Great teaching deserves to be recognized—and you can help. The 2026 Dance Teacher Awards nominations are now open!
Each year, we honor outstanding dance educators for their contributions to the field. We’re looking for dance educators who:
- Have had a unique or outsized impact on their students and/or community
- Strive to bring out the best in their students as dancers and people
- Have a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to pedagogy
- Are dedicated to their own continued learning
- Have a body-positive teaching style
- Prioritize dancers’ mental and physical health and safety
- Are committed to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion inside and outside the studio
Dance educators of all kinds are eligible to receive the Dance Teacher Award, including those working in private studios, K–12 schools, conservatories, higher education institutions, and more. Nominations will be reviewed holistically based on their alignment with the above criteria.
To access the full list of past award recipients, click here.
Be sure to nominate your favorite dance teachers via this form by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. You can also email rrodrigues@dancemedia.com with any questions.