Dance Exchange 2026 promises an inspirational programme.

Find out about the content of our lectures here and what you can expect throughout the day.

A warm welcome awaits you from our Faculty Committee when the doors open at 8.45am. There will be an opportunity to socialise and network with other teachers and ask Committee any questions you may have about membership or our syllabi.

(Note, if you are participating, please ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear)

Warm-up with  Mia Simpson
Start your day with us in the right way!  You will be taken through your paces to ensure that you are ready to participate in our high energy day.
 
Bronze to Silver Freestyle with Emma Mannion
How to bridge the gap from Bronze to Silver Freestyle routines.
 
Street Solos for competitions with  Yaw Darko
What should be included in street solo routines and what judges will be looking for
 
Grade 4 Freestyle Syllabus with  Joanna Bevan
A teacher training session giving an overview of Grade 4

Bronze & Below Solo routine with Daisy-May Ayling
How to prepare the lower grades for this slow style. Showing routines suitable for this grade.

U6/U8 class presentation with  Anna Knowles
Tricks and tips to keep our younger students engaged in the class setting. Getting them ready for exams and presentations

Teacher's support - Q & A
Ask the DFR Committee anything from exam to competitions!

Rock n Roll teaching methods for Gold Star with Mandy Pearce
How to prepare students for Gold Star level plus choreographic ideas 

Dance Etiquette for exams & competitions with Paul Streatfield 
'Do's and Don'ts'. Encouraging pupils how to behave on exam days and at competitions
 
Gold Star Freestyle routine for class with Laura Rampton
A suitable fast freestyle routine for this high level examination and what is expected.

Set Dance Presentation with DFR Committee
The first reveal of our new dances for 2027 and learn some of the routines
 
Cool down with  Mia Simpson 
A cool down for the final part of our day. Essential to ensure injuries are minimised. 
 

Daisy-May Ayling

Daisy started dancing at the age of 5 at one of the longest running dance schools in Portsmouth Iris Barnes school of Dance, training in many different styles. 

At age 14 Daisy started to assist in lower school classes and discovered her love for teaching, going on to train at Roynon dance centre at the age of 16.

By the age of 20 Daisy had completed her qualification in Tap, Modern Theatre, Imperial Ballet & Disco Freestyle with the ISTD and became certified by the Acrobatic Arts. 

In addition most recent years completing ISTD associate Rock’n’Roll and Licentiate Disco Freestyle, 

Previous students of Daisy’s have gone on to be accepted into the Top rated Dance colleges in the country, such as Birds, Performers, Laines and many more. 

With over 10 years of teaching experience Daisy is excited to offer her knowledge on one of her most favourite topics (lyrical Dance). 

Yaw Darko

Yaw is a seasoned dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over a decade of experience in the dance industry. Starting his journey at 19, he quickly rose to prominence, competing in high-profile events like the UK Hip Hop Championships and various UDO Championships. Notably, in 2006, he claimed 1st place at the Southern UDO Championships and secured 2nd place at the UDO World Championships.

Yaw’s performance credits include prestigious shows such as Move It, Dancers Delight, Breakin' Convention, World of Dance, and Breakout, where he not only performed but also played a pivotal role in choreographing, often serving as the lead choreographer. His recent choreography for his Locking piece at the 2021 Dancers Delight and his group, Funk of the Future, which performed at the main stage of the 2022 Move It show, exemplifies his leadership and creative vision in the dance community.

A passionate educator, Yaw has shared his expertise across Europe, teaching in countries including Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania,Germany, Denmark, Scotland, and Wales. He has also developed and organised the Funk of the Future Training Academy in London, a program dedicated to teaching the history, culture, and techniques of street dance. Additionally, Yaw is a respected member of the dance judging community, having lent his expertise to numerous competitions across the UK.

In recognition of his artistry and contribution to the industry, Yaw was nominated as Male Choreographer of the Year at the UK Dance Awards in 2019 and 2023. He also regularly teaches Locking at Diversity Studios and serves as the official host for British Dance Organisation street dance and UK HIP HOP Championships competitions nationwide. He is also a practitioner for royal academy of dance's step up into the dance program

Anna Knowles

I am one of the Principals of the AK Academy of Dancing in Dorset, a well-established, family-run business that has been inspiring dancers since 1992. With decades of experience both teaching and developing students, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of training while creating a positive, supportive environment for all.

I hold L.I.S.T.D qualifications in Disco Freestyle and Rock’n’Roll, alongside a DDE (Diploma in Dance Education) in Tap and Modern. I am also certified in Acrobatic Arts, further enhancing the breadth of training offered to students across multiple disciplines. My commitment to continued professional development has led me to gain additional certifications as a COD Chair Based Dance & Movement instructor and a 4D Pro Bungee Fitness instructor, allowing me to deliver inclusive, innovative and engaging classes for a wide range of ages and abilities.

As part of AK Academy of Dancing, I am proud to contribute to a legacy of excellence, with students regularly achieving outstanding results in examinations, competitions and performances. I am passionate about nurturing confidence, discipline and a love for dance in every individual, whether they are dancing recreationally or pursuing a professional pathway.

Through a combination of experience, qualifications and dedication, I strive to set high standards and inspire the next generation of dancers.

Emma Mannion 

Emma Mannion is an accomplished dance educator, school principal, and adjudicator with over two decades of industry expertise. Since becoming an Associate member of the society and establishing her London-based dance academy in 2001, Emma has dedicated her career to nurturing dancers across all ages and abilities in the DFR genres. 

Her training methodology has launched numerous alumni into the UK’s most prestigious dance colleges, leading to successful careers as West End performers, commercial television dancers and dance school owners.​ A champion of dancer progression, Emma has successfully guided many students through DFR medal tests and graded examinations. 

Beyond the studio, Emma is deeply committed to community impact, having raised thousands of pounds for charity through dance school events and is proud to hold a level two TQUK qualification in understanding children and young people's mental health. 

Professionally, Emma also holds an Associate ISTD qualification in Rock and Roll, a Licentiate qualification in Freestyle with the IDTA, and serves as a respected ISTD and ADFP adjudicator. Guided by a passion for maintaining industry standards, she is currently working toward becoming an ISTD examiner.

Mandy Pearce

Mandy is a Disco Freestyle, Rock n Roll, Ballroom Latin and Sequence teacher and has the privilege of being an ISTD Examiner in Disco Freestyle and Rock n Roll.

She is also an adjudicator for both ISTD and ADFP competitions.

For many years Mandy trained and taught with Yvonne Taylor-Hill until 2020 when she had the pleasure of opening a family run dance school and is now teaching with her daughters.

Mandy has over 40 years of teaching experience and loves teaching all levels and ages of dancers.

She is passionate about teaching all genres of dance but her absolute favourite is Rock n Roll.

Mandy is honoured to be presenting a Rock n Roll lecture for the ISTD Dance Exchange 2026.

Mia Simpson

Mia is a passionate and dedicated teacher at KliKs Dance Academy, an established academy since 1997.  Having started dancing at the early age of 2, dance has always played a fundamental role in her life and has shaped both her personal and professional journey.

Growing up immersed in dance, Mia developed a strong foundation in performance, technique, and artistic expression. She holds an ISTD Associate qualification in Disco Freestyle and  is passionate about continuous development. She is currently training to expand her knowledge and expertise across additional areas of the industry. She believes that ongoing learning enables her to provide the best possible experience for her students while staying current with new developments and teaching practices.

Mia strives to create a welcoming environment where students can build confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their individual goals. She takes great pride in helping dancers grow both technically and personally, encouraging a genuine love and appreciation for the art.

As a valued member of the KliKs Dance Academy team, Mia is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, experience, and expertise with the next generation of performers.

Mia is grateful for the opportunity from the ISTD faculty to lecture both the Warm up & Cool Down at Dance Exchange 2026.  

Lecturers

In the instance of a change to availability, we may need to find an alternative lecturer (than the one originally scheduled) to lead a course. This will not affect the content covered in the course.

CPD hours

All hours stated next to each course refer to the earned CPD hours. This will be reflected on each certificate of attendance that you will receive.

Further questions

If you have any further questions, please contact dfr@istd.org and a member of the team will get back to you.

Terms and Conditions

A media consent form must be completed by parents/carers/guardians confirming consent for any images/video footage taken during this event to be used for marketing and publicity purposes by the ISTD. Images and video footage may be kept and used by the Society for any promotional purposes for up to two years.

The ISTD accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or damage to you, persons around, your property or your identity.

The ISTD reserves the right to cancel or amend any session within this event and these terms and conditions without notice. Any changes to the event will be notified to participants as soon as possible by the organiser.

No refunds are payable once a ticket has been purchased and payment received.

This event relies on a certain number of entries being received. If insufficient entries are received the event may not be viable and in this case entry fees will be returned.

Sales open now

Early Bird ISTD Members - £60.00

From 1 July 2026

ISTD Members standard - £65.00

ISTD Non Members standard - £85.00