By giving to the Society, you help make sure that there is continued support for a future generation of dance teachers and students.
Every year, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) supports dancers, teachers, and communities through a range of bursaries and awards designed to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for all. Our bursaries change lives -helping passionate individuals train, qualify, and share the joy of dance in communities around the world.
Your donation can help us reach even more people.
"I am honoured to support this campaign, which creates vital opportunities for aspiring dance teachers. Dance has given me so much throughout my life, and by supporting others to access training and opportunity, we can open doors, build confidence, and shape the future of our dance community. Your generosity can truly make a lasting difference.”
Shirley Ballas, ISTD President
Aspiring and developing teachers face significant financial barriers when trying to access training. The ISTD’s Teacher Training Bursary Scheme provides essential financial support to those wishing to train or progress as ISTD teachers across all genres.
Bursary programmes widen access, encourage progression and sustain teaching excellence and ensure that talent, passion, and commitment, not personal income, determine a teacher’s ability to train and thrive.
Helping individuals begin or progress their teaching qualifications, including:
Supporting teachers who are delivering community projects that broaden access to dance, including:
These awards fund innovative, impactful projects that open the doors of dance to people who may otherwise never have the chance to participate.
Testimonial
Teresa Vieira, Nominated Teacher
In recent years, demand for bursary support has significantly increased. Every contribution - large or small - has a tangible impact:
Every contribution helps us:
Together, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to teach, learn, and experience dance.
Testimonial
— Ayomi Tsalu, Sue Passmore Award Recipient
To date, the scheme has supported teacher training community dance projects, and access initiatives worldwide, including the USA, Italy, South Africa, the UAE and the UK. Your donation directly increases the number of teachers we can support and the number of communities that benefit from high‑quality, inclusive dance education.
“I’ve never been so grateful! The bursary came through right when I needed it. I was able to buy textbooks, teaching aids, hire studio space and renew my membership….”
— Georgina Thompson, DDE Bursary Recipient
The future of dance depends on the strength and diversity of its teachers. Supporting bursaries like these ensures that talent, not circumstance, determines who gets to train and succeed. I’m proud to champion a campaign that invests in the next generation and the continued excellence of our profession.
Anthony van Laast CBE
ISTD Vice President
Your generosity helps shape the next generation of dance teachers and transforms lives through dance. Make a donation
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, no. 00392978 and registered charity no. 250397.
© Copyright All Rights Reserved Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Further information can be found in our cookie policy.