ISTD Dance Classes in Glasgow
For Structured Dance Progression
G12 Performing Arts provides ISTD dance classes in Glasgow for children who want to develop strong technique, musicality, confidence and performance skills through structured dance training. Based at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow’s West End, we train children in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing syllabus from the age of five.
ISTD Dance Training at G12 Performing Arts
- ISTD syllabus training available from age five
- Over 40 years of experience teaching performing arts
- Opportunities to work towards recognised dance examinations
- Examinations are encouraged but not compulsory
- Structured training designed to develop technique and performance ability
- Supportive teaching focused on confidence and personal development
- Clear progression through G12’s student stages
- Convenient training location inside Kelvin Hall in Glasgow’s West End
What Is the ISTD?
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is an internationally recognised dance teaching and examination organisation. Its objective is to educate the public in the art of dancing in its different forms while promoting knowledge of dance, maintaining teaching standards and providing structured syllabi through which dancers can develop their skills.
ISTD training provides dancers with a framework for learning and progression. Rather than approaching each class in isolation, students can gradually develop their abilities as they move through structured levels of training.
At G12 Performing Arts, we use this structure to support technical development while maintaining the encouraging, confidence-building environment that sits at the heart of our school.
What Students Develop Through ISTD Classes
Structured dance training gives children clear areas to work on while allowing them to see how their skills develop over time.
Depending on their class, stage and syllabus work, training can support the development of:
- Dance technique and physical control
- Coordination, balance and posture
- Strength, flexibility and stamina
- Rhythm and musicality
- Choreography and movement sequences
- Performance quality and presentation
- Focus, discipline and preparation
- Confidence working towards individual goals
ISTD Dance Exams at G12 Performing Arts
Children at G12 can work towards ISTD examinations as part of their dance development.
Examinations give students a clear goal and an opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have developed through their training. Successful candidates receive a certificate, giving children a tangible recognition of their achievement.
While most G12 students choose to participate in examinations, ISTD exams are not compulsory. We recognise that students have different ambitions and motivations, so children can still benefit from structured syllabus training without feeling pressured to sit an examination.
For those who do participate, preparing for an exam can help develop valuable habits around practice, perseverance and working towards a goal.
A Clear Dance Progression Pathway
ISTD syllabus training sits naturally within our wider progression pathway.
Children can develop their performing arts skills as they move through different stages of the school, with training becoming more advanced as their confidence, technique and experience increase.
Students may progress through Junior Performing Arts, Intermediate Classes and eventually Senior Training.
This means students can work towards examinations while also developing as broader performers through complementary dance styles and other performing arts opportunities.
ISTD Training From Age Five
At G12 Performing Arts, children can begin training in the ISTD syllabus from five years old.
Introducing structured training at this stage can help young dancers establish strong foundations while they develop coordination, musicality and confidence.
As students grow, the syllabus provides increasingly challenging goals to work towards. Rather than rushing progression, our approach is to help students develop their abilities at an appropriate pace within a supportive environment.
For younger children beginning their performing arts journey, explore our Preschool Classes.
Part of a Wider Dance Education
Our ISTD classes in Glasgow don't have to exist separately from other forms of dance training.
Developing experience across different styles can help students become more versatile performers while allowing them to discover the disciplines they enjoy most.
Alongside structured syllabus work, G12 students can explore classes including:
Together, these opportunities allow students to build technical foundations while developing musicality, creativity, expression and stage confidence.
Who Are ISTD Dance Classes Suitable For?
Training can be particularly valuable for children who:
- Enjoy dance and want to develop their technique
- Respond well to structured learning and clear goals
- Want to work towards recognised dance examinations
- Would like to track their progress as their skills improve
- Want to become more confident performers
- Enjoy challenging themselves and learning new material
- Want structured training alongside other dance styles
Students don't have to aspire to a professional dance career to benefit.
At G12, performing arts training is about helping each child develop confidence, creativity and skills they can carry with them both on stage and in everyday life.
Ask Which Class Is Most SuitableFrequently Asked Questions
What Does ISTD Stand For?
ISTD stands for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. It provides structured dance syllabi and examinations across specialist dance techniques.
Are ISTD Dance Exams Compulsory?
No. ISTD examinations are not compulsory at G12 Performing Arts. Students can benefit from structured syllabus training without having to sit an examination, although many of our students choose to take part.
What Happens When a Student Passes an Exam?
Successful examination candidates receive a certificate recognising their achievement. Working towards an exam also gives students a clear milestone within their longer-term dance development.
Do Students Need Previous Dance Experience?
Not necessarily. Suitability will depend on the student's age, existing experience and the particular class or level. Our team can help parents identify the appropriate starting point.
Can My Child Take Other Dance Classes Alongside ISTD Training?
Yes. G12 provides a broad dance programme, allowing students to develop experience across complementary disciplines. Depending on their age and interests, students can explore ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and other styles.
What Is the Difference Between ISTD and RAD?
ISTD and RAD are separate dance organisations with their own training and examination structures. G12 provides ISTD syllabus training as well as RAD Ballet, giving students access to structured training appropriate to different dance disciplines.
Start ISTD Dance Training in Glasgow at G12
ISTD dance training gives children a structured way to develop technique, musicality, discipline and performance confidence while working towards meaningful personal goals.
At G12 Performing Arts, children from age five can learn through the syllabus within a supportive school that has been helping young performers develop for more than four decades. Examinations are available for students who wish to take them, while our wider focus remains the same for every child: building confidence, creativity and a lasting enjoyment of performing arts.