ISTD Performance Awards FAQs

The ISTD Performance Awards are progressive, performance-focused dance examinations designed to celebrate creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.

They do not assess technique or choreography - only performance skills. These awards offer a flexible, inclusive pathway suitable for a wide range of teaching contexts.

Any dancer aged 5 and above can enter. There are no upper age limits, prior qualifications, or prerequisites.

They are ideal for:

• Any dancer that loves to perform
• Dancers who are in academic school settings
• Dancers in competitive schools seeking additional performance opportunities
• Dancers who thrive in a low-pressure creative environment
• Dancers not yet ready for a full syllabus exam

Bookings opened February 2026, with examinations beginning April 2026.

No. Technique and choreography are not assessed. Examiners focus exclusively on performance qualities such as confidence, projection, expression, and audience engagement.

No. There is no set syllabus. Teachers and dancers create their own choreography in any style, but must be age and level appropriate.

Any dance style or genre may be used. This includes ISTD and non‑ISTD techniques, fusions, cultural forms, or original work.  There are no restrictions.
Below are the styles listed in the official specification:

Approved Dance Styles
Ballet
Fusion
Musical Theatre
Bharatanatyam
Global / International
National Dance
Bollywood
Hip Hop
Natural Movement
Classical Greek
Jazz
Other (for any style not listed)
Contemporary
Kathak
Street
Commercial
Lyrical
Tap
Folk
Modern Theatre

When booking through Quest, you’ll be able to select from these styles using the drop‑down menu. If your style isn't included, simply choose “Other” and provide a short description.

There are:

• Six progressive stages, and
• Four entry categories:
  • Solo
  • Duet
    Trio
  • Group (up to 30 dancers)

Each stage builds performance skills from fundamental confidence to advanced artistry

• Stage 1: Participate with commitment
• Stage 2: Fundamental performance skills
• Stage 3: Increasing awareness of performance skills
• Stage 4: Sound performance skills
• Stage 5: Established performance skills
• Stage 6: Advanced performance skills
   

No. Teachers can enter dancers at any stage appropriate to their current performance ability.

Broadly:

• Stages 1–3: Generally comparable to lower grades (Grades 1–3)
• Stages 4–6: Generally comparable to Grades 4 and upwards to vocational levels

• Solo      1 min to 2 mins 30 seconds
• Duet     1 min 30 seconds to 3 mins
• Trio       1 min 30 seconds to 3 mins
• Group  2 to 5 mins
   

Set Syllabus dances can be used as a base of for the dance, however they must match the time requirements for each dance and level as stated in the specification.

Yes, but with consideration of the criteria of the Stage they are being entered at as they have one mark awarded.

Yes. Dancers may enter multiple Performance Awards in the same session, provided they are at different stages or in different categories. They may also perform multiple genres at the same stage.

Assessment is based solely on performance skills. To pass, dancers must meet 4 out of 10 criteria, resulting in:

• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction

Exams can take place:

• In person
• Via livestream
• As remote recorded examinations
  All formats include a practice run prior to the final performance.

Successful dancers receive:

• A certificate
• A feedback report with an examiner comment
• An individual badge

Solo/duet/trio dancers receive individual feedback; groups receive collective feedback, but all dancers receive their own certificate and badge.

Any appropriate dancewear or costume is acceptable. Costumes and props are optional and not assessed.

Teachers with Full Theatre Teaching membership can book via Quest, selecting the relevant stage, genre, and category.

Yes. Teachers can request reasonable adjustments (e.g., extra practice time, a demonstrator) at least 28 days before the exam date.

Enquiries and appeals are not available for Performance Awards.

However, if a teacher believes that there is clerical error, this check can be requested within 10 working days from the date the result was issued online

The full specification is available on the ISTD website:
https://www.istd.org/examinations/istd-performance-awards/