Website
www.istd.org/tap

History
The glossary and tap technique were originally compiled by the founder Zelia Raye for what was then known, in 1932, as the Stage Branch. The work was developed and adapted further by Janet Cram and Tom Parry, Marjorie Davies, Gwen Carter and Moyra Gay, whose publications Modern Tap Technique and The Basic Technique of Tap are the standard text books.

Tap for All
Apart from being an essential skill for the professional dancer, tap dance is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of recreational dance. The work of the Faculty reflects this by providing extensive syllabi for the amateur market in addition to the children's and professional syllabi.

Examinations
The Faculty offers a series of examinations from Children's grades through to professional teaching qualifications. The grade and the major syllabi were revised in the 1980s to reflect the influence of American Tap on British Musical Theatre. In addition there are:

Medal Tests
For children, students and the amateur adult. These are shorter exams designed to encourage good rhythm, style and technique.

Popular Tap Tests
A series of progressive tests to develop the work for beginners by laying down the essential technical rhythmic skills.

Activities
At the ISTD Congress the programme reflects the diversity of the Faculty as invited guests from the theatre give lecture demonstrations. By maintaining the close ties with the profession the Faculty ensures that the syllabi reflect the trends in the theatre. Courses are organised throughout the country and abroad. These ensure that standards of quality are maintained at a national and international level.

A highlight of the calendar is the Marjorie Davies Star Tap Awards. The Junior and Senior awards are for boys and girls who are trained in the work of the Faculty.

Syllabi
Click here for more information on Modern Theatre - Tap syllabi.