5 February 2025
The Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Shobana Jeyasingh CBE and Anthony Van Laast CBE as Vice Presidents of the Society. These distinguished choreographers and dance practitioners bring decades of experience and a shared passion for advancing the art and accessibility of dance.
"With Shobana and Anthony’s extensive industry knowledge, we can ensure the Society remains firmly connected with the latest dance innovations." - Ginny Brown, ISTD Chief Executive
Both Shobana and Anthony have long been advocates for the ISTD’s mission to make dance teaching and learning accessible to all. Now, as Vice Presidents, they are set to play pivotal roles in championing the work that you, our teacher members, do every day to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers.
"It is an enormous privilege, pleasure, and source of pride to be Vice President of ISTD." - Shobana Jeyasingh CBE
Reflecting on his new role, Anthony Van Laast CBE shared, “I am thrilled and honoured to become a Vice President of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. I have always considered the role of the teacher in the dance world to be paramount. I look forward to being an ambassador for the ISTD, an organisation that plays such a very important role in our industry.”
Shobana Jeyasingh CBE echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “It is an enormous privilege, pleasure, and source of pride to be Vice President of ISTD. I look forward to supporting their stellar work in making dance and movement accessible to all and encouraging the widest possible participation for both enjoyment and specialisation.”
"I have always considered the role of the teacher in the dance world to be paramount." - Anthony Van Laast CBE
The newly appointed Vice Presidents will join ISTD President Shirley Ballas in supporting and advocating for the Society and its teacher members, who are instrumental in training the next generation of dancers. This leadership comes at a critical time, as highlighted in the ISTD’s recently published Extending Our Ambition for Dance report. The report underscores the challenges faced by the dance sector and calls for collaborative efforts to ensure its growth and sustainability.
"I look forward to supporting their stellar work in making dance and movement accessible to all and encouraging the widest possible participation." Shobana Jeyasingh CBE
“The ISTD has always played a vital role in training the next generation of dance artists. So, we are delighted that two of the UK’s leading choreographers have accepted roles as Vice President,” said Ginny Brown, ISTD Chief Executive. “With Shobana and Anthony’s extensive industry knowledge, we can ensure the Society remains firmly connected with the latest dance innovations. Working together with our President, Shirley Ballas, and our newly appointed Vice Presidents, we will continue to promote the value of dance and remove barriers to access and progression.”
"I look forward to being an ambassador for the ISTD, an organisation that plays such a very important role in our industry." Anthony Van Laast CBE
The position of Vice President is among the highest honorary accolades the ISTD can bestow. With Shobana Jeyasingh and Anthony Van Laast joining the leadership team, the Society is well-positioned to further its mission of making dance an inclusive and transformative experience for all. As teacher members, your commitment and expertise are at the heart of this mission, and we are excited to continue building on this strong foundation together.
Anthony Van Laast CBE
Anthony is a renowned choreographer whose career spans theatre, film, television, and live performance. A graduate of the London School of Contemporary Dance, he began as both performer and choreographer with the school’s company.
Anthony’s theatre credits include global hits such as Tina The Musical (Outer Circle Critics Award, Tony Award nomination), Mamma Mia! (Dora Mavor Moore Award), Sister Act (Olivier Award nomination), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Olivier Award nomination), and Candide (Olivier Award for Best Musical). In film, his work features in Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, and more.
On television, Anthony has served as Creative Director for The Olivier Awards and The Royal Variety Show. He has also choreographed concerts for iconic artists including Cher, Kate Bush, and Sarah Brightman.
A dedicated educator, Anthony has taught at the London Contemporary Dance School, The Royal Ballet School, and Rambert Dance Company. He is a patron of Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, Urdang, and The Place.
Honoured with an MBE in 1999 and a CBE in 2018 for services to dance and choreography, Anthony also holds an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts. As Vice President of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, he continues to inspire the next generation of dance artists.
Shobana Jeyasingh CBE
Shobana is an internationally acclaimed choreographer and founder of Shobana Jeyasingh Dance. Since 1989, she has created over 60 critically acclaimed works for diverse settings, from Palladian monasteries in Venice to contemporary fountains in London. Her choreography is celebrated for its intellectual depth and dynamic physicality, reflecting her perspective as a postcolonial global citizen.
Trained in Bharatanatyam, the classical dance of South India, Shobana also studied English Literature at the University of Sussex. Her works have toured globally and are featured in the UK’s National Curriculum for Dance. Notable collaborations include Rambert, Ballet Black, and Opera National du Rhin, with acclaimed pieces like Faultline, TooMortal, and Material Men.
Beyond choreography, Shobana has contributed to theatre, judged BBC Young Dancer, and held cultural production and leadership roles at Middlesex University and King’s College London. Her accolades include honorary doctorates, an Honorary Fellowship at Trinity Laban, and major awards such as a CBE in 2020.
As Vice President of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Shobana continues to inspire and support the next generation of dance educators and artists.
