Modern Dance

Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which originated in America before travelling to the rest of the world. It is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. This is a highly energetic dance style.

History of Modern Theatre at the ISTD

Zelia Raye was a dynamic pioneer of dance in the 1920s. Her article Limbering and Stretching, which appeared in the Dancing Times (1927) and her book Rational Limbering, offered a revoltionary approach to dancing. As a result of Raye's ideas the ISTD established the Stage Branch (later to become the Modern Theatre Faculty) in 1932 and invited Zelia Raye to create the first syllabus

The aims..

Modern Theatre Dance defies a single permanent definition. This is largely due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with the changing fashion in dance. Through a carefully planned and well-tried examination syllabus, which combines modern dance, jazz and other dance styles, young people are trained to become disciplined and versatile dancers who have a professional attitude towards dance.

The examinations..

We offer a series of examinations has been created from children's grades through to Majors. The children's work is based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping. It is designed to encourage an imaginative and rapid response from beginners. Boys' work has been developed to meet increasing demand for a modern dance training for boys.

The syllabus

We teach the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus of Modern Theatre, you can find the syllabus outline, on the ISTD's website https://www.istd.org/dance/dance-genres/modern-theatre/