April 3 & 4, 2027

DAPpers Teacher Training

Apply Here

We are delighted to offer the inaugural DAPpers® Teacher Training Workshop on Saturday April 3 and Sunday April 4,  2027.

This pilot training marks an exciting next step in the development of DAPpers® Teacher
Training and certification. As we launch this program, we will rely on the experience and feedback of our workshop participants to help us identify best practices and shape future trainings and the DAPpers® Teachers Training certification process.

We are seeking experienced dance teachers who are interested in expanding their teaching practice and deepening their understanding of dance and holistic health, intergenerational programming, performance, and community-centered teaching.

What This Training Offers

  • Learn the core elements of a DAPpers class.

  • Lesson planning and adapting activities for different populations and settings.

  • Strategies for creating dance spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and community-centered.

  • Understand the importance of social interactions and how to create activities to foster them.

  • Understand how to use music to support teaching and learning strategies.

  • Understand how to use improvisation as a teaching and learning strategy.

  • Understand how to use choreography to encourage inclusive engagement.

  • The role of conversation, ritual, music, and performance in building community.

  • Understand the lived experiences, strengths, and needs of older adults.

  • Understand how to pace a class.

Training and Pathway to Certification

We are currently exploring best practices towards creating an official certification process. This will continue to evolve as we learn from this inaugural training and from the experiences of participating instructors.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be qualified to teach classes inspired by the DAPpers® approach. Completion of the workshop does not, however, constitute full DAPpers® certification. Acceptance into DAPpers® Teacher Training Workshop does not guarantee acceptance into teacher training certification.

Until you are fully certified:

  • You may describe your classes as “inspired by DAPpers®” or “modeled after DAPpers®.”

  • You may not use the official DAPpers® name, logo, or branded materials to represent your classes.

  • Full use of DAPpers® branding, materials, and the DAPpers® name will be available to teachers once they complete the certification process.

Prerequisites for the Workshop

Introductory Dance for PD® Online Training

Participants are required to complete the Introductory Dance for PD asynchronous online training prior to attending the workshop completed by March 1, 2027.

Dance for PD is the foundation upon which DAPpers was created and the introductory Dance for PD® Online Training provides a rigorous and thorough understanding of the methodology.

This training will take approximately 8 hours to complete. There is a written assessment at the end which usually takes around 90 minutes. It needs to be completed in a single sitting (max 6 hours). This should be completed by March 1.

Cost: $107

DAPpers® Online Module

Upon acceptance to the workshop, participants will also complete a DAPpers® asynchronous online module to be completed by March 21.

DAPpers® Teacher Training Module Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

  • Learn DAPpers history, mission, and teaching philosophy.

  • Learn core DAPpers principles.

  • Learn how to plan and structure a DAPpers class.

  • How to choose music for a DAPpers class.

  • Community rituals and other foundational elements of the DAPpers approach.

  • Understand the role of intergenerational involvement including DAPChats and other community-building practices.

  • Understand DAPpers role in public health education and programming.

  • Understand the role and power of performance on DAPpers participants.

This module will take approximately 1 hour to complete. There will be a brief assessment at the end of the module as well as suggested readings.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, April 3

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Workshop

Day 1 will focus on experiencing and exploring the DAPpers® approach through movement, discussion, observation, and teaching practice. Included in the day will be a community DAPpers class offering the opportunity to dance with DAPpers community members.

Dinner

Optional but recommended. A time to socialize and connect with fellow workshop participants.

Sunday, April 4

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Workshop Feedback and Debrief

Day 2 will provide an opportunity to reflect on the training, share observations and feedback, and consider how the DAPpers® approach can continue to grow and evolve. There will also be discussion of certification.

Participation on Zoom will be available as an option for Sunday.

Location

TEN31 Productions
249 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI
Please enter through the back of the building.

Dates

Saturday, April 3 • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, April 4 • 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Price

$100

Apply Here

Applications are due by December 5, 2026.

All applicants will be notified by January 5, 2027.

  • The DAPpers® Teacher Training application is designed to help us get to know you as both a teacher and as a member of the community.

  • Workshop space is limited.

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the workshop.