Dance educators play an important role in the lives of their students. At Frame Dance, we are committed to equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to prepare their students to thrive on and off the dance floor. Our teaching methods are rooted in child psychology and the latest research on early childhood brain development.
TEACHER TRAINING 2025
We’re not just passionate about dance; we’re passionate about teaching it in a way that engages, empowers, and educates the whole student. With years of experience in both dance and early childhood education, we’re uniquely positioned to help you become the teacher you aspire to be: JOYFUL, EMPOWERED, INSPIRED, & SUCCESSFUL!
We’re offering Teacher Training Level 1 and Level 2 over two weekends in August – join us!
MODULE DESCRIPTION
LEVEL 1
1. Dance & Early Brain Development
Learn about the cognitive, social, and motor skills growth in young children in order to create age-appropriate, engaging, and effective dance lessons that foster your students’ overall growth.
2. Social Emotional Learning
Learn to integrate SEL principles into the dance classroom to help students develop self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation….all while having FUN in class!
3. Classroom Management
Classroom management is the essential bedrock of all classroom education, and the area where most teachers struggle. Learn how to keep students engaged and attentive, and foster an environment that is conducive to learning.
4. Perfecting the Warmup
This is where class starts, and it’s not just little plies, pointing toes, and stretching the hamstrings. Learn how to set yourself and your students up for success by encouraging breath, body, and brain connections through specific exercises and language.
LEVEL 2
1. Teaching with Imagery
Children learn best through imagery! Imagery ignites imagination, fosters curiosity, and gives space for each student to find concepts in their own bodies, not reflect an adult’s version. Learn how to integrate this powerful teaching skill into your classroom!
2. Effective Scaffolding
Scaffolding in dance education involves creating a supportive structure that helps students gradually develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence in dance technique and artistry. This module will provide educators with practical strategies and tools to implement in their dance curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students at various levels.
3. The Neurodiverse Classroom
Learn strategies to effectively teach students with diverse neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia while creating an inclusive, supportive, and adaptable learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student.
4. Reading & Writing Lesson Plans
Learn how to analyze and adapt Frame Dance’s curriculum to inspire your own teaching. This module provides a practical framework for crafting effective, engaging, and personalized lesson plans tailored to your students’ needs.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
In order to receive your Frame Dance Teacher Certification, you must complete the following requirements:
- Attend Level 1 and Level 2 trainings
- Complete guided self-study and assignments
- Practice teach 3 classes (observation, feedback, mentorship)
- Pass a final exam
INVESTMENT:
- Level 1 Early Bird Pricing: $150
- Level 2 Early Bird Pricing: $150
- Certification Bundle: $425
MEET ASHLEY
Ashley Horn is the Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Frame Dance. She has been teaching dance, with a focus on early childhood, neural development, and pedagogy for over 20 years in public schools, studios and community centers. In addition, she teaches Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning at the elementary and middle school levels throughout the Houston Independent School District.
She has extensive experience teaching in public schools, preschools, and arts organizations. Ashley has also guest taught at Rice University, University of Houston, and Houston Community College.
Get a feel for Ashley’s teaching style by checking out our library of Tuesday Teaching Tips below!
ABOUT FRAME DANCE EDUCATION
Frame Dance is a thought-leader in early childhood dance education, nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, leaders, and change-makers. Our mission is to cultivate the whole dancer by fostering essential life skills such as collaboration, resilience, and innovative problem-solving through an age-appropriate, body-positive dance curriculum.
Designed by Artistic Director Lydia Hance and teaching artist Ashley Horn, our program reflects their combined 35 years of experience. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to be engaging, technically precise, and developmentally aligned, ensuring a meaningful experience for every student.
