foundation in dance instruction

Foundation in Dance Instruction (FDI)

The focus of the Foundation in Dance Instruction is on the development of necessary evaluative and critical skills for teachers in relation to ISTD Graded Examinations up to and including Levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework, Level 1 being equivalent to GCSE grade D – G and Level 2 GCSE grade A – C.

Through tutoring, the candidate develops an understanding of the concepts essential to teaching dance without being required to put these into practice in the studio. This provides an essential basis and preparation for progression to the Certificate in Dance Education which includes supervised teaching practice.

The candidate maintains a portfolio of evidence of all units of the qualification which is moderated and standardised by the ISTD prior to certification.

This qualification has been accredited by QCA (Accreditation Number 100/4395/0) at level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework which is equivalent to A level standard.

Target Candidates

Entry Requirements:

Minimum age: 17 years within the academic year in which they are registered

Prior qualification: Intermediate examination of the ISTD or other QCA-approved awarding body in the chosen dance genre

This qualification is aimed primarily at candidates of 17 years of age who wish to prepare for the Certificate in Dance Education and become a teacher of dance.

The specific qualification breakdown is as follows:

Module 1 – Teaching Skills

Module 2 - Contextual Studies

Module 3 - Dance Practice

Module 1 – Teaching Skills

This Module is common to all dance genres and once attained does not have to be retaken when qualifying in another genre. This Module is assessed by the candidate's tutor

Unit 1 - Observation and Practice of Learning Techniques:

This unit is assessed via evidence of observations, feedback and confirmation of satisfactory assessment by an assigned tutor. The candidate is required to observe class instruction with a view to identifying:

the level and structure of the class
methods used to instruct the class and to pace activities
motivational techniques used
student reaction and progression
methods of correction employed

The candidate will:

discuss class content and teaching methods used with the tutor and peer group
discuss and practise learning techniques with the tutor and peer group

Module 2 - Contextual Studies

This module is common to all dance genres and once attained do not have to be retaken when qualifying in another genre.

Unit 2 - Promotion of Health and Safety in Dance

Unit 3 - Lifespan Development and Learning in Dance

These two units have individual Course Books which have been written as distance learning packages from which candidates can work in their own time with the support of their tutor or with the help of a distance learning tutor.

There are optional learning activities throughout the course book and also a task at the end of each section which must be completed by the candidate and marked and signed off by their tutor before they are able to enter for the Examination in each unit.

Module 3 - Dance Practice

This module is specific to each dance genre and the candidate may choose to take this module more than once to pursue the study of different dance genres.

Unit 4 - Dance Practice within a Chosen Dance Genre:

The candidate studies:

a specific dance of the Graded examinations in the Dance syllabus up to and including Grade 5 or Silver (Dance Sport)
the application of theory, technique, presentation and musicality within the syllabus
the arrangement of simple sequences of movement
the structure of the body and limitations on body movement to comply with the principles of safe dance practice
key stages in the physical and cognitive development in relation to the dance technique

Unit 5 – The Relationship between Music and Dance:

The candidate studies the following:

music content of the set exercises and free movement vocabulary in the Graded examinations in Dance syllabus up to and including Grade 5 or Silver (Dance Sport)
theory and value of musical time signatures
differences between counts and bars of music
application of counting, tonal quality and rhythmical phrasing
use of musical introduction
use of time signatures/rhythms in relationship to the teaching of individual steps/movements
application and understanding of speed, pace mood and rhythm to enhance and support dance teaching
relevance of the above when associated with choreography
appropriate use of music in pre-arranged choreography

Both Units 4 and 5 are assessed together by an ISTD examiner. The examination is in the form of an oral and practical assessment and both units combined last 90 minutes.

Unit 6 - Background to a Chosen Dance Genre:

This unit is assessed in the form of an assignment. The candidate should select a person, company, aspect of style or historical period relating to the chosen dance genre. They are then required to identify and evaluate a range of reference materials relating to the chosen topic.

It is important that the candidate writes an introduction explaining their chosen topic, for example, the focus of the task could be on the ‘choreographic style of Bob Fosse’, rather than simply a biography of Bob Fosse. The candidate should also list ands evaluate their sources, and conclude with a summary of their evaluation.

Comprehensive information regarding the Foundation in Dance Instruction is available from Approved Dance Centres in the form of a qualification syllabus. This syllabus is also available from the Education and Training Department at ISTD HQ. To order by email please click here.