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 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

Charlene Bouwer
Charlene Bouwer
Corlia Lewitton
Corlia Lewitton
Dawn Gemmell
Dawn Gemmell
Elana Burger
Elana Burger
Hestie van Biljon
Hestie van Biljon
June de Villiers
June de Villiers
Leani Gouws
Leani Gouws
Nanette Gouws
Nanette Gouws
Su-Mari Swart
Su-Mari Swart
Sharon Viljoen
Sharon Viljoen
Vida Deminey
Vida Deminey

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

Provisional Membership

You are entitled to start teaching the DASA Examination syllabus but can only enter candidates for examination purposes under an already qualified DASA teacher and after completing the ERN workshop. This arrangement will only be valid for a 4 year period.

Once you have passed the theoretical part and done all the requirements for Provisional membership, you are fully qualified, and can enter students in your own name.

A teacher holding Provisional Membership will be expected to:

  1. Actively teach the DASA Ballet syllabi and enter candidates for Pre- Grades and Grades exams only (with Medals optional, but not Medals only) in at least two exam sessions in three years, during which time the teaching standard will be assessed.
  2. Attend Revisions and workshops presented.
  3. Attend a Pre-Grades and Grades ERN workshop every 4 years (ERN number valid for 3 years).

Full Membership

To be upgraded to Full Membership, the following aspects need to be completed within a minimum of one year and a maximum of 4 years.

  1. Pass the Teachers Course Theory Certificate
  2. Attend a Pre-Grade and Grade ERN Workshop
  3. Attend 30% of 1360 practical hours = 408 hours for Theory
  4. As well as 70% of 1360 hours = 952 practical hours that consists of observation/teaching for Pre-Grades and Grades under the supervision and coaching of a DASA Mentor / registered dance teacher
  5. Dance the Pre-Grade and Grade Teachers Practical Exam
  6. Dance Advanced 1 Major Examination
  7. Pay Provisional Membership fees to DASA – first year‘s fee is included in the Teachers Course fee
  8. Enroll students for exams at least 3 times

A teacher holding Full Membership will be expected to:

  1. Actively teach the DASA Ballet syllabi and enter candidates for Pre- Grades exams only (with Medals optional, but not Medals only) in at least two exam sessions in three years, during which time the teaching standard will be assessed.
  2. Attend Revisions and workshops presented.
  3. Attend a Pre-Grades and Grades ERN workshop every 4 years (ERN number valid for 3 years).
  4. Attain 100 CPD points every year or 450 CPD points in a period of 5 years.

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate Membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors to registered teachers from other associations teaching dance which will enable the Affiliate Member to teach DASA Medal dances and to be examined by the Examination Panel of DASA.
Affiliate Membership does not entitle the Member to vote or to be elected to the Board.

Life Membership

Life Membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors on Full Members of DASA who have ceased teaching dance and/or no longer conduct dance studios and who have, in the opinion of the Directors, contributed towards the development of DASA.

Please Contact Us for further details regarding membership.