History of the Teachers Training School
Dance Masters of America established the TTS program at the turn of the century desiring to present the best possible education and teaching philosophies for its members and future members. Each season the TTS program grows and improves, always setting higher standards and keeping up with new trends.

What is Teachers Training School?
Although the Dance Masters of America has always included a program for the training of Dance Educators, into their curriculum, it wasn’t until 1970 when it was moved to Kent State University that it evolved into the program we now know as the “Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School.” Master teachers instruct classes in teaching techniques for all disciplines of dance: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Theatre Dance, Specialty classes will be offered in Acrobatics, Children’s Work, Ballroom, Interpretive, Music Theory, Dance Notation, Alignment, Dance History, Kinesiology, Choreography, in addition to classes in teaching children, and study sessions.

Travel Guide

  • If you are flying you should fly into the Greater Buffalo International Airport which is approximately 10 miles from the campus. A cab is the best form of transportation to the University. The cost is reasonable.
  • There are two Amtrak Passenger Stations in Buffalo:
    • 55 Dick Road, Depew 14043 (716) 683-8440
    • 75 Exchange Street, Buffalo, 14203 (716) 856-2075

What does the Center for the Arts at the State University at Buffalo have to offer?
The Center for the Arts at the State University at Buffalo is a modern facility dedicated to the Arts. Most importantly it affords us the facility and faculty to enhance and grow with our Teachers Training school Programs. The facility offers:

  • Large and fully air conditioned classroom
  • Room to grow and expand our Programs
  • Easy access to the airport
  • Full dance and Theatre Departments
  • Screening room for lecture classes
  • Unlimited dormitory availability
  • Telephone availability
  • College credits for both Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
  • Walking distance from dormitories to classrooms


 What is the age requirement at TTS and what is the average age in attendance?
You must be 18 years of age to participate in the TTS program. 45% of the participants are between the ages of 21 and 40, 20% of the participants are over 40 years of age and the remaining participants are between 18 and 20.

Is TTS only for future dance teachers?
No, TTS is also a very informative refresher course for the established teacher, as well as an intensive training course for the development of stronger future dance educators.

Does Grade I offer teaching techniques only for beginner level?
In addition to beginner teaching techniques and materials presented in the Grade I core classes, every evening a optional program is available to all participants. Here you will be able to choose a realm of disciplines that will span a wide variety of levels.

Is there an Attendance Requirement?
Yes, In order to receive college credit, or DMA certification credit you may not miss more that three (3) classes and you must attend the last three (3) classes of the program (not including optional classes).

What are the accommodations for room and board?
If you choose dormitory living for your stay at TTS, we are please to annonce that we will be in a new and air conditioned dormitory, within walking distance of the classrooms. You can choose between single occupancy rooms or shared room accommodations. Lounges, TV rooms, kitchenettes and vending machines are available. A meal ticket may be purchased. Three meals a day will be provided in the Atrium, located in the Center for the Arts. You can also select off campus housing if you prefer.

Are bedding and towels provided?
Yes. Pillows, sheets and a blanket are provided for the week, You must bring you own towels and wash cloths, It is also suggested that you may want to bring an alarm clock, radio, laundry detergent and umbrella. Washers and dryers are available on each floor of the dormitory.

Where will classes be held and are the rooms air conditioned?
All classes will be held on campus either in the Center of the Arts or the adjoining facilities. All classrooms in the Center for the Arts are fully air conditioned except for the gymnasium.

When are the examinations given and are they mandatory?
Grade I, Grade II and Grade III students will be given assessments in preperations for their Grade IV Certification Examinations. The Assesment grades are not recorded as part of your record, they are graded and returned to you, so that you can review your strengths and weaknesses in that subject. The Assessment grades are also used for us to determine strengths and weaknesses of the program itself.

Grade IV participans may elect to take one or more Core Subject Certification Examinations. Upon the successful passing of each Core Subject Examinations a Certificate of Achievement will be awared. At the successful passing of all four Core Subject Certification Examination a Dipolma will be issued.  .
Can I become a member once I’ve taken the Teacher’s Training School examinations?The answer to this question is YES. Please keep in mind that membership in DMA can only be accomplished through one of our Affiliated Chapters.  Your Teachers’ Training School examinations are accepted for membership in all of our Affiliated Chapters. However, each of the Affiliates within the DMA Organization are independanct Chapters with their own Bylaws, Rules and membership requirements.  Therefore, you must meet the requirements set but the Affiliate Chapter you wish to join. A complete list of DMA Affiliated Chapters and contact information can be found on the National Website at WWW.DMA-NATIONAL.ORG. A copy of your examination scores will be sent by the TTS Administrator to the Chapter of your choosing. Please advise the Administrator of the Chapter you wish to your record to be sent.


 Why do Attendees return to TTS?
The Teachers’ Training School Program broadens their knowledge of dance. Every year the faculty and fellow participants provide new approaches and ideas that are useful to you. TTS also provides a reunion of friends and the opportunity to share ideas with new people form across the country, Canada and abroad. Through the growth and support of our Graduates, we are now able to offer a full Post Gradulate Program as well as the freedom to participate in any other level and optional classes.  We also offer to Post Graduates speciality classes that are not offered to our undergraduates, such as Study of the Schools of Ballet, and multiple Tap styles.

What do I wear to class?
All participants should bring appropriate dancewear attire and shoes for the classes. Please see dress code.  

What else must I bring to TTS?
All participants must bring the following:

  • Cover-up to wear over dancewear when out of the classroom.
  • Summer dress or pant suit outfit for Banquet.
  • Dance attire (see dress code) and proper dance shoes.
  • Notebook and writing materials.
  • DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA MANUALS: These are the study manuals in disciplines of dance. Manuals are required reading and can be purchased in advanced from the National Office (before May 1st to insure delivery) or ordered in advance on the TTS Application and picked up upon arrival.

Can Day Students purchase a Meal Ticket?
Yes, only available by the week.

Can I get college credits?
Yes. Forms will be available for college credits at the Registration Desk upon arrival. It is a one (1) credit hour course  and will only be given one time. The  Undergraduate and Graduate Credit are available upon request and payment of aplicable fees.  College credits are only available to U.S. Citizens. All checks are to be made payable to the Dance Masters of America, Inc. Credit costs are subject to change without notice.

An Outstanding Faculty Shares Their Excellence
The faculty at the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School will share an enormous amount of knowledge and talent with every participant. The course is a learning experience unsurpassed by any other similar program, Its unique focus on technique, teaching skills and a nurturing of camaraderie among fellow teachers makes this a week no teacher can afford to miss. This program is highly recommended for the long established educator as well as a teacher in training.