Examinations

Children have the opportunity to take examinations in classical ballet in the Cecchetti method, part of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance examining board (ISTD). Examinations are completely optional and are certainly not essential for being part of our school. We have a mixture of students who like to take the exams and those who do not, but all are trained to the same level and treated equally.

The Principal will let you know when we feel your child is ready to take their exam and these are usually held at the end of the Autumn term each year.

The Imperial Society of teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. It covers a whole spectrum of genres including classical ballet, tap dance, modern dance and ballroom dancing and the ISTD examination system is widely recognised and highly regarded.

The ISTD is a registered charity and their mission is to educate the public and promote knowledge of dance, to provide up-to-date techniques, and to maintain and improve teaching standards. The society has provided training for dance teachers and examiners for over 100 years, supporting and training their members through a wide variety of courses, summer schools and congresses, enabling them to teach safely with greater understanding of children and young people. The ISTD constantly update their teaching syllabi and techniques so are always at the cutting edge of new styles and methods of teaching.

Many of its’ members are leading figures in the dance industry around the world, from esteemed West End choreographers and legendary teachers, to up-and-coming stars of the future.