Faculties
There is a myriad of dance styles throughout the world and ISTD teachers offer a range of dance styles to cater for everyone’s interests, whether you wish to attend classes once a week for fun or undertake professional training.
The ISTD is formed into twelve Faculties which cover many forms of theatrical, recreational and social dance. Each one has its own distinct identity as well its own Faculty colour.
The Imperial Dance & Theatre Faculties include Classical Ballet (both Cecchetti Ballet and Imperial Ballet syllabi), Classical Greek Dance, Classical Indian Dance, National Dance, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance.
The Imperial Dance & Dance Sport Faculties include Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence, Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll and Club Dance.
In addition to the Natural Movement Group there is also the Dance Research Committee, which provides courses in Historical Dance.
Click here for more information about our various syllabi and to download our syllabus outlines.
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Cecchetti Classical Ballet
The Cecchetti classical ballet technique was developed by Enrico Cecchetti in Italy. The technique was developed to prepare dancers in the technique of ballet through a series of set daily exercises that have been passed through the generations.
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Classical Greek
This dance form comes from Ancient Greece and is based upon the natural movements of the body. The movements are expressive and range from lyrical to dynamic athletic sequences. Dancers perform barefoot, wearing tunics and often use props such as scarves, ribbons or bows.
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Classical Indian Dance
This umbrella term encompasses dance styles which originated from the continent of India. The main traditional styles we see in the United Kingdom are Bharatanatyam and Kathak, although many other styles are taught and performed.
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Club Dance
This umbrella term encompasses dance styles which have origins in Social Dance. They are dances which have often been developed along side a particular musical styles and are mainly seen in social settings, danced in pairs. Club or Social dance is constantly evolving, truly improvised dances, although each style has its own unique technique.
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Dance Research Committee
The Dance Research Committee aims to bring the History of Western European dance to life through a practical experience of dances from the 12th - 19th centuries.
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Disco, Freestyle & Rock 'n' Roll
Disco Freestyle is a modern dance form which came about in the 1970s in America, however today it is seen all over the world on stage, in competitions and in clubs. This genre includes runs, spins, kicks and leaps, with combinations of different arm and hand gestures
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Imperial Classical Ballet
The roots of Imperial Classical Ballet stem from the early days of the ISTD and the first written syllabus in 1913 which was based on the teaching of the French School from the Paris Opéra. The syllabus has now evolved to promote the English classical style and address the changing needs of Ballet dancers today.
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Latin American
The dance forms of Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba and Samba are couples dances which derived from Latin American countries. They are performed in competitions, similar to Ballroom dance, and in dance clubs and festivals. They are generally known for their fast pace and expressive rhythm.
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Modern Ballroom
This dance style includes several techniques such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Ballroom Tango. These are all social dances which were seen throughout Western Society from around the beginning of the twentieth century. These dance techniques vary in style but are all partner dances; today they are most commonly seen at competitions, at social gatherings or on stage.
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Modern Theatre
Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which originated in America before travelling to the rest of the world. It is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. This is a highly energetic dance style.
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National
This genre covers a wide range of European Folk Dance including Scottish, Finnish, Danish and English to name but a few. These traditional dances were developed by communities in the corresponding country and help provide a sense of community and awareness of others.
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Natural Movement Group
Natural Movement is a form of dance based on a comparatively simple technique using the natural actions of human movement. It relies on a sensitive understanding of music as the inspiration for physical response and creative expression. Thus the work is a particularly accessible dance experience for children, students and adults.
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Sequence
This dance genre gained its name from dances arranged to fit a 16 bar section of music, which can be repeated. The main styles performed in Sequence are Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence and Latin Sequence.
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Tap Dance
This has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world, with debate about its origins coming from African dance, Irish dance and/or clog dancing. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms, with dancers wearing tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give the distinctive sound. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals.
