ESSENTIALZ.
TEACHER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
LEVEL 1 with natalya Z
AUGUST 1 - 3 | SEATTLE, WA
* By Application Only *
continue the legacy of
ZTHEORY…
A note from our founder, Natalya Z
I’ve always wanted for ZTHEORY to be bigger than me - bigger than any one of us. Developing these techniques & philosophies has helped me navigate my dance career for over 20 years now, & watching them serve all of my students is a dream come true. Now, it’s your turn.
Many people have asked the question “How do I get certified as a ZTHEORY technique Instructor?”…but it has taken me years to finally uncover this answer. Why?
Because ZTHEORY is more than just steps - it is a perspective.
It’s an active choice of how you choose to approach your art-form, your leadership, and your lifestyle. I wanted to ensure our training was designed to reflect this.
I am still learning from ZTHEORY every day. ZTHEORY teachers are ever-evolving students of the craft, & of their community. That is why this ESSENTIALZ Program is level 1 of 8. Each level enables you to teach more of our content while prioritizing your journey of personal growth as an instructor beyond ZTHEORY curriculum.
ESSENTIALZ equips instructors with ZTHEORY’s foundational movement and mindset tools. Certified teachers will be licensed to lead the opening segment of their classes using official ZTHEORY ESSENTIALZ curriculum—prioritizing safety, technique, and intention before continuing with their own unique class structure.
The growth never stops, & I look forward to meeting those of you that enjoy the process of continuous becoming as much as I do.
with Love,
Natalya Z
ZTHEORY TEACHER TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM LEVELS
ZTHEORY offers a comprehensive 8-level teacher training certification path designed to cultivate confident, technically sound, and creatively empowered instructors. Each level builds upon the last, moving from core fundamentals to personal mastery, leadership, and brand representation.
Join the journey & take the first step as our debut ESSENTIALZ cohort!
As you progress through the levels, we will adapt the training to both your needs & the needs of our ever-evolving global dance community. We look forward to growing with you in the years to come as we launch a new teacher-training level each year.
Check out our 8-level overview below…
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![ESSENTIALZ by ZTHEORY | Level 1]()
ESSENTIALZ - level 1
FOCUS: Core Principles & Movement Mindset Foundations
SUMMARY: This entry-level certification introduces instructors to the fundamental components of ZTHEORY movement technique, mindset integration, & classroom intention. Instructors learn how to lead a 45-minute ZTHEORY warm-up followed by stability exercises & are encouraged to incorporate these into their own personal class formats.
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Certified to integrate ZTHEORY fundamentals & warmup structure into personal classes.
(AUGUST 1st-3rd, 2025)
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![ZTHEORY Foundation Training Program | Level 2]()
FOUNDATION - level 2
FOCUS: Certification for 8-Week Beginner Heels Program
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: Instructors at this level are trained to deliver ZTHEORY’s signature 8-week foundation course. Training emphasizes sequencing, student progression, & the creation of a psychologically-safe learning environment.
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Authorized to teach & promote ZTHEORY’s 8-week FOUNDATION course under ZTHEORY’s name.
(coming in Summer 2026)
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![ZTHEORY's Immediate Training Program | Level 3]()
INTERMEDIATE - level 3
FOCUS: Technical & Pedagogical Growth
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: A non-certification tier focused on deepening one’s understanding of ZTHEORY’s methods through continued education. Instructors engage in advanced movement breakdowns, feedback training, & self-analysis.
CERTIFIED OUTCOME: No formal certification; continued developments through workshops, intensives, & mentorship.
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![ZTHEORY Academy Teacher Training | Level 4]()
ACADEMY - level 4
FOCUS: Certification for 12-Week Intermediate Program
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: This level grants instructors access to ZTHEORY’s intermediate 12-week curriculum. Emphasis is placed on mid-level student transformation, long-term class structuring, & community-building strategies.
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Certified to lead & sell ZTHEORY’s 12-Week ACADEMY course.
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![ZTHEORY's Advanced Heels Program | Level 5]()
ADVANCED - level 5
FOCUS: Mastery of Technique & Training Methods
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: Designed for seasoned instructors committed to honoring their personal technique & refining their teaching through rigorous, ongoing training.
CERTIFIED OUTCOME: No Specific program to teach; this is a mentorship-driven level dedicated to personal mastery & peer-reviewed excellence.
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![ZTHEORY Evolution Heels Program]()
EVOLUTION - level 6
FOCUS: Artistic Identity & Philosophical Application
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: Instructors explore how their unique voice & teaching style evolves within the ZTHEORY framework. They are challenged to innovate, integrate new forms, & lead with creative ownership while remaining grounded in ZTHEORY philosophy
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Recognized as a creative contributor to ZTHEORY’s ongoing evolution.
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![ZTHEORY's Legacy Training Program | level 7]()
LEGACY - level 7
FOCUS: Leadership & Brand Expansion
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: This level marks a full endorsement by ZTHEORY. Instructors are seen as thought leaders who not only teach the method but embody its values in ways that uplift & extend the brand. Legacy-level instructors may mentor others & contribute to curriculum development.
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Official ZTHEORY Mentor & Brand Representative
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![ZTHEORY's EXPERTZ Training Program]()
EXPERTZ - level 8
FOCUS: Global Expertise & Methodology Innovation
PREREQUISITES: all previous levels.
SUMMARY: This elite tier is reserved for visionary instructors who innovate within & beyond ZTHEORY. They may build signature programs, contribute to international training, & be invited to co-author future philosophies & practices of ZTHEORY.
CERTIFICATION OUTCOME: Recognized as a global ZTHEORY authority & co-creator of the next era of movement education.
ESSENTIALZ by ZTHEORY
Teacher Training & Certification Program
WHEN & WHERE:
AUGUST 1st: 6PM - 8PM at YAW THEATER
AUGUST 2nd: 10 AM - 2 PM at YAW THEATER
AUGUST 3rd: 10AM - 2PM at PITCH
PRICING:
Early Bird: $997
For all accepted applicants who submit their application by May 31st.2-month payment plans available / 498.5 (our most accessible option)
Standard: $1,197
For all accepted applicants who submit their application by June 30th.
Last-Minute: $1,297 (if space is still available)
Open Lecture Only (Day 1): $55
REGISTER FOR DAY 1 ONLY HERE
CERTIFICATION TERMS
Valid for 1 year from date of certificationIncludes ongoing mentorship with Natalya Z & instructor portal accessAnnual renewal application available at $200Continued education for next level available at a 20% discount (for this years cohort only)
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
1. PRE-TRAINING (JULY):
HEELS 101 Online Course ($97 value)
Personalized Virtual Feedback on your HEELS 101 homework from Natalya Z (submitted by July 26th, returned July 27th) ($155 value)
2. IN-PERSON WEEKENDER
(10 hours | AUGUST 1st - 3rd)
DAY 1: “Creating a Movement & Mindset Culture” Teaching Lecture
8/1 | 6 PM - 8 PM at YAW THEATER
*Open to the public* - ($55 Value)
DAY 2: Instructor Intensive & Technique Lab
8/2 | 10 AM - 2 PM at YAW THEATER
* Closed to the public * ($150 Value)
DAY 3: Testing & Evaluation
8/3 | 10 AM - 2 PM at Pitch & Roll
* Closed to the public * ($150 Value)
3. POST-CERTIFICATION:
4 private 45-minute ZOOM sessions check-ins with Natalya Z throughout the year ($620 Value)
1 year of access to the ZTHEORY Instructor Portal: ($200 Value)
Select Tutorial Library
Instructor chat forum
Continued education hub
Use of the ZTHEORY ESSENTIALZ Instructor title & branding (priceless)