DEL Foundations

Course Description: The DEL Foundations online course provides an overview of the key components of the nationally acclaimed DEL model of teaching dance in a wide variety of learning contexts. This 10-module asynchronous course is based on the highly popular DEL Foundations course that has been taught at DEL 92NY in New York City since DEL’s inception in 1995. Developed by DEL Founder, Jody Gottfried Arnhold with Ann Biddle as Founding Faculty, the course has evolved and adapted over its long history. This current iteration has been updated by Ann Biddle and Catherine Gallant and reflects current 21st-century dance education practice and pedagogy.

Updated and modified as an asynchronous learning experience, participants in this course explore DEL’s comprehensive and inclusive model of dance education. Participants will be introduced to the DEL Dance Framework, based on LMA as applied to dance education, as an organizing system for dynamic dance making and scaffolded lesson planning. Participants gain an understanding of broad developmental benchmarks and effective and inspired teaching strategies to support diverse learners in a culturally responsive environment and align with local, state and/or national dance standards. Finally, participants in this course articulate a vision statement that represents their core Teacher’s Heart and consider applications of the DEL Model to one’s unique teaching context.

The DEL Foundations curriculum is aligned with the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts: Dance Pre-K – 12 and the National Core Arts Standards in Dance (NCAS).

Course Format: Asynchronous – All course material online! Students receive access to all course materials for 1 Year.

Prerequisites: None

Study Options: Independent Study or Facilitated Study

Independent Study – Cost: $299 (plus $30 processing fee)

Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose. With no set deadlines, students have full control over the timing and progression of their learning. This format is best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously. Students will retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at their convenience.

Facilitated Study – Cost: $595 (plus $35 processing fee)

Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline. Students will submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment, and receive written feedback from facilitators. Courses may include discussion boards for peer interaction and all feature a mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance. Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting, this format requires approximately 3 hours of engagement per week. Additionally, all Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL’s partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee.

Facilitated Study Course Dates: October 13 – December 21, 2025, with final assignments due January 4, 2026.

Credits:

Students may take this course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 6 undergraduate credits.

NYS Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.

Discounts:

• NYCPS dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
• NYCPS common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
• NYCPS Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the NYCPS.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available through 92NY. General 92NY scholarship information and applications.

Must register by Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected].

Meet Your Instructors

Ann Biddle

Ann Biddle (B.A., Kenyon College; M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University) is a leader in the field of dance education with over 35 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, educator, professional developer, school administrator, and curriculum writer. She currently serves as the Professional Learning and Curriculum Senior Consultant for the...

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Catherine Gallant

Catherine Gallant, MFA was the assistant director at 92Y Harkness Dance Center from 1994-96 just as DEL was beginning and has been on the faculty of the Dance Education Laboratory since 2003. She has presented her work at 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center, WestFest and American Dance Guild. Recently...

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Felice Santorelli

Felice Santorelli (Ed.M Dance Education, B.F.A. Dance and Choreography) is a full time dance educator at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School (PVPA) in Western Massachusetts. Felice’s teaching experience ranges from K-12 to higher education and in various styles of dance. Felice brings experience designing dance curriculum that...

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