Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL DTO FAQs

Dance Training Organisation (DTO) is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45789) that delivers nationally recognised qualifications for the dance industry. We support studio owners, dance teachers, assistant teachers, and VCE VET Dance students through high-quality accredited training, business education, and studio partnership programs across Australia and internationally.

Yes. DTO is a nationally accredited RTO (RTO #45789), approved by the Australian Government to deliver dance and business qualifications across Australia.

Absolutely. DTO partners with studios globally, including in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. If you’re passionate about quality dance education, we’d love to help you deliver accredited or structured programs in your country.

We offer a range of government-accredited and non-accredited programs tailored to different roles within the dance industry:

  • Studio Business Academy – Certificate IV in Business (Studio Owner) – Business training for studio owners ready to grow and thrive. 
  • Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management – For teachers wanting to be nationally qualified and run themselves as a business. 
  • ASPIRE Assistant Dance Teaching Program (Certificate III) – A structured, low-effort program for studios to train and empower assistant teachers. 
  • VCE VET Dance (Certificate II and partial Certificate III) – For Victorian Secondary students wanting to include dance in their VCE and contribute towards their ATAR.

Workshops and Short Courses – For continued professional development (CPD), leadership training, and team growth.

Yes! We provide several non-accredited professional development options, including short courses, workshops, and studio leadership training—designed to support the dance industry beyond formal qualifications.

Yes. Studios can become DTO Partner Studios to deliver programs like VCE VET Dance and ASPIRE. We also work closely with partners to embed qualifications like Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management into their studio pathways.
→ Learn more about becoming a DTO Partner Studio

Absolutely. DTO is passionate about helping dance studios grow. We’re happy to talk with you one-on-one to create customised training that suits your studio’s needs and vision.

You can reach our friendly team anytime at hello@dancetrainingorg.com.au or via our Contact Page.

DTO is for:

  • Dance Studio Owners wanting to grow their business, improve retention, and train their team
  • Aspiring and experienced dance teachers looking to gain formal qualifications
  • Assistant dance teachers eager to take the next step through structured programs

Secondary students in Victoria completing VCE VET Dance

DTO is built by dance educators, for dance educators. We understand the unique challenges of the dance industry and are passionate about creating sustainable success for studio owners and their teams. We offer a supportive, flexible, and high-touch training environment—with real outcomes and recognition.

ASPIRE ASSISTANT DANCE TEACHING PROGRAM FAQs

ASPIRE is a nationally recognised training program for dancers aged 13–19 who want to become confident assistant dance teachers. It combines real studio experience, flexible online learning, and professional mentoring to help students earn a Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching (CUA30320).

Yes. Students who complete the full program and submit their assessments will receive a Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching, a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Dance Training Organisation (RTO #45789).

There are two options:

  • Accredited pathway: Includes full assessment submission and leads to a national qualification.
  • Non-accredited pathway: Ideal for students who want the experience without the pressure of formal assessments.

Yes! Studios can become a DTO Partner Studio, giving their dancers access to ASPIRE with minimal setup. The program is designed to be plug-and-play, saving studio owners time while providing a high-quality training experience for their students.

ASPIRE covers:

  • How to assist in dance classes safely and effectively
  • Class planning and choreography tools
  • Communication and leadership skills
  • Anatomy and safe dance practices
  • Supporting children’s behaviour and wellbeing
  • Career planning and self-care in the dance industry

Students complete online modules at their own pace, while assisting once a week in class at their home studio. This blended model allows students to apply what they learn in real time, with guidance from experienced teachers.

It’s perfect for:

  • Young dancers (13–19) ready to take on leadership roles
  • Students interested in teaching dance one day
  • Studios wanting to develop their junior teachers and future team

Yes. Many studios use ASPIRE as their official assistant teacher or leadership pathway, helping to upskill junior dancers, retain older students, and build a strong teaching team from within.

  • Online learning (no Zoom calls!)
  • Weekly in-studio assisting
  • Workbook activities and reflections
  • First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
  • Mentor support and real-world feedback
  • Option to earn a nationally recognised qualification

You can learn more or apply directly via our website:
ASPIRE Or contact us anytime at info@dancetrainingorg.com.au.

STUDIO BUSINESS ACADEMY FAQs

The Studio BUSINESS Academy is a comprehensive business education and coaching program designed specifically for dance studio owners. It helps you grow enrolments, boost retention, increase revenue, and build a more sustainable, less overwhelming studio business.

It’s for dance studio owners who are:

  • Ready to get out of survival mode 
  • Looking to improve systems, staffing, and finances 
  • Wanting support from experts who get the dance industry 
  • Dreaming of more time, freedom, and long-term growth 

Whether you’ve been in business for 1 year or 20, this program meets you where you’re at.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Increase student enrolments and reduce drop-offs
  • Build a rock-solid retention strategy
  • Create a team you trust and delegate with confidence
  • Streamline systems and operations
  • Set up pricing, programs, and offers that are profitable and sustainable
  • Step into true studio leadership

No. It’s a full coaching and implementation experience, not just a “watch and forget” course. You’ll get:

  • Weekly support from Kerrie and the DTO team
  • Live strategy calls and Q&A
  • Templates, frameworks, and plug-and-play tools
  • A supportive community of like-minded studio owners

The Academy is fully online with on-demand modules, live coaching, and community support. You can go at your own pace while staying connected with regular coaching calls, accountability check-ins, and member-only resources.

Most studio owners commit 1–2 hours per week. The focus is on taking action, not just learning — so you’ll implement as you go. And the best part? The time you put in gives you back more time through better systems, team support, and clarity.

Past members have:

  • Doubled enrolments in under 6 months
  • Hired and empowered amazing teams
  • Gained 10+ hours back each week
  • Increased profit while reducing burnout
  • Finally felt like the CEO of their studio, not just the teacher

No — the Studio BUSINESS Academy supports studio owners globally. We’ve worked with incredible owners across Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and beyond. Everything is tailored to dance businesses, not just local regulations.

It’s built by a dance studio owner who’s been in your shoes. Kerrie knows the industry inside and out. This isn’t generic business coaching — it’s dance studio-specific strategy, with real-world tools, proven frameworks, and a community that truly gets it.

You can learn more and book a free discovery call at: Studio BUSINESS Academy Or contact us directly at hello@dancetrainingorg.com.au.

VCE VET DANCE FAQs

 A1. A DTO Partner Studio delivers VCE VET Dance training onsite under DTO’s nationally accredited RTO framework. We handle compliance, curriculum, and assessment — you deliver the training.

Yes, as long as you meet our basic requirements. We support you with all setup, training, and systems to deliver accredited dance training with ease.

Your students will work toward the CUA20120 Certificate II in Dance and CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance — both nationally recognised.

Not at all. We have several options contact us to find out which suits your studio requirements. 

DTO offers teacher onboarding, full learning and assessment resources, access to Google Drive, VASS data support, moderation, and compliance assistance. 

Yes. The program allows for creative freedom within the required competencies. You bring your studio’s style and expertise to the curriculum.

Yes. DTO provides regular PD, RTO compliance training, and mentoring to help you grow as an educator and leader.

You can choose different packages.  If you have enough student to have your own qualified teacher – great.  If you find your numbers are low one year your students can join our virtual classroom for their theory work and just do technique with you.

There are setup and per-student training fees, but no hidden costs. DTO’s structure is designed to be affordable and accessible.

Email us at hello@dancetrainingorg.com.au or visit our website to get started with an information pack and partnership discussion.

ENROLMENT & PAYMENT FAQs

Each course has an online application form on its dedicated page. Simply choose your program and click “Apply Now”.

DTO accepts secure payments via Stripe, offering upfront or flexible instalment options depending on the program.

Refunds follow the DTO Refund Policy, available on each enrolment page and in the Student Handbook.

CREDENTIALS & COMPLIANCE FAQs

DTO is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45789), accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver nationally recognised qualifications across Australia.

Yes. DTO meets all requirements of a nationally recognised RTO, delivering accredited programs under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

DTO ensures quality by:

  • Hiring qualified, industry-experienced trainers
  • Conducting regular internal audits and moderation
  • Following ASQA standards and national compliance frameworks
  • Gathering student feedback and adapting programs for real-world success

DTO delivers qualifications in:

  • Dance Teaching & Management (Certificate IV)
  • Assistant Dance Teaching (Certificate III)
  • Dance for Secondary Students (VCE VET Dance- Certificate II and III in Dance)
  • Business for Studio Owners (Certificate IV in Business- Studio Owner)

Yes — DTO’s official RTO registration can be verified on the training.gov.au website using our RTO number: 45789.

TECH & STUDENT SUPPORT FAQs

All programs are delivered live via Zoom or through the Tekmatix LMS. You’ll receive your login details by email upon enrolment. Visit: learn.dancetrainingorg.com.au

Go to the Tekmatix login page and click “Forgot Password”. You’ll receive an instant email to reset it. Still stuck? Email: support@dancetrainingorg.com.au

Our support team is available at hello@dancetrainingorg.com.au or via your course’s contact form inside the portal. We usually respond within 24 business hours.

Yes. DTO’s courses are fully mobile-friendly. You can log in and complete training on your phone or tablet via a web browser.

Each course includes access to trainer support. You can post questions in the portal, book a support call, or email your assigned trainer directly for feedback and guidance.