Website
www.istd.org/national

Aims
The aim of the National Dance Faculty is to bring the joy of European Folk Dance to all age levels. Folk dance develops a sense of community and awareness of others. The dancers have the opportunity to study traditional dances, costumes, music and customs.

The syllabus is wide in range and choice. It is designed to suit all teaching situations, embracing the National Curriculum, Community Dance, Dance Degrees and Ethnic studies. This leads to its creative use both in the classroom and the theatre. Folk Dance is important in the present dance scene and all aspects are covered within the National Dance Faculty.

Folk Dance Studies
The studies are a form of assessment for any age or ability. The dances are all traditional Folk Dances and the choice of countries can include European and Non-European. With each unit the dancers prepare projects on any aspect of the chosen country.

Grade Examinations
(Primary - Grade IV)
The Grades can be taken in two ways:
a) Folk
b) National Character

Folk Grades are similar to class tests with the teacher conducting the examination. All the dances chosen are traditional folk dances. National Character Grades blend traditional folk dances with a choreographed solo and group arrangement based on a folk theme or custom.

Dancers Medal Tests
(Junior and Senior, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Star)
The Medal Tests are designed purely as performance awards. Solos are arranged using traditional steps, music, patterns and themes. Style, performance, rhythm and musicality are taken into consideration.

Major Examinations
(Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced 1, Advanced 2)
The Majors can be taken in two ways:
a) Folk
b) National Character

The Major Examinations are intended as a progression from the grades and are a requirement for teaching qualifications.

Teaching Qualifications
(Associate, Associate Diploma, Licentiate, Licentiate Diploma, Fellowship)

The teaching qualifications provide the candidate with a thorough knowledge of European Folk Dance and its application.

On successfully completing an Associate Diploma the candidate will become a fully registered member of the ISTD.

Examinations
The Scottish Section has a very comprehensive range of examinations that cover all aspects and levels of the work. The dancer is able to progress through the popular One Dance Tests and Medal Tests to the professional and teaching qualifications of the Highland and Country Dancing, as in the National Faculty teaching qualifications.

Syllabi
Click here for more information on National syllabi.