At Aradhana School of Dancing, we enrol students at all levels — whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced dancer — and prepare them for examinations with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), a long-established and internationally recognised awarding organisation.
ISTD examinations are regulated by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales, and their Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance form part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). For example:
These qualifications support further and higher education pathways and contribute meaningfully to a student’s development in areas such as confidence, discipline, cultural awareness, physical fitness, and performance. The inclusion of theoretical study at higher levels encourages a deeper understanding of Bharatanatyam.
Please note that Primary Class examinations serve as introductory assessments and, while they are not formally part of the RQF, they still provide valuable opportunities for students to develop foundational skills, confidence, and discipline in dance.
Beyond the graded pathway, ISTD also offers advanced teaching qualifications for those looking to progress further in the Bharatanatyam dance profession. These include the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) and the Licentiate (both which are teaching qualifications).
ISTD also prepares students for many different dance careers — including becoming a teacher, lecturer, examiner, professional dancer, and/or choreographer.
You can learn more about this exam board from their website: https://www.istd.org/home/
ISTD examinations are regulated by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales, and their Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance form part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). For example:
- Grades 1–3 are placed at Level 1
- Grades 4–5 and Intermediate Foundation are at Level 2
- Theory Examination, Grade 6 and Intermediate are at Level 3 (which carry UCAS points)
- Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 are at Level 4
These qualifications support further and higher education pathways and contribute meaningfully to a student’s development in areas such as confidence, discipline, cultural awareness, physical fitness, and performance. The inclusion of theoretical study at higher levels encourages a deeper understanding of Bharatanatyam.
Please note that Primary Class examinations serve as introductory assessments and, while they are not formally part of the RQF, they still provide valuable opportunities for students to develop foundational skills, confidence, and discipline in dance.
Beyond the graded pathway, ISTD also offers advanced teaching qualifications for those looking to progress further in the Bharatanatyam dance profession. These include the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) and the Licentiate (both which are teaching qualifications).
ISTD also prepares students for many different dance careers — including becoming a teacher, lecturer, examiner, professional dancer, and/or choreographer.
You can learn more about this exam board from their website: https://www.istd.org/home/