The ISTD Uniforms Requirements For Dance Classes And Examination Wear
By Cedric Grosjean
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is the world’’s leading dance examinations board which covers the whole spectrum of genres from ballet to ballroom dancing. The ISTD provides specialist training in a wide range of dance styles with examination syllabi for students and various training courses for people aiming to become certified dance teachers. Founded in 1904, the organisation has worked out a set of rules and regulations to be followed strictly. The requirements are also applied for dance class and examination wear. Thus, any student, regardless of age, who is taking dancing seriously is aware of ISTD uniforms standards.
ISTD uniforms are designed to be comfortable and flexible, as a lot of stretching is involved. For all grades a female dancer uniform should consist of a sleeveless leotard made of cotton or lycra. Yet, the style of leotards will change as students progress from one grade to another. For pre-primary, primary and grades 4 - 6, the ISTD recommends leotards of plum, purple or sky blue colours. Juniors may wear leotards with a gathered bustline and a flared skirt. Seniors are allowed to wear leotards with a gathered bustline and a belt. Intermediate grade students should choose bust gathered leotards with a belt a wrap-around skirt of matching colours. Pink ballet socks should be worn in the primary grade, while tights should be worn in all other grades. Pink ballet shoes with elastics to keep the shoe on are recommended for pre-primary and primary grade students. In other grades one can opt for pink shoes with ribbons instead of elastics. For all the grades, hair should be arranged neatly in a bun with fringes preferably gripped back.
Male dancers should also follow the ISTD uniforms requirements. Primary grade students may choose white short-sleeve leotards or white T-shirts with navy or black shorts, short white socks and white or black leather ballet shoes. First and second grade students can wear black or navy stirrup tights or leggings instead of shorts. Fourth and fifth grade dancers can introduce sleeveless leotards into their wardrobe and a pair of black laced-up character shoes.
When it comes to exams, students need to make some changes in their ISTD uniforms. For the pre-primary grade, the ISTD requires a pink leotard with an attached skirt, pink ballet socks and pink ballet shoes with elastics. Primary grade students, however, can wear the same outfit, plus ballet shoes with ribbons attached instead of elastics. Older students can select a purple leotard, a wrap-around skirt of the corresponding colour, pink socks (for grade 1) or tights (grade 2 and above) and a pair of pink shoes with ribbons.
ISTD uniforms for all male students usually consist of white leotards, black shorts, white ballet socks paired with black ballet shoes with elastics. Dance class ISTD uniforms standards can be slightly changed or modified, if permitted by the teacher, or in a particular case. Yet, the exam uniform requirements-dancewear and footwear standards-should be followed strictly to successfully pass the exam.
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