subject: The Imperial Society Of Teachers Of Dancing Has Set Worldwide Standards For Wearing The Istd Uniform [print this page] It is hard to find a person who doesn't like dancing. Moving in different directions, swinging from side to side, hopping and spinning give dancers a certain feeling of freedom. It is also important for people's bonding. Some people prefer to watch others dancing, some choose practicing in order to become professional dancers. Those who choose to learn dancing at a professional level often go to dance schools or dance faculties. When attending dance classes dance students have to follow certain standards and regulations set by dance institutions not to mention that they should follow their teachers' and choreographers' rules. One of such regulations stipulates wearing uniforms designed for every style of dance.
There are two types of uniforms worn in the UK's dance schools or academies. The first is called RAD uniform and conforms with dancewear standards established by the Royal Academy of Dance, the second is the ISTD uniform corresponding to the standards of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing is known to be the most influential dance teaching and examination board in the UK. It is recognised not only in the United Kingdom but worldwide as well. Many of its students and teachers have won respect of many dance professionals all over the world. Being an acknowledged member of various dance events and competitions the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing itself offers a large selection of dance styles for studying, including ballet, modern dance, disco, tap dance and many others.
Sometimes the need for wearing the RAD or ISTD uniform is largely disputed. Nonetheless, there are many reasons for having a regulation uniform. First, it is important to wear the correct attire so that a student's physique can be seen clearly and therefore corrected where appropriate. Moreover, the uniform gives a student a sense of belonging. And, finally, the uniform clothing and footwear are especially designed to provide safety and reduce the risk of injury. That is why it is crucial that students and experienced dancers wear the right uniform during their classes or when taking exams.
As to the latter, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and its boards provide examinations for dancers of all levels and grades from beginners to advanced performers. These examinations can include grade exams, class exams, medal exams and professional examinations for students who seek to start their careers as dance teachers. During such examinations students are supposed to not only present their thorough knowledge of dancing techniques but each should also wear a proper ISTD uniform based on the ISTD standards.
Particularly, wearing the ISTD uniform applies to ballet classes. Its guidelines can be described as follows. Girls taking pre-primary and primary classes should wear sky blue or plum leotard with ruche and a matching circular chiffon skirt. In grades 1 to 4 a leotard is worn with a belt, no skirt is allowed. In higher grades a black camisole top leotard with single thin straps is usually worn. As to the footwear, pink soft ballet shoes are used through all the grades. Boys usually wear a white leotard and black or navy shorts in their primary classes and black tights or a black unitard in higher grades. On their feet they have white socks and black or white ballet shoes with white elastic, regardless of the grade.
Given these points, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing provides high quality dance education and is renowned for its professional teachers and choreographers worldwide. Moreover, its standards and regulations regarding wearing unified dancers' clothing and footwear, the ISTD uniform in particular, are now followed by most dance schools and other dance institutions all over the world.
