24 October 2024
Whether actively teaching, currently studying an initial teaching qualification or just proud to be part of the society, we invite you to join us in person for a day of workshops, lectures and discussion at the 2024 Theatre Congress.
"I am absolutely honoured to be attending this event, it’s a big one!
To be asked to deliver a workshop at this special anniversary of 120 years means so much to me! I am most looking forward to sharing my experience and energy with all of the fabulous dancers that are also attending the event. We are going to have such a joyful Musical Theatre Jazz experience together!
Whilst I was in professional training at Laine Theatre Arts we studied the ISTD syllabus throughout my three years and it helped me so much with my technique and development of style… I'm looking forward to the amazing family atmosphere that the ISTD always provides. Happy, joyful vibes alongside training - what an amazing community!"
- Lucy Jane Adcock - Lecturer: Musical Theatre Repertoire Workshop
A full day of workshops awaits attendees, across the full breadth of Theatre genres:
Led by a wonderful group of industry experts and specialists, during the day you will have opportunities to observe, dance, discuss, analyze, and catch up with friends and colleagues.
"I can’t wait to attend Theatre Congress which is the 3rd and closing event of our special 120th celebrations. This is going to be a very special opportunity to come together as an ISTD community to reflect on past achievements, celebrate our current activities and think about how we move forward into the future.
We have a host of inspirational lecturers and young dancers ready to share their knowledge and celebrate all the ISTD theatre genres. So, I hope you’ll join us for this valuable day of learning."
- Ginny Brown, ISTD Chief Executive
Theatre Congress 2024 Workshops
Butterfly minds: Creating safe spaces
In this session, Kim will explore the importance of a dance teacher's mental wellbeing and its crucial role in fostering an environment where dancers feel secure, supported, and valued. By addressing common mental health challenges faced by dancers and providing tools for self-care and stress management, we can cultivate a nurturing environment that enhances both their dance training and overall mental wellbeing. Join Kim as we discuss how creating a safe space can lead to more resilient, confident, and joyful dancers.
Pilates and body conditioning
A warm up for all to start our day with some thoughts and teaching tips to take away.
Modern Theatre class
Learn a piece of Musical Theatre Rep with West End Industry expert Lucy Jane Adcock.
Classical Indian demonstration
A lecture demonstration showing our talented industry and faculty artists in our Classical Indian genres of Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
Cecchetti Classical Ballet demonstration
A choreographed demonstration of a selected elements of the syllabus by the Cecchetti Scholars, to promote and highlight the unique qualities of the beautiful Cecchetti classical ballet style. Followed by the opportunity to join in and experience some of the exquisite Cecchetti work including the famous port de bras described by Sir Frederick Ashton as giving a dancer a ‘wonderful feeling for line and correct positioning and the use of head movement and épaulement’.
National demonstration
Demonstration of National dances from Grandison Clark award winners and All England Finalists from Dance Consortium, Elizabeth Hill School of Dance and Kilburn school of Dance. The demonstration will be followed by audience participation in Balkan dances to create a lively community spirit.
Contemporary class
A practical session taking an area of movement and seeing the development through the vocational contemporary work.
Street Dance class
Learn an excerpt of our newly choreographed Street Set Dances and take away examination ideas for your school.
Classical Greek lecture
Learn how to use Greek as a creative tool for developing artistry and musicality. This session will be a progressive look at how Classical Greek vocabulary can be used to develop aspects of musicality and expression for graded candidates.
Imperial Classical Ballet class
Learn a solo from a piece of traditional classical repertoire to adapt and use with students or learn for your own pleasure and enjoyment.
Tap dance class
A focus on the vocational area of Advanced 1 Tap.
"I’m excited to attend the 120 congress because it’s always an opportunity to network and speak with other like-minded teachers. I’m looking forward to speaking to share my passion and inspire other teachers to understand and seek more opportunities to enhance their students mental well-being. As a member of the ISTD for many years, I love the community, I love the syllabus work and I love being part of an ever evolving association."
- Kim Rodgers - Lecturer: Butterfly minds creating safe spaces
Joining us at the event is Dansez, our partner on the recently released new ISTD recommended examination uniform. Attendees can explore the new capsule collection, learn more about the design process and environmentally friendly production methods.
"We are delighted to be showcasing the new ISTD recommended examination uniform at the Theatre Congress. It is a great opportunity for teachers to see the uniform up close and appreciate the quality of the fabric and its performance qualities. There is also a range of items for teachers that will be on display and items will be available to buy. ISTD is renowned for setting high standards in dance education. The examination uniform made by the Dansez team in Kent allows dancers to move with ease and offers confidence in performance. Its design and meticulous attention to detail reflect the traditions and values of ISTD, making it a vital part of the examination experience. Come and be part of the Sea of Change."
- Samantha Carney, Managing Director of Dansez
"I am really excited for 120 congress so we can be together with members and celebrate being part of a community of dance teachers. I am going to enjoy hearing the hub bub and chat of members as they see people they haven’t seen for a while or are meeting for the first time. I am looking forward to simply having fun with dance and seeing the range of genres that we have to share, learning street dance and then moving into classical repertoire for example. The genres are all different and yet enable us to share the pure joy of movement. To come together is so important. To share our passion and support one another. Dance can be a lonely vocation sometimes so it is good to be amongst friends and practice what we do best."
- Louise Molton, ISTD Director of Education
I am very honoured to have been invited to lecture at this event as I love to share my knowledge and passion for Street Dance. It’s very complimenting to be invited and being recognised for my work. I am most looking forward to teaching and dancing with new and existing people that I have met on this ISTD journey. I love connecting with people through the shared medium of dance and music! Over the years I have known the ISTD to be a great organisation that gives people all over the world a channel to learn dance.
I am very respectful of the way they are innovating and evolving to match that of what is desired amongst the teachers and dancers of today. Being invited to lecture and recognised for my work is a huge blessing for me. Helping the ISTD to navigate to new audiences through Street Dance is a purpose of mine so I am truly humbled to have been given the continuous opportunities to work with the ISTD.
- Vicki Stavrinos – Lecturer: Street Dance Class
This is a great opportunity to come together as an ISTD community, to celebrate all theatre genres, to network and share good practice.
Book tickets now for the Theatre Congress 2024 at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, Berkshire, Saturday 2 November 2024.
