5 September 2026
The ISTD has today launched Support Dance Teaching, a new fundraising campaign dedicated to helping aspiring dance teachers access life-changing opportunities through bursaries, awards and funding support.
Launching on 5 September, International Day of Charity, the campaign aims to raise vital funds to ensure more people can access teacher training, professional development and opportunities that may otherwise be financially out of reach.
Built around the message "Your gift. Their dance teaching future.", Support Dance Teaching celebrates the vital role dance teachers play in shaping lives, communities and the future of the profession. The campaign is supported by leading voices from across the dance industry, including ISTD President Shirley Ballas and ISTD Vice Presidents Anthony van Laast CBE and Shobana Jeyasingh, whose contributions underline the importance of investing in the next generation of dance teachers.
Every year, the ISTD supports aspiring and qualified teachers through a range of bursaries and awards. These opportunities help individuals access teaching qualifications, develop professionally and deliver impactful dance initiatives within their communities.
As demand for support continues to grow, the campaign seeks to secure and expand these opportunities for future generations, helping to remove financial barriers, broaden access to dance and empower future educators.
Investing in the future of dance teaching
Through the campaign, donations will help support individuals to access training and qualifications, undertake professional development and create opportunities for others through dance. Examples of the impact donations can make include £15 helping a trainee purchase an essential syllabus book, £20 supporting travel to in-person training sessions, £35 contributing towards teaching resources and practice materials, and £70 supporting Continuing Professional Development training.
Shirley Ballas, ISTD President, said: "Training costs, access to resources, and opportunity can stand in the way of incredibly talented people. And that means we risk losing passionate, dedicated individuals before they even get started. That’s why ISTD Teaching Bursaries are so important. They provide vital financial support - helping teachers begin their training, continue developing, and bring dance to their communities."
Anthony van Laast CBE, ISTD Vice President, said: "As someone who has spent a lifetime working in theatre and dance, I know how vital strong, well-trained teachers are to every stage of our industry. Behind every performer is a teacher who inspired them, guided them and gave them the confidence to succeed. This campaign helps ensure that talented individuals, regardless of background, can train, develop their craft and go on to inspire others. I’m proud to support an initiative that invests in the future of dance, both on and off the stage."
Shobana Jeyasingh, ISTD Vice President, said: "Every teacher supported goes on to influence countless students, communities and future dance-makers."
Already, more than 100 teachers around the world have received bursary support, helping them build sustainable futures in dance.
Recipients of ISTD support have already demonstrated the wider impact of these opportunities. Ayomi Tsulu, recipient of an ISTD Sue Passmore Award, described the funding as giving her project "wings to fly", helping to redefine what is possible for Nigerian ballet students. Michelle Clark, recipient of ISTD Project Funding, said the support helped establish and expand dance programmes that now reach schools, community groups and people with Parkinson’s, mental illness, dementia and Down Syndrome.
Opening doors through dance
The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the growing demand for bursary support and the difference donations can make.
By supporting Support Dance Teaching, donors will help the ISTD continue its commitment to removing barriers, widening participation and creating opportunities for aspiring teachers and communities across the dance sector.
Whether you're a member, dance teacher, supporter or simply believe in the power of dance education, your contribution can help open doors for the next generation of teachers.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps remove barriers to training, development and opportunity.
Donate today and help shape a future where talent, passion and potential are never limited by financial circumstances. Find out more and support the campaign here.
