About NDTA

The National Dance Teachers Association (NDTA) is the leading subject association for dance in schools. We are a membership organisation led by teachers for teachers who work to ensure that all young people in the UK have equal access to a high quality dance education. We actively work with a range of physical education and arts organisations, government departments and statutory bodies to promote high quality learning and teaching in dance and help to shape national policy related to dance in schools.

The NDTA is a charity run by a team of dance teachers, advisers, lecturers from all phases of education. Recognised as the national voice for dance education, the NDTA is the only nation-wide association focusing specifically on dance in schools. By disseminating information and working with other organisations, it provides an essential network for dance teachers in schools. It also serves as a vital link between those at the grass roots and the policy makers at local and national level.

The NDTA was formed in 1988 in response to concerns arising from the Education Reform Act and the proposed national curriculum which at that time did not mention dance. Since then the NDTA has been active promoting dance as an essential part of the curriculum and Board Members frequently meet with representatives from Arts Council England, QCA, DCMS, DCSF and other statutory bodies, where we put the case for dance in schools.

The main aim of the NDTA is to ensure that all young people in the UK have access to high quality dance education in schools. The Association supports teachers at all key stages of the National Curriculum as well as GCSE, AS/A Level, GNVQ and in initial teacher training through providing:

  • Resource materials and ideas for dance lessons
  • Annual national conferences
  • Regional networks
  • In-service training, continuing professional development and NDTA accredited courses
  • dancematters magazine
  • This website
  • Resources for teaching dance.

Membership is open to anyone who cares and is concerned about dance in education. Our membership includes non-specialist and specialist teachers in infant, junior and secondary schools, special schools, lecturers in colleges, education officers, dance artists, advisors and inspectors.

dancematters

dancematters magazine is published by the NDTA three times a year. Each themed issue provides:

  • Resource material and ideas for dance lessons
  • News, reviews and features
  • Up to date information on the latest developments in dance education
  • A forum for interests and opinions
  • Advice on best practice.

Structure & Organisation

The NDTA is run on a largely voluntary basis apart from some paid administrative support. It is organised centrally by the Board of Directors who are elected from the membership (see constitution), and has an extensive regional network through Regional Representatives.

Around the country, members of the NDTA volunteer to become a Regional Representative for the association, forming a vital network across the UK.

Their role is to:

  • Disseminate information about NDTA events and initiatives to teachers in their region
  • Create networking opportunities for NDTA members
  • Be a point of contact for advice and support about dance teaching
  • Promote the work of the NDTA and increase membership
  • Link with the Executive Committee to assist in the development of policy and strategic planning for the association
  • Contribute news to dancematters about local school and community dance events

The Regional Representatives make contact with existing networks and groups of dance teachers in their region and will be pleased to hear from other NDTA members in their area.