We understand that joining a new awarding body can seem daunting, which is why we’ve designed a seamless pathway for teachers like you to enrich your teaching with the ISTD’s world-class resources and support.
Whether you're looking to broaden your teaching portfolio, enrich your students’ experience, or grow your own skills with trusted CPD, our Access to Membership route is designed with you in mind.
You don’t need to requalify – simply become a member and start accessing the benefits. If you’d like additional support as you begin your ISTD journey, you also have the option to purchase a tailored CPD package to help you confidently deliver our syllabi in your studio.
We welcome dance teachers holding equivalent teaching qualifications from other reputable organisations. Below is a table outlining the qualifications unconditionally accepted by the ISTD for membership:
Organisation |
Course Title/Level |
Notes |
RAD |
RAD BA Honours in Dance Education | Full achievement of Level 6 Degree required |
| Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education in Dance Education | ||
| BA Honours in Ballet Education | Full Degree qualification only | |
| Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma | ||
| MA in Education (Dance Teaching) | ||
| Level 4 Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) | Validated by RAD | |
| Licentiate of RAD | ||
BBO |
Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching is currently not accepted for ISTD Full Teaching membership. Qualification holders can join as Affiliate members. | Holders of a Level 4 BBO Diploma in Dance Teaching (60 credits) can use this as a partial exemption to top up to ISTD DDE in order to become Full Teaching ISTD members. Contact education@istd.org |
| Level 5 Diploma in Dance Teaching | ||
| Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Dance Teaching Practices | ||
IDTA |
Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching (Theatre) is currently not accepted for ISTD Full teaching membership. Qualification holders can join as Affiliate members. |
Holders of a Level 4 IDTA Diploma in Dance Teaching (Theatre) (60 credits) can use this as a partial exemption to top up to ISTD DDE in order to become Full Teaching ISTD members. Contact education@istd.org. |
| Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching in Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence and Freestyle | DanceSport members only | |
| Licentiate | ||
| Fellowship | ||
NATD |
Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching (Dancesport) | For Dancesport membership - only. |
|
|
Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching for Theatre genres is currently not accepted for ISTD Full teaching membership. Qualification holders can join as Affiliate members. | Holders of a Level 4 NATD Diploma in Dance Teaching (theatre) can use this as a partial exemption to top up to ISTD DDE in order to become Full Teaching ISTD members. Contact education@istd.org. |
The Cecchetti of Southern Africa (CSSA) |
Contact CSSA directly for joining information at cecchetti@yebo.co.za | |
Cecchetti Canada |
Associate (ACC-CICB) | |
| Associate Diploma (ADCC-CICB) | ||
| Licentiate (LCC-CICB) | ||
| Fellow (FCC-CICB) |
If your qualification is not listed above, please provide your qualification details in the below form and we will review on a case-by-case basis and come back to you accordingly. If you have any questions, please contact membership@istd.org.
Join the ISTD today and start delivering our world-class dance syllabi to your students.
As a member of the ISTD, you will gain access to our comprehensive range of dance syllabi, renowned for their technical depth, creativity, and artistry. Our teaching resources are designed to inspire both teachers and students, encouraging growth, artistic development, and a strong technical foundation.
Our syllabi cover a wide variety of dance styles, offering structured content that helps students develop as versatile and adaptable performers, preparing them for success in the dance industry.
With the ISTD, you can teach across a wide range of dance genres. From ballet and modern to tap, and street dance, our versatile syllabi cater to a diverse spectrum of dance styles. This allows you to offer your students a rich, well-rounded dance education that prepares them for a range of opportunities in the industry. Check out our CPD packages (outlined below) designed to support your teaching.
We’ll guide you through the process of integrating our syllabi into your teaching practice. You’ll receive all the support needed to confidently deliver ISTD examinations and provide a world-class learning experience for your students.
As a member of the ISTD, you gain access to a global network of professional dance educators, exclusive professional development opportunities, marketing support, and more.
Start today with our CPD packages in Imperial Classical Ballet and Cecchetti Classical Ballet , Modern Theatre and Tap.
Enhance your teaching expertise with our comprehensive CPD training, each course offers a unique approach to developing technically strong, artistically expressive dancers.
Our dedicated CPD programmes offer 50 hours of in-depth syllabus training, available both in-person and online, designed to help you confidently deliver the ISTD’s world-renowned syllabi, all supporting syllabus learning materials and 6 hours of introductory sessions to the ISTD – with dedicated sessions on entering students for ISTD exams and marketing your business.
*Please note that it is not compulsory to purchase a CPD package if you wish to become a member of the ISTD via this route. It is however advised so that you can take up the opportunity to learn the detail of the work to deliver to your students accurately and confidently.
*This package is available to existing ISTD members as well as those joining via this route.
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