Celebrating 120 years We reflect on our extraordinary heritage and take inspiration for the Society’s future.
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The ISTD has been an anchor to my dance practice, a place where I can be assured of quality, professionalism, support and connection to the dance sector. Tom Hobden, ISTD Trustee
Michael Elliott, Chair of Council, proudly highlights the ISTD’s 120-year history of leadership in dance teaching excellence and qualifications development, spanning graded exams to fellowships in multiple genres. The original aim of our founders was the elevation and advancement of the art of dancing, whilst improving the standard of work and teaching throughout the UK. Since then, the world has changed beyond all recognition – from one in which electricity was a rare luxury and horse drawn transport the norm, to a world in which we can connect and access information from across the globe within milliseconds. Today, we have a bold vision and strategy for the future development of our qualifications, support of members and their businesses, and advocacy for greater access, equity, diversity, and inclusion in dance within formal and informal education. Whilst the circumstances we all face today are very different to those in 1904, I am confident that the appetite for progression and achievement in, and enjoyment of dance will continue to flourish. Our collective task will be to continue to adapt and evolve to meet a rapidly changing environment, as we have done throughout the last 120 years. I am inspired by the creativity, quality and dedication of the Society’s members, staff, examiners, and lecturers, and the commitment, vision, and contribution of my fellow Trustees. Working together, I am confident that even greater times lie ahead for our guiding role in providing the very best in the leadership, teaching and learning of dance. Michael Elliott, Chair of Council
Ginny Brown, Chief Executive, is excited about our special anniversary year, inviting us to honour our past and envision our future. Join us for a fantastic year of networking events. Over the coming year we will be remembering some of the Society’s key contributors by sharing special memories from those who have shaped the ISTD and we will take inspiration from this heritage to guide our future growth and development. Below are a few highlights of what to expect over the coming year. New syllabus Breaking will make its first appearance in the Olympics next year. In preparation, we are launching a refreshed Street Dance syllabus, supported by digital resources and CPD from April 2024, so that you are ready to respond to increased public interest in this dance form. Our Street Dance syllabus is available to all members, so book onto a course and find out more. We are also excited to announce a brand new Advanced 1 Tap syllabus that will be launched at our Residential Summer Programme, 12–18 August. New uniform To mark this special anniversary, we are launching a new dance uniform designed to be high quality, inclusive, sustainable, and cost effective. (See page 60 for details). Digital development We know that easy to access, affordable, quality digital learning products and courses are a priority for members. Trustees have committed funds to support an upgrade of our digital infrastructure to future-proof the organisation.
Dance | Issue 500
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