The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is an international dance examination board, based in London, England. The ISTD was established as the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers on 25 July 1904, changing to its current name in 1925 and was later incorporated in the United Kingdom. The society exists for the promotion of dance as an art form and operates examinations worldwide in both Dance Sport and Theatre Dance subjects. Since 2005, the ISTD's qualifications have been accredited by the British QCA (Qualifications & Curriculum Authority) and now has Goverment recognition in offering both Graded and Vocational Graded Examination Syllabi for varying ages.
Royal Academy of Dancing (R.A.D)
Royal Academy of Dance combines French, Italian, And Russian ballet methods to create a wonderfuly unique style of ballet. Representing the principal dance training methods of the time the group formed the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing in Great Britain. Over the next fifteen years the Association grew in size and influence and which lead to the granting of a royal charter. At the last Privy Council Meeting of King George V in 1936 the Association became the Royal Academy of Dancing. Their first premises was in Holland Park Road. In 1972 they moved to their current location at Battersea.
In 1997, the Benesh Institute, international centre for Benesh Movement Notation, was amalgamated with the Royal Academy of Dancing. RAD dancers are known for their careful placement and alignment.
With over 15,500 members in 82 countries the Royal Academy of Dance is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world. Members receive a magazine, Dance Gazette three times per year. It is the largest classical ballet examining body in the world. Over 200,000 candidates take RAD examinations each year. Accredited RAD examiners travel around the world to give examinations at dance studios and centers.
The RAD offers two distinct syllabi: the graded syllabus and graded vocational syllabus. The graded syllabus includes classical ballet, free movement, and character dancing, and includes pre-primary, primary, and grades 1 through 8. Advanced students who wish to pursue a career in dance, either as a performer or dance teacher, switch to the vocational syllabus around the age of 11 or 12, usually after completing grade 4 or 5 in the regular graded syllabus. The graded vocational syllabus requires more rigorous training and includes dancing on pointe.
In order to enter students for RAD examinations, teachers must have RTS (Registered Teacher Status). RTS is gained through completion of programmes delivered by the Faculty of Education of the Royal Academy of Dance. The RAD syllabus is available to RAD members and the general public, but it generally includes barre and center exercises, enchainements, a short dance, and character dancing.
The annual Genée Award has been made since 1980, for dancers aged 18 or 19, organised by the RAD. It is usually held in London. In 2004, gold medals were awarded to Alexander Jones and Ayako Ono. In addition, gold medallists receive 7,500 Euros. Many gold and silver medallists go on to join the Royal Ballet, London.
In 2005, Dame Antoinette Sibley announced a new award, the Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition, for people aged 10 to 13 and the first competition was held in 2006 at the Lowry Centre, Salford with choreographic variations created by Gillian Lynne to music by John Williams. The successful competition is planned to be repeated in 2008.
