Launching Summer 2024: our new, inclusive, and sustainable recommended examination uniform.
Our ambition to be a truly inclusive Society for all and encourage diversity in our dance community has motivated an update of our recommended ISTD examination uniform.
Dancewear company Dansez has partnered with the ISTD to create a sustainable, inclusive and quality uniform range, that offers flexibility and good value for both class and examination wear. Dansez has been leading the dancewear market for over 45 years with exceptional quality and design.
The concept behind the collection is to create a truly inclusive capsule kit, with items that can be mixed and matched according to the individuals’ tastes and the genres’ examination requirements.
Our member working group has been testing out the uniforms with students in their dance schools. This is a crucial part of the process to make sure the cut, fit and finish are wearable and desirable across the full range of items.
The collection hasn’t forgotten our teachers, and we have been developing a range that our teachers will be proud to wear in class and at events.
“I am excited at the prospect of a collection that will reflect the latest in dancewear design and cater for the wide range of learners that we regularly teach, combined with sustainability and technology in the range and choice of fabrics proposed.”
- Alison Jenner, Lead Examiner for Cecchetti Classical Ballet
The new ISTD uniforms use ECONYL®, a regenerated fibre made from nylon waste, including fishing nets, carpet flooring and industrial plastic, whilst supporting the Healthy Seas Initiative.
Healthy Seas, a charity established in 2013, addresses ghost fishing, which causes unnecessary marine animal deaths. Recovered fishing nets are processed through Aquafil's ECONYL® regeneration system, turning nylon waste into high-quality material. This regenerated nylon is equivalent to virgin nylon, infinitely recyclable, offering endless opportunities for designers and consumers.
All garments are made in the UK and each item comes with a full repair guarantee. We are hoping to establish a preloved initiative, that will enable uniforms to be returned and passed on.
Launching this summer, we hope students, teachers and parents will love our new recommended examination uniform for theatre genres (with Classical Indian, Ballroom, Latin and Sequence following early in 2025).
The uniform is not mandatory, as we know that affordability is an important consideration for parents and teachers alike. However, we hope that the range will offer flexibility to work for your school and students.
Additionally, ISTD members will receive a discount on all orders – individual or bulk!
“It’s exciting when we work with focus groups. We started by talking about the purpose of a new capsule collection that builds on the ISTD values of inclusivity and accessibility. So that we move forward with designs that make it possible to use the latest in performance fabrics that are firmly rooted in sustainability.”
- Samantha Carney, Managing Director of Dansez
We are thrilled to invite students of every age, ability, background, and body type to showcase our brand-new ISTD exam uniform. We believe in celebrating diversity and inclusion within our dance community. We encourage you to step forward and be part of this exciting opportunity to embrace your unique style and inspire others. Your participation will not only celebrate individuality but also help to redefine beauty in motion. Join us in embracing the inclusive spirit of dance.
We’re looking for ISTD members and students of all ages to take part in an upcoming photoshoot to launch our new ISTD uniform collection.
If you’re interested in helping us promote our new uniform in catalogues, on our website, in advertising and even in person, we’re opening auditions. Find out more here:
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