ISTD – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

ISTD – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing — Dance Classes In London

The ISTD, or Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, is a long-established dance examinations board and membership body, listed here at its London base in EC2A. Rather than a drop-in class provider, it sets syllabuses and qualifications across many dance genres. It is most relevant to teachers, students working towards graded exams and anyone interested in recognised dance training. Think of it as the organisation behind the standards, not a local social-dance class.

About ISTD – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

As a professional body, the ISTD is known for its examinations, teacher training and syllabus development across ballet, Latin, ballroom and more. Its role is supporting quality teaching rather than running everyday classes for the public. It suits aspiring teachers and dedicated students who want structured, examinable progression.

Classes & Dance Styles

The ISTD itself does not offer casual dance classes in London in the way a local studio does; instead it underpins the dance lessons London teachers deliver through its graded syllabuses. Its frameworks cover a broad span, from ballet classes London examiners assess to Latin and ballroom styles, providing the exam structure many schools follow. If you are looking for salsa classes London or adult dance classes London-wide, you would attend a member school that teaches to these standards. The society's value lies in the qualifications and standards behind the classes you actually take.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

If you are approaching the ISTD, it is usually about exams, membership or teacher training rather than turning up for a lesson. It is best to contact them directly to understand which services apply to you. For regular classes, you would seek out a school that teaches the ISTD syllabus.

Location & Contact

The society is based in the EC2A part of central London, easily reached from across the capital. Contact the ISTD to confirm which enquiries are handled at this address.

• Address: 22-26 Paul St, London EC2A 4QE
• Phone: +44 20 7377 1577
• Website: http://www.istd.org/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am-5 pm

What Dancers Say About ISTD – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

4.7/5 from 3 Google reviews.

Thanks a million— Filip Macamo

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to learn salsa?

Salsa is beginner-friendly, with a basic step most people grasp quickly and refine over time. The ISTD sets standards rather than running social salsa classes, so a member school would teach you.

Can a non-dancer learn salsa?

Yes, salsa is commonly taught from scratch and assumes no prior experience. Any beginner can start at a class that offers it.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

Adults can absolutely learn ballet, and the ISTD's ballet syllabuses include grades suited to older learners. A school teaching those grades would deliver the actual lessons.

What age is too late to start ballet?

For recreational study there is no age too late, and adults begin at any point. Only professional performance training carries strict age limits.

What are 5 basic steps in line dancing?

Common basics include the grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle. A class following a line-dance syllabus would teach these in sequence.

What is the easiest line dance to learn for beginners?

Simple, repeating dances such as the Electric Slide make an easy first step. A dedicated line-dance class is the place to learn one properly.

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