Website
www.istd.org/southasian

History
Following a research project and proposal from Akademi, South Asian Dance in the UK, a new ISTD Faculty was set up in 1999 to examine in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, the two classical South Asian dance genres most frequently taught in the UK. Examining started in 2000 in various regions of the UK and enquiries from overseas, including India and Pakistan, are being received.

Bharatanatyam is the traditional dance, which evolved over many centuries in the temples of southern India. It highlights the beauty of strong lines leading out from the dancer's body and is embellished with intricately expressive hand gestures.

Kathak originated as a story telling art form in northern India. It developed in Hindu temples and later in Mogul courts. It is characterised by fluid body movements, complex patterns of footwork, fast turns and sudden stillness.

A precise interaction with traditional music characterises both these classical dance genres.

Examinations
There are six grades of examination in Bharatanatyam and six in Kathak. Grade 1 is intended for those with only one or two years of experience of dancing and thereafter, up to Grade 6, they progressively expect more experience, technique and repertoire. There are no minimum or maximum age limits; teachers are expected to judge the appropriate level of maturity and dance accomplishment of their students.

It is envisaged that more advanced examinations, up to a professional performing and teaching standard, will be added to the range as the take-up increases. Examinations in other South Asian dance genres may be added in the future if there is demand.

Syllabus
Outline syllabuses in Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been published and are available free of charge from ISTD. These have been evolved over several years of research, and represent the corporate view of distinguished dance gurus throughout the UK. They aim to preserve and develop the rich traditions of the dance while adapting to the many different cultures and contexts in which they are now practised.

Full detail of what should be learned for each Grade is set out in the Examination Specifications, available from the ISTD Bookshop at £6.50. These set out, in separate publications for Bharatanatyam and Kathak, the required skills, the movement vocabulary and the repertoire for each Grade, together with health and safety requirements and recommendations, the procedure for entering the examinations, lists of resources and an extensive glossary of terms.

Activities
The Faculty provides, from time to time in the UK, courses, workshops and celebrations. These aim to provide the appeal of dancing together, or more specific aims, such as explaining and publicising the syllabuses, studying Carnatic or Hindustani music, health and safe practice in the British environment, or the cultural background and theory underlying the dance. Activities may be arranged on request.