FAQ

Why should I get an RTA qualification?
An RTA qualification indicates that you have the skills and knowledge to support every participant in a Dance for Parkinson’s class safely and effectively. It provides a credential that helps ensure a quality experience for class participants. It can also be used in situations where you might wish to facilitate a group experience based on the Dance for PD At Home instructional series when a trained Dance for PD teaching artist is not available.

Am I eligible?
To be eligible to apply for an RTA qualification, you must:

1. Complete the Dance for Parkinson’s online learning program through People Dancing

2. Complete a Dance for PD Introductory Training workshop.

3. Complete the People Dancing Level 4 Assessment.

4. Have at least 10 hours experience assisting in a Dance for PD class or other adaptive dance program OR complete at least 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development through Dance for PD.

What’s the difference between an RTA qualification and Dance for PD Certification?
Certification is reserved for qualified teaching artists who have completed the Dance for PD Dance Teacher track and are eligible to enroll in the certification process. The RTA program is open to trainees who have completed the Dance for PD Educational and Professional Enrichment course, as well as the introductory training assessment that accompanies the People Dancing Dance for Parkinson’s Online Learning Program. The RTA qualification is a quicker, more affordable option for those who want to assist in classes – not teach classes on their own. RTA candidates might include current class assistants and volunteers, allied health professionals who support in-clinic Dance for Parkinson’s programs, or care partners who wish to support other members of the community during the class experience.

What are the costs?
The RTA qualification course is $400; until May 31, 2024, there is a special rate of $250 available to anyone who applies and is approved to enroll in the course. All RTA’s must maintain their Dance for PD membership in good standing ($60 per year) and must renew their RTA every three years at a cost of $35. There are no other costs associated with the RTA.

How to I maintain my RTA
In addition to maintaining a Dance for PD membership in good standing, RTA’s must renew their status every three years at a cost of $35. RTA’s must accrue 10 credit hours of continuing professional development over those three years in order to be eligible for renewal. Hours are tracked through a simple online form.

What are the prerequisites?
All RTA candidates must complete the online training course, a Dance for PD introductory training workshop, and the People Dancing online assessment, as well as 10 hours of assisting work in a Dance for PD or adaptive dance class. If you haven’t completed the assessment and wish to do so, please click here.

What benefits and resources are available to me?
In addition to receiving an RTA certificate and special listing on the Dance for PD website, RTA’s will have access to their own exchange channel on Ryver – Dance for PD’s online forum – and will receive invitations to participate in special professional development sessions that address good practice. RTA’s can also request introductions and referrals to any program within the Dance for PD network in cases where the RTA moves to a new community and wishes to continue working in Dance for PD programs – including temporary relocations.