The Imperial Society of Dance (ISTD) offers a wide range of graded ballet examinations to all levels of dancers, from beginner to advanced. The ISTD grades are structured to provide a clear structure and progression route for aspiring dancers. They allow students to systematically and progressively develop their technical and artistic skills through an internationally recognised dance qualification.
ISTD ballet grades range from Pre-Primary in Dance, Primary in Dance and Grade 1 up to Advanced 2 level. Each grade is designed to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous grade while introducing new elements. Students are assessed on their technical ability, knowledge of steps, performance quality, musicality and understanding of dance elements such as rhythm, expression, timing and alignment.
Pre-Primary in Dance:
The Pre-Primary level is the first stage of ISTD ballet grades. This level introduces basic elements such as turnout, positions of feet and legs, balance and coordination. Students are also taught simple steps such as jumps, steps forward & back and basic turns.
Primary in Dance:
The Primary level introduces more complex movements such as pas de bourrée, relevées, échappés and chassés. It also focuses on correct arm position & placement while travelling across the floor as well as introducing basic port de bras exercises.
Grade 1 – 3:
At Grade 1 level students learn more complex steps including sissonnes, sautés & entrechats as well as polka & mazurka turns with correct arms in action & preparation. Grade 2 introduces more intricate jumps & turns with correct arms whilst Grade 3 focuses on more advanced steps including battements tendus & frappés with épaulement (shoulder movements).
Intermediate Foundation/Intermediate:
At Intermediate Foundation level students learn more complex steps including pirouettes en dehors/en dedans (turns out/in) with a good understanding of arm placement & preparation whilst Intermediate introduces grand allegro combinations with changes of direction incorporating jumps & turns with correct arms in action & preparation.
Advanced Foundation/Advanced 1 – 2:
At Advanced Foundation level students learn pointe work for the first time along with higher jumps & multiple turns incorporating correct arms in action & preparation whilst Advanced 1 introduces sequences incorporating petit allegro (small jumps) with changes of directions incorporating jumps & turns with correct arms in action& preparation. At Advanced 2 pupils learn long sequences incorporating grand allegro (large jumps), pointe work variations rélevés at 90° or 180°& multiple pirouettes en dehors/en dedans (turns out/in).
Conclusion:
What Are the ISTD Ballet Grades? The Imperial Society of Dance offers a wide range of graded ballet examinations ranging from Pre-Primary through to Advanced 2 Level which allow students to progressively develop their technical and artistic skills through an internationally recognised dance qualification.