| History
Zelia
Raye was a dynamic pioneer of dance in the 1920s. Her article
Limbering and Stretching, which appeared in the Dancing Times
(1927) and her book Rational Limbering, offered a revoltionary
approach to dancing. As a result of Raye's ideas the ISTD
established the Stage Branch (later to become the Modern Theatre
Faculty) in 1932 and invited Zelia Raye to create the first
syllabus.
Aims
Modern
Theatre Dance defies a single permanent definition. This is
largely due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with
the changing fashion in dance. Through a carefully planned
and well-tried examination syllabus, which combines modern
dance, jazz and other dance styles, young people are trained
to become disciplined and versatile dancers who have a professional
attitude towards dance.
Activities
At
the ISTD Congress the Faculty's programme reflects the diversity
of modern dance as invited guests from the theatre give lecture
demonstrations. By maintaining close ties with the profession
the Faculty ensures that the syllabuses reflect the trends
in the theatre. Courses are organised throughout the country
and abroad and these ensure that the standards of quality
are maintained at a national and international level.
A
highlight of the calendar is the Janet Cram Awards. The Junior,
Senior and Premier awards are for boys and girls from 8 -
16 years old who are trained in the work of the faculty.
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