Why we created the Performance Awards
Meeting the needs of today’s dance industry
A new era for dance education
The dance industry is evolving and so are the expectations of teachers, students, and parents. At ISTD, we’ve listened carefully to the needs of the community. The result is Performance Awards, a groundbreaking initiative designed to celebrate creativity, individuality, and confidence in every dancer.
Launching on 1 April 2026, these awards represent more than a new qualification. They provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive opportunities that reward artistry – not just technical precision.
"Dance is inclusive. It brings so many benefits and can really be a force for good. It's a powerful tool to bring people together and to improve our overall wellness."
Why we wanted to offer a new option
Performance Awards are an opportunity to celebrate expression, creativity and personal growth, outside of the existing syllabus work. They offer a fresh approach that complements the existing exams and reflects the diverse ways in which people can experience dance today.
What makes them different?
Performance Awards:
- Focus entirely on performance skills
- Allow any style or genre – from Bollywood to contemporary to musical theatre
- Can be entered as solos, duets, trios, or groups
- Have no upper age limit and require no prior qualifications
- Offer flexible assessment formats (in-person or video)
- Include celebratory recognition – Pass, Merit, or Distinction, plus feedback and badges
Crucially, Performance Awards are designed with accessibility in mind. Teachers can be present during the exam and time for candidates to do a practice run is allocated into the exam, thereby allowing candidates a chance to feel more confident when they do the final performance.
Reasonable adjustments are also available to support dancers with additional needs, ensuring that every candidate has the opportunity to succeed. This commitment to inclusivity means that these awards naturally celebrate every dancer's journey, regardless of their dance background or technical ability.
“Dancing means everything to me … it gives me a warm feeling. I think you can get lost in a world of music and movement – it’s a form of escapism, I think.”
Freedom and flexibility for teachers
For teachers, Performance Awards open up new creative possibilities.
You can choreograph in any style – even genres you don’t usually teach – without needing to be a technical specialist. The emphasis is on safe practice and expressive performance, not technical precision. This flexibility allows you to diversify your offering, attract new learners, and create inclusive spaces that celebrate individuality.
A six-stage journey of growth
The awards follow a structured progression:
- Commitment and basic movement replication
- Emotional awareness and performance foundations
- Audience engagement and interpretive expression
- Individuality and dynamic variation
- Artistic response and embodiment of music
- Refined artistry and commanding stage presence
Each stage builds confidence and artistry, assessed against ten performance criteria.
"When I was younger, it was all about dressing up and going to meet people that had the same passion ... the performing part of it has the thrill of the music."
Easy to integrate
Introducing Performance Awards is simple. They can be added to your existing exam days alongside syllabus exams, scheduled for groups to create a celebratory atmosphere, or offered remotely via video assessment. They’re ideal for students who aren’t ready for syllabus exams or those looking for a creative extension.
Next steps for members
- Download the specification and explore the structure.
- Start preparing students with choreography that showcases individuality.
- Promote the awards to parents using ISTD resources.
- Celebrate achievements – share successes on social media and in your studio. #ISTDPerformanceAwards
Performance awards are more than a new qualification – they’re a strategic response to industry needs and a celebration of what makes dance special: creativity, confidence, and connection.
Together, let’s champion artistry and reward achievement – one performance at a time.
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