The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

The examination structure of the ISTD is designed to cater equally for those who wish to progress to making dance their profession, either as a performer or dance teacher, and for those pursuing dance purely as a leisure activity.

“I will always believe in the quality that comes from the ISTD…I say to my students that their lessons and qualifications are an investment.” – Karen Hardy, Strictly Come Dancing and ISTD member

“The ISTD examination system is great because it provides reachable goals as opposed to dreams.” – Warren and Kristi Boyce, British National Ballroom Champions and ISTD members

“I enjoyed doing my ISTD Associate Ballroom enormously. I find the whole thing fascinating… I enjoy the mechanics and the technique of dance and the Associate was a great help.” – Anton Du Beke, Strictly Come Dancing and ISTD Associate holder

“My relationship with my dance teachers was very special and I felt very close to them. To this day I have amazing relationships with them as I have grown up.” – Charlie Bruce, former ISTD student and 2009 winner of the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance

“I think the ISTD is a structure that definitely needs to be in place for the growth of a dancer. I trained in ISTD Tap and Modern at Laine’s and I think syllabus work is a necessity.” – Matt Flint, former ISTD student and 2011 winner of the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance

“The grounding and technique that you get from ISTD training is really important for anyone that wants to have a career in dance. I’ve seen the syllabus grow and change over the years to accommodate current styles.” – Gary Lloyd, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Thriller Live

American Association of Dance

Examinations are taken in the Acrobatic Syllabus of the American Association of Dance