THE DANCING CLASSROOMS INSTITUTE & NATIONAL NETWORK
In 2006, Dancing Classrooms began expanding throughout the US and internationally, bringing our unique approach to dance instruction to arts organizations serving their local communities. To date, the Dancing Classrooms Network has brought the power of social dance to over 775,000 young people worldwide.
Each year teaching artists, classroom teachers, and dance educators across the country are trained to deliver our transformational dance learning through the Dancing Classrooms Institute. Today, in addition to our work in the NYC metro area, Dancing Classrooms programs are delivered through a National Network of nonprofit organizations and educators, furthering our vision of a world that values social dance as foundational to every child’s well-being and joy, celebrates the beauty of diversity, and amplifies our shared humanity.
“Dancing Classrooms is so much more than dancing lessons. Students begin the program being unsure of themselves and a bit uncomfortable in their own skin. They transform into a family that supports one another in ways that reach beyond the classroom. To be vulnerable with your classmates while learning something new together leads to confidence in all areas of life. I am grateful for the transformation so many children experience through this program!”
— Desi Gibb, 5th Grade Teacher
Sunrise Elementary School, Seattle WA
What Do Students Think? Dancing Classrooms Student in Richmond, VA
WELCOME TO THE DANCING CLASSROOMS INSTITUTE
A National Teacher Certificate Program in Dancing Classrooms’ Pedagogy & Social Dance Curriculum
The Dancing Classrooms Institute (DCI) is a professional learning program for educators of all backgrounds who want to bring social partner dancing into school communities.
Rooted in more than 30 years of classroom practice, DCI combines immersive in-person training, virtual learning, curriculum, and ongoing support to give educators the tools and confidence to teach the Dancing Classrooms 5-Unit Social Dance Curriculum.
Level 1 is an intimate cohort model that combines immersive in-person training, virtual learning, curriculum, research, promotional and teaching materials, coaching and ongoing support to give educators the tools and confidence to teach the Dancing Classrooms 5-Unit Social Dance Curriculum.
LEVEL 1 includes:
Five Days of Training:
- A mix of in-person and virtual
- An immersive introduction to the DC pedagogy and our 5-Unit Social Dance Curriculum
- Facilitated by experienced ballroom and social dance instructors and long-time DC teaching artists
Introduction to American Style Ballroom and Social Dances:
- Learn our accessible, beginner-level choreography for tango, merengue, foxtrot, rumba, salsa, swing, waltz, polka, and line dances
- Be exposed to a diverse mix of US & global cultures through dance & music
License to the Dancing Classrooms 5-Unit Social Dance Curriculum:
- Renowned curriculum designed for students ages 9+
- Meets national dance standards
- Aligns with CASEL social-emotional learning framework
- Supports learning outcomes in academic areas
- Is well-researched with proven student outcomes
Multi-Tiered Support & Professional Development:
- Pre- and post-training access to supportive videos
- Effective lesson plans, curricular materials, student and educator resources
- Group feedback
- 1:1 coaching
Applications Open!
Join the Dancing Classrooms Institute!
NYC in-person training will be in summer 2027. Or inquire about bringing training directly to your community
An Affordable Impact
An investment in educator training can have a transformative impact on hundreds of young people! LEVEL 1 of the DC Institute includes: 2-year curriculum license, training, resources, coaching, and access to the DC National Network. LEVEL 1 cost: $1,500. Discounts and scholarships are available! Register for an info session or email Associate Director of the DCI Eva Carrozza (eva@dancingclassrooms.org) to find out more!
Hear from a Principal
Network Partner Organizations
Nonprofit, performing arts, and educational organizations across the globe work hard to deliver the transformative power of social dance through Dancing Classrooms programs. Meet these amazing Network Partners.
