Official Opening of ISTD2

Leading figures from the dance world gathered on Thursday 22nd September for the official opening of ISTD2, the new ISTD dance studios complex at 346 Old Street, London. The reception had been scheduled for the 7th July but due to the tragic events on that day in London had been postponed.

The Reception marked the culmination of an extensive search by the Society to acquire premises to provide its members and their students excellent facilities for examinations, courses and meetings.

In officially opening the building, the President of the Society, Peggy Spencer MBE said: “Today is a celebration of a ‘dream come true’. The ISTD has for a very long time wanted a ‘working’ building to accommodate the many activities that are part of the ISTD life - and now we have that building.”

After searching for more than 5 years to find a suitable building which had the scope for conversion and was also in a good location, the ISTD successfully acquired the freehold of 346 Old Street in London. In February the developers City Axis were appointed to handle the refurbishment and by the end of May all major works were completed so that the building was operational on the 1st June.

Peggy Spencer went on to say: ‘I would like to thank Michael Browne, Chief Executive, and his PA Susanne Beaumont for all their hard work in seeing this project through, and also many thanks to Jonathan Singleton, Head of Marketing and Publicity, and his department for their involvement throughout this exciting project’

Guests had the opportunity to tour this superb facility across five floors. Beautifully refurbished to the highest standard, the building is now home to 3 large dance studios, meeting and lecture rooms.

The building also provides an excellent gallery space and currently plays host to The Passion of Dance photographic exhibition, with further exhibitions planned for 2006. ISTD2 is already proving popular and in the next issue of DANCE we will take a look inside the building so that you can see for yourself this excellent facility. In the meantime, if you are in London why not pop in to take a look at the facilities.

Left to right: Dame Beryl Grey DBE, Robert Grover & Peggy Spencer MBE
Photograph by Elaine Mayson