The Dance Academy of South Africa was started in 1991 by Mrs Mary-Jane Ford. She saw a need for an association that understood and continually adapted to the unique situation in which South African teachers, students and parents find themselves.

The association has grown to more than 100 dance studios spread throughout South Africa and Namibia. The Directors, Examiners and other members of DASA aim to make dancing a happy experience for all involved – the teachers, students and parents. Each child should look forward to class with excitement and anticipation. Individuals are important in DASA and the Directors, Examiners and Office go out of their way to help where needed.

The Academy is privileged to have Ms Lorna Haupt as Chairlady, Artistic Director and Major Exam Teacher’s Assessor. She has been intrinsic to the growth of ballet in South Africa, having held many influential posts, including Artistic Director of both PACT Ballet (Performing Arts Council of South Africa) and the Youth Ballet. She is also the author of 'The Dance Book' which is currently used as a reference/text book at all schools, technikons and UCT where ballet is offered as a subject. Ms Haupt brings her considerable experience and love of the art to DASA, she has choreographed the beautiful and challenging Major syllabi, helped reorganise the Grade syllabi and continues to instruct and inspire.

The structure of DASA consists of a Board of Directors, Examining Board and Registered Members.

Board of Directors

Directors are elected by full members of DASA for a period of two years. At the end of that period, members vote at an AGM to elect new directors or re-elect existing directors for the vacant posts.

Examining Board

Examiners are elected by the Board of Directors for a period of five years. Nominations are based on factors such as a member’s technical skill, teaching ability, commitment to DASA, participation in Revisions and Workshops, as well as certain character and personality traits.

There is a substantial team of DASA Examiners throughout South Africa. Each year the Office assigns them to exam sessions in different areas. Examiners usually present classes at Revisions and Workshops. Guided by the Board of Directors the examiners make recommendations related to syllabus queries and technical standards. They may be involved in the making of syllabus videos or DVDs and the choreography of new dances.

Registered Members

Registered members of the Dance Academy of South Africa may have Provisional Registration, Associate, Full or Life Membership. To become a DASA Member applicants must:

1. Hold a certificate for the DASA Teachers Diploma course (1 to 1½ years theoretical course) or a Teaching Certification from a recognised Dance Body.
2. Hold an Advanced Ballet Major examination Certificate.
3. Submit a CV to the DASA office with the required practical teaching/training hours signed by a DASA Associate member or DASA Examiner.
4. After gaining Provisional membership must attend the ERN training course and complete the Practical exams (Pre-Grades, Grades and Majors)

When in possession of a recognised Dance Teachers Certificate from a recognised Dance Body, points 2, 3 and 4 of the above need to be adhered to.

Special Membership

DASA AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

1. Teachers from other recognised Dance Institutions have the opportunity to become Affiliated Members of DASA
2. This option offers the possibility to purchase and teach the DASA Medal Dance syllabi
3. Medal dances include all Classical, Modern and National medals
4. In order to gain the Affiliate membership, the candidate must:
   • Complete a DASA membership form
   • Hold a Teachers’ Certificate from a recognised Dance body
   • Pay a once-off registration fee of R1800
   • Receive all Medal syllabi, CD's and DVD's (upon payment)
5. Students may then be entered for DASA Medal Examinations upon meeting the requirements stated above
6. All examinations to be booked in groups in the designated areas. Affiliate Members should work closely with Area Co-ordinators. Stand alone sessions will be levied
7. Affiliate Members will not be allowed to purchase any Pre-Grade-, Grade- or Major Syllabi, -CD's or -DVD's unless standard requirements for becoming a DASA Provisional member has been met

Please Contact Us for further details regarding membership.