18 May 2026
With a dedicated history at the ISTD, Mary Cooke brings a wealth of experience to her work as an Imperial Classical Ballet examiner. Her connection to the Society began with her early training, which sparked a love of dance across multiple genres. This foundation laid the groundwork for a teaching career that spanned prestigious schools, leadership roles, and the creation of innovative training environments.
Her years as an Imperial Ballet examiner have given her a unique view of how the syllabus is taught and delivered in studios around the world.
Reflections from South Africa
It is always a privilege to represent the ISTD on an international tour, and each one is both rewarding and enriching.
The preparation for any tour is a detailed collaboration between the teachers and the ISTD International Examinations team. Gradually, the many moving parts come together like a complex jigsaw. For this tour, Chelsea Fox supported the process and kept an eye on my flights and travel stages throughout. I’m pleased to say everything ran smoothly.
It was my first time conducting in-person exams in South Africa, and the tour began in Johannesburg. I arrived at a beautiful studio set in the teacher’s garden, surrounded by birdsong and reached by a jacaranda tree-lined driveway.
"The day opened with two excited young candidates whose enthusiasm and love of dance immediately set the tone for the rest of the tour."
This sense of joy continued throughout the tour and accompanied me all the way to Cape Town. I met a wide range of candidates from diverse backgrounds, each one showing real commitment and expressing their love of dance through their performance.
I was lucky enough to have a pianist most of the time, thus allowing musicality, which is such an integral part of the ICB work, to shine through.
Some students shared the personal challenges they faced to get to class, which made it especially meaningful to see so many progressing to their teaching exams. It was heartening to know the syllabus will continue to be passed on with such integrity. It was a remarkable tour - such a treat.
