Become a Member
By becoming a member of "Dixie", teachers also become an active member with Dance Masters of America. In addition to the membership privileges for DMA found below, members of "Dixie" gain involvement in Ch.37 events such as 2-3 meetings a year with other members, the ability to be nominated onto our Board of Directors, the ability to hold chair and organizer positions of our events, discounted rates on our events, and member students can be eligible to compete in our title competition.
Dance Masters of America is a Non-Profit Educational Organization of dance educators, who have been certified by test to teach; have had a professional dance career; have a degreed certification from an approved institution of higher education; or have successfully passed an exam in an approved professional dance organization. DMA has been certifying and setting the standards of dance education since 1884. Since its inception, the goal of the organization has been to improve the standards of dance offered to its members and their students.
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Dance Masters of America offers:
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Digital manuals that are utilized in dance studios, schools, universities and other dance institutions throughout the world. Continual updates of the manuals make them a living instrument of learning.
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Teachers Training School Program is an outstanding and respected educational venue for dance educators ages 18 and up. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum, an outstanding faculty, a unique focus on technique and teaching skills, and the nurturing of camaraderie among, established teachers as well as those just starting their careers.
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Affiliated Chapters that provide regional workshops, educational seminars and forums as well as performance opportunities for members and their students.
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Members a reduction of their BMI, ASCAP and SESAC licensing fees.
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National Conventions and Workshops provide the membership a network for the exchange of ideas, information, sharing of business advancement and to study the latest techniques.
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Instruction in anatomy, injury prevention, nutrition, kinesiology, creative movement, music theory, choreography and the issues that affect the dance community.
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More than $200,00.00 in monetary and educational scholarships. Scholarships are granted for master classes, training school, universities, and major professional schools of dance. These Scholarships are offered annually to its members and their students.
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The Mission of DMA
The Dance Masters of America is a professional, certified membership organization of artists and educators committed to the elevation of the art of dance and to provide innovative artistic experiences for the advancement of dance worldwide.
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The Objectives of DMA
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enable dance educators and their students to meet for a cooperative and collective study of their profession;
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advance the art of dance and improve the practices of its teachings;
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strive for the mutual interest and fraternal cooperation of its members;
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aid young dancers and dance teachers by awarding educational dance scholarships to accredited colleges;
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private schools of dance, educational and/or DMA educational workshops or conventions.
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
STUDENT HONORS INTENSIVE PROGRAM (SHIP)
Is an educational journey for young emerging dancers ages 13-18 and prepares them for the job demands of the 21st century. It is a voyage through the classroom, that challenges the dancers' technical and artistic expression. SHIP is the pathway to the stage and natures the development of resourceful artists of the future. It consists of daily Master classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. SHIP is located at Ball State University in Indiana. For more information visit SHIP | DMA website (dmanational.org)
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TEACHERS TRAINING SCHOOL (TTS)
The Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School, motivates and inspires Dance Educators World Wide. This program is highly recommended for the long-established educator as well as a teacher in training. Five intensive days of dance and study occur in the summer at Ball State University in Indiana. They offer 4-year teachers training program, post-graduate programs as well as college credits. For more information visit Teachers Training School | DMA website (dmanational.org)
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SPRING CONVENTION/COMPETITION
Our Chapter hosts an Annual Spring Convention. With an outstanding faculty from across the nation, this is an excellent opportunity for our members and their students to take classes and brush up on their skills. The Annual convention features a day of classes for students, in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip Hop, a Member-Teacher Luncheon with a grand body meeting, in addition to our annual Title and Performing Arts Competition. Studio participation in the Spring Convention classes is mandatory if students wish to enter the P.A.C and/or Solo Title Competition for that fiscal year. This exciting weekend is time for our members to collaborate and share comradery with one another. Our Spring Convention/Competition also helps to benefit our other ongoing projects throughout the year and enable us to raise money for the scholarships given annually to our members and students. For more information visit our Convention page.
SCHOLARSHIP CLASSES
During the Fall Convention, students (all ages) may register to participate in scholarship opportunities where they are judged and awarded scholarships to the following years' convention plus cash prizes. These opportunities are available in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip Hop. For more information visit our Convention page​
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SOLO TITLE COMPETITION
Held annually at our Spring Convention/Competition, soloists compete for a chance to represent us as Petite/Master, Junior Miss/Mr., Teen Miss/Mr., and Miss/Mr. Dance of Dixie at the annual DMA Nationals. The competition begins with an interview with the weekend's judges, followed by an audition class per age group in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz and acro. These events usually take place on the Friday of competition. Saturday, contestants participate in convention classes and Sunday they perform their solos for the judges to conclude the competition. Winners will receive a scholarship to attend the Dance Masters of America National Convention and represent Dixie in the National Solo Title Competition for the national title. For more information visit our Competition page.
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PERFORMING ARTS COMPETITION
An annual competition in which solos, duets, trios and groups compete, outside of the title competition. Participants must participate in the Spring Competition within the same calendar year. For more information visit our Competition page.​
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DMA NATIONAL CONVENTION
Dance Masters of America offers the most extensive and educational National Convention of any competitive organization in North America. Ten packed days of education, competition, and collaboration with other chapters. There are four workshops offered per day for all ages. The Performing Arts Scholarship Competition (PASC) alongside the workshop classes and national title competition. PASC leads up to a Champions of Champions Dance-Off as well as a Grand National Finals for scholarship opportunities. Attendees can partake in the Welcome Party, Banquet and enjoy watching the Title Competition 4 nights in a row. For more information visit www.dmanational.org.