Website
www.istd.org/dfr

History
The Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll Faculty is one of the newest of all of the ISTD's Faculties, only being formed in 1990. Peggy Spencer MBE, Sydney Francis and Anne Lingard were responsible for steering the Faculty through its early development.

Aims
The aims of the Faculty are to create a sound and safe technique for Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll and Country Western Dance while understanding the need to allow freedom of expression and musical interpretation and to educate teachers that dance within this Faculty is an ever-changing art form. Modern music, trends and different cultures will always give us new challenges and material to introduce to our dancers.

Examinations
The basis of an excellent technique has helped to create a challenging examination system. Amateur Medal Tests follow the same structure as all the examinations within the Imperial Dance and Dance Sports Faculty. Every age and standard is catered for, from the colourful Under 6 and Under 8 Rosettes through the medal system to the Peggy Spencer Eight-Dance Award and the Rock 'n' Roll Shield.

Professional examinations may be commenced at Student Teacher through to Fellowship. At all levels teachers are required to have a good knowledge of anatomy and mechanics of the body with an understanding of dance preparations and techniques.

Activities
The Faculty has an annual Congress offering a wide variety of lectures with new material suitable for class and competition work. These Congress workshops also provide teachers with modern trends and new ideas. Successful medallists may enter the many Medallists' Competitions held throughout the country and the Imperial Championships are held annually, all exciting and prestigious events. Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll Associates who achieve a Highly Commended result in their examinations may be eligible to enter the coveted Phyllis Haylor Scholarship.

Country Western
In 1996 the Faculty conducted its first Country Western workshop. Regular professional workshops and study seminars are now held. With a syllabus covering Line, Western Partner and Freestyle Couples, the DFR Faculty has established a complete Amateur Medal Test system and professional Associate examination, with Licentiate soon to be implemented. An ISTD Country Western Festival is held annually. This is a popular event for Amateurs and Professionals with world class lecturers, top country bands and featuring all types of Western Dance.

The DFR Faculty is pleased to encourage and promote this popular dance style and above all welcomes the friendship and sharing of knowledge that emulates from the world of Western Dance.

Syllabi
Click here for more information on Disco/Freestyle/Rrock 'n' Roll Dance syllabi.