If your child does ballet, you'll soon start hearing words like “ISTD,” “Primary” and “Grade 1.” If you've never danced yourself, it can all sound a bit mysterious. Here's a plain-English guide to what it means — written so you can feel confident about your child's dancing, and reassured that there's never any pressure.
The ISTD — the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing — is one of the most respected dance examination boards in the UK. It sets carefully structured syllabuses that take dancers step by step through proper technique, and its qualifications are nationally recognised. Our Ballet & Jazz classes follow the ISTD ballet syllabus, taught by our ISTD-qualified principal, Miss Hannah.
Grades are simply the levels a dancer moves through as they develop. Children usually begin with Primary, then progress to Grade 1, Grade 2 and upwards, each level building on the last. You'll see this reflected in our class names — Ballet & Jazz (Primary), (Grade 1), (Grade 2) — so children are always working at a level that suits their stage, not just their age.
No — and this matters to us. Taking an exam is completely optional and always led by the child's readiness and enthusiasm, never by pressure. Many of our dancers happily work through the syllabus simply because the structure helps them improve. Those who'd like a goal to aim for can choose to take a grade exam when they and their teacher feel the time is right.
An ISTD exam is a calm, supportive session where a friendly visiting examiner watches the dancer perform the steps they've been learning all year. There's no scary stage or big audience — just a chance to show what they can do. Afterwards, dancers receive feedback and a recognised certificate they can be genuinely proud of.
We love the structure the ISTD gives us, but we hold it lightly. Our priority is always a happy, confident dancer who loves coming to class. Grades and exams are a tool to support that — never the other way around.
If your child is just starting out, our guide to choosing the right dance style and the class timetable are great next stops — or you can book a trial to see a class for yourself.
Questions about the syllabus, grades or exams? Email hello@stardustdanceacademy.com or call 07933 746995 — Miss Hannah is always happy to explain how it works.