the integrity of our organization. We know many in our community benefit from sliding-scale exchanges.

Registration for the Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop will be offered on a sliding scale with three payment choices. We ask that participants pay according to their ability, in order to support equitable access. The practice of choosing a rate that is both affordable and heartfelt is a mindfulness and justice-seeking practice. At this time on the planet, our intertwined destinies are undeniable.

For an approximate idea of costs, below are the prices for 2024. The prices for 2026 will rise somewhat with cost of living.

· At Cost: Single Payment of $1,050 due no later than Feb. 1

· This is the rate for those able to pay the full price of the workshop.

· In Support of Other: Single Payment of $1,200 due no later than Feb. 1

· This rate is for those able to pay a little more in support of another participant's fee. Often those with institutional support pay this price.

· Subsidized: $910 via Monthly Payment Plan that begins no later than Feb. 1

· This rate is for those that seek a reduced cost option. (Monthly payments of $130.00 for 7 months ending after August).

Please note these rates are per year. There is an expected financial contribution each year and rates are subject to change year to year.

Certification candidates also receive a discounted rate to attend the Dunham Technique Intensive. Payments for the Intensive must be made separately. The cost for candidates in 2024 is $375, about a 35% discount.

If you have further questions, please contact us at info@dunhamcertification.org

Pay your application fee here

Please note: submission of this application and fee does not guarantee acceptance into the certification program

Application Checklist:

Written Application Packet:

▢ Statement of Interest

▢ Resume

▢ Photo

▢ Letter of recommendation

Other required actions:

▢ Non-refundable processing fee of $25 (see payment button above)

▢ Registration for the Dunham Technique Intensive*

▢ Registration for Dunham Foundations (optional, but highly recommended)*

*Registration will be available soon.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO patricia@dunhamcertification.org and rachel@dunhamcertification.org

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

Technical Skills:

TECHNIQUE LEVEL

· The Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop certifies teachers to teach Dunham Technique at a beginner level.

· The focus is on deep understanding of the basics and vocabulary of Dunham technique.

· Dancers learn some intermediate material, especially during the Dunham Technique Intensive, but the focus of Certification is on teaching the basics.

TECHNIQUE ASSESSMENT

· Each year, the candidate must pass an in-person Technique Assessment to move to the next year.

· This assessment will include barre work, progressions across the floor and folkloric dances from the African Diaspora.

TEaching skills:

Lesson Plans

· The candidate will submit detailed lesson plans that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Dunham barre, center floor, isolations, and progressions.

· The candidate must be adept at developing and demonstrating unique and creative combinations based on those elements.

· The candidate will demonstrate and articulate their knowledge of Dunham Technique philosophies and theories by integrating those concepts into the central themes of their lesson plans.

Peer Teaching

· The Third Year Candidate will teach a 45 minute class for their peers and submit their lesson plan.

· This is a candidate's opportunity to show how they convey their knowledge of Dunham Technique and the Dunham Philosophies.

· The candidate will demonstrate

· confident understanding of basic Dunham Technique and vocabulary.

· understanding of principles of anatomy and biomechanics as they apply to the lesson.

· understanding of musical time signatures and phrasing associated with specific exercises and progressions of the Dunham Technique.

· ability to work with a musician to convey tempo, time signature and quality.

Curriculum:

· Each candidate will complete three years of curriculum. As mentioned in the Candidate’s Journey, this may take longer than three years. This means:

· attending classes, both online and in-person.

· making up for missed sessions.

· completing all assignments and practicums.

PORTFOLIO:

The candidate will complete six questions that demonstrate theoretical knowledge of history, theory and philosophy. This will be in either essay form or a detailed outline, and will demonstrate

· knowledge of the life and historical legacy of Katherine Dunham.

· thorough understanding of the Dunham theories and philosophies.

· insightful and creative application of the theories and philosophies to teaching.

· familiarity with the stages of development of Dunham Technique.

The candidate will complete three Teaching Practicums in their community.

· Practicum 1: In order to move forward to their second curriculum year the candidate will complete a one-class Teaching Practicum.

· Practicum 2: In order to move forward to their third curriculum year the candidate will complete a two-class Teaching Practicum.

· Practicum 3: In order to obtain certification the candidate will complete a four-class Teaching Practicum.

· All practicums will demonstrate:

· lesson plan organization.

· integration of the Dunham Theories and Philosophies.

· appropriate technical progression.

· correct usage of current Dunham vocabulary.

· self-evaluation.

Summary of Certification Requirements:

The candidate is required to:

· attend the Dunham Teacher Certification Workshop until completion of the three-year curriculum.

· attend at least two Dunham Technique Intensives, including the intensive during which the dancer auditioned, although attendance at the Intensive every year is highly advised.

· pass the Technique Requirements each year.

· pass the Peer Teaching Class during Year 3.

· complete all assignments.

· fulfill the Portfolio requirements.

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