ISTD events – important updates for our members
Celebrating over 120 years of dance excellence
For over 120 years, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) has created opportunities for dance teachers and their students to showcase their skills, progression, and passion for dance. From the very first amateur competitions in Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence to the launch of the Janet Cram Awards and ICB Awards 60 years ago, and the Tap Star Awards 50 years ago, thousands of dancers have demonstrated outstanding technical ability and artistry.
Today, ISTD events remain a cornerstone of learning and celebration – providing performance platforms, competitions, and masterclasses that inspire excellence and foster community.
A fresh vision for ISTD events
Our new-look event programme is designed to open access and encourage wider participation. We’ve set out three core aims:
- Inclusive opportunities for young people to perform and compete, celebrating dance and showcasing the impact of ISTD training.
- Promote ISTD genres and the richness of our dance heritage, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning.
- Engage new audiences to grow participation in dance across diverse communities.
To achieve this, we’re introducing more regional events, performance opportunities, and learning experiences that support teachers and students at every stage of their development.
Three streams of dance excellence
Our committees are working closely with the ISTD events team to map out programmes across three streams:
- Ballroom, Latin and Sequence (BLS)
- Disco Freestyle, Rock n Roll (DFR) and Street
- Theatre
Each stream is being reviewed to embrace new technology, inclusive awards, and global outreach, ensuring every teacher and student can participate.
"Join us as we celebrate the legacy of ISTD and create new opportunities for dancers everywhere."
Scroll down to discover the exciting plans for Theatre and Dancesport events – Theatre details are further down the page.
Ballroom, Latin and Sequence
We’re introducing regional heats leading to a prestigious Grand Final, including the President’s Cup. Competitions will feature:
- Solo partnered events
- Newcomer categories for those new to competing
- Couples events
These events are uniquely linked to the ISTD Medal Test system, which has supported thousands of dancers through structured progression from Bronze to Gold Star.
Shirley Ballas presenting the ISTD President's Cup to finalists (Juvenile)
Shirley Ballas presenting the ISTD President's Cup to finalists (Juvenile)
DFR and Street
Energetic, fast-paced, and loved by all – our Medallist Competitions have grown since the early 1990s into a staple of the DFR calendar. Students learn set routines throughout the year, culminating in regional heats and an exciting two-day Grand Final in October. These events are deeply connected to ISTD examinations, ensuring performance and learning go hand in hand.
Theatre
Representing nine genres, our Theatre programme offers two distinct opportunities:
Regional ISTD Student Masterclasses
A day of dance in your local region, with expert ISTD lecturers, taster classes, and certificates of participation. Providing students with opportunities to develop skills and techniques which support their dance and performance training.
ISTD members can observe the classes and teaching strategies used by the guest lecturers and network with their colleagues, building valuable community connections in their local region.
“Genuinely one of the best workshops she has ever attended in terms of content and value for money.”
- ISTD Theatre Awards and Gala Celebration
Competitions and performances come together in a spectacular gala event. Online heats will select award winners across genres, culminating in a Theatre performance and awards ceremony celebrating outstanding dancers and teachers.
ISTD Archive: All Star Dancing Matinée 1936
ISTD Archive: All Star Dancing Matinée 1936
The selection process
The ISTD Theatre Awards will be open to all genres, with entries submitted online. Soloists, duets, and groups are invited to showcase their talent and creativity.
Alongside this, we’ll host online heats for genre class competitions in Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Cecchetti Ballet, and Tap. These heats will determine our prestigious Faculty Genre Award winners, including the ICB Award, Janet Cram Award, Mabel Ryan Award, and Marjorie Davies Star Tap Award.
Importantly, these online heats are open to ISTD members and students worldwide, making this a truly global celebration of dance for all genres.
The celebratory performance
The excitement culminates in a gala performance, where dancers will take to the stage in front of peers, family, and friends. This event will showcase the very best work from the heats and award winners, followed by an awards ceremony recognising outstanding dancers and the incredible dedication of ISTD teachers.
This is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of artistry, achievement, and the vibrant ISTD community.
“From filming and seeing progress with all students to the finals day it was a beautiful process. A celebration of young talented dancers.”
Please note that the ISTD's Janet Cram Awards and Imperial Classical Ballet Awards will be happening in their traditional format in 2026.
Supporting Teachers
We’ll provide roadmaps, posters, and promotional materials to help teachers engage students and parents. Our Performance Awards will also help students prepare for gala events.
"Together, let’s make the next chapter of ISTD events unforgettable."
Events timeline
1948 – An Old Time Dance was held at London’s Porchester Hall, which included an Open Amateur Competition for the Imperial Society Trophy.
Keep scrolling down to move through the timeline...
1949 – The annual Cecchetti Classical Ballet Mabel Ryan awards started.
1951 – The regular Tea Dance held at the Park Lane Hotel was opened to medallists.
1965 – The Imperial Ballet Awards started, and the first Janet Cram Awards (Modern Theatre) were held.
1977 – The Marjorie Davies Star Tap Awards were launched.
1985 – The first National Dance Choreographic Competition was held. After a few years, this competition became the Grandison Clarke Awards, in which performance rather than choreography was judged.
1992 – DFR Medallist Competitions began with a small number of area events.
2003 – Ballroom and Latin medallist competitions ran throughout the country, culminating in the Grand Finals held at Blackpool.
2008 – The first annual Imperial Classical Ballet (ICB) Junior Ballet Awards took place.
2009 – The Classical Indian Dance Faculty celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ticketed showcase entitled Misrana at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Get involved
Interested in volunteering or entering your students? Visit the ISTD website for details on dates, entry requirements, and resources.
Join us as we celebrate the legacy of ISTD and create new opportunities for dancers everywhere. Together, let’s make the next chapter of ISTD events unforgettable.
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