The DFR faculty host a number of competitions and events throughout the year.
Area Medallist Competitions
Imperial Society of Teachers of Teachers of Dancing members may enter their pupils into our popular Medallist Competitions. On passing a Disco/Freestyle medal test, pupils may enter various events, including the DFR Set Dance Competition, Rock n Roll, DFR pairs and solos. These events are held throughout the country and successful finalists are eligible to attend the DFR Grand Finals day, held annually in Guildford.
Details about all area competitions can be found on our website: https://www.istd.org/events/dfr-competitions/
DFR Set Dance
Entries are now open for choreography submissions for the DFR Set Dances for 2027.
We are once again inviting choreographers to submit suitable routines for consideration for 2027. This year, as an ISTD member you can submit choreography for any level, and we especially welcome routines to be considered for our higher levels.
All submissions must be uploaded by 27 February 2026. Following this date, the selection panel will meet to discuss all submissions, and you will be informed if your routine has been selected once this has taken place. If successful further notes or clarification may be requested and a count sheet will be required to assist filming.
Useful information for consideration:
- Dances must be repeatable, either 8, 12 or 16 bars (8 bars only for Bronze and below routines)
- All submissions are welcome. There will be no suggested list this year but please be mindful to avoid the same dance category as 2026.
- Consider the choreography; make it interesting, unique and something that will inspire our competitors in their examinations and on the competition floor.
- When filming your submission the teacher or demonstrator dances facing camera and backing camera twice through.
- Film ONE STUDENT ONLY of a relevant age and level dancing twice through facing the front only. Teaching your routine to a whole class may jeopardize selection, as your students may be seen to have an unfair advantage.
- Name the video clearly with Your name, the Age category and Genre type.
Please upload all choreography via this link: DFR Set Dance 2027 - submissions
All submissions must be uploaded by 27 February 2026
Good luck! We look forward to watching your routines next year!
Grand Finals 2026 - Adapted dance section
Following its successful introduction in 2025, we are expanding the Adapted dance section at Grand Finals 2026. This section is for dancers who may require additional support to achieve at our events. It allows us to open up access, encourage more children to be part of Grand Finals and enjoy competing.
Grand Finals 2026 -DFR Grades event
Open to those who have taken DFR graded examinations, this will take place as a “class-led” session, where pupils will be involved in a 45-minute class learning new exercises/routines. Competitors will then have the opportunity to perform this in the main arena where they will be adjudicated and prizes awarded. Teachers will need to register all entries in advance and all competitors will need to have passed the relevant examination. Further details to follow for those who wish to enter.
Dance Exchange
The DFR Faculty hosts an annual congress with a wide variety of lectures; providing choreography ideas for examinations, class, and competition work as well as help and advice regarding syllabi.
Our programme will be released in January, so keep an eye on the website for further information.
