10 September 2026
"The foundation of everything I do"
"I began my classical ballet training at Escuela Profesional de Danza Coppelia's Ballet in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, under the ISTD system. From the beginning, my development was shaped by the guidance of Frida Yosif, an ISTD Fellowship teacher whose artistic vision and teaching laid the foundation of my discipline."
For Quetzalcóatl, studying towards ISTD exams was about much more than passing assessments. The structured progression helped him develop technical clarity, musical sensitivity and a strong sense of responsibility towards the art form.
"Those early years taught me consistency and discipline. They gave me the technical foundation that continues to support my work today."
Achieving Advanced 1
That commitment led Quetzalcóatl to achieve ISTD Advanced 1, a level that requires strength, precision and interpretative maturity.
"Working towards Advanced 1 challenged me to develop not only technically, but artistically. It taught me how to perform with intention, not just execute steps."
The achievement also opened doors, helping him gain a place at La Superior de Danza de Monterrey, one of Mexico's most demanding professional institutions.
Taking ISTD training to the international stage
Quetzalcóatl's journey continued when he was selected for the Prix de Lausanne and awarded a full scholarship to the Hamburg Ballet School.
"When I arrived in Hamburg, I was introduced to a completely different artistic environment. But the discipline and technical precision I had developed through my ISTD training gave me the confidence to adapt and grow."
In Hamburg, he immersed himself in the Neumeier style, broadening his artistic range while building on the strong foundation established during his ISTD training.
A foundation that lasts
Quetzalcóatl was later invited by John Neumeier to perform with the company and join its international tours, marking his transition from student to professional dancer.
"The opportunities I've had since graduating all build on the same foundation. The discipline, musicality and attention to detail that I learned through ISTD training continue to shape me as a performer."
He would later return to the Prix de Lausanne as a performer in the Young Creation category, winning First Prize for his interpretation of new choreography.
More than an exam
Quetzalcóatl's story highlights one of the greatest benefits of ISTD exams: they are not simply assessments of progress. They help dancers develop technical excellence, resilience, artistry and confidence, creating a foundation that can support future training and professional opportunities.
"My journey has taken me from ISTD Advanced 1 under the guidance of Frida Yosif, to Lausanne, Hamburg and beyond. Looking back, I can see how important that foundation was. It gave me the tools to grow as both a dancer and an artist."
Find out more
Whether taking that first dance exam or working towards advanced vocational levels, ISTD exams provide a structured pathway for progression, achievement and artistic development.
Discover more about the benefits of ISTD exams and how they can support every stage of a dancer's journey.
