10 February 2025
Heather Burns is dedicated to promoting dance in the state school sector and works closely with the Sport England programme in delivering dance to encourage more pupils into sport and exercise. Heather is a Lead Examiner for our National Dance faculty and serves on the committee.
Could you share details about your current projects and how you arrived at this point?
I teach dance in primary schools, offering lunchtime and before/after school dance clubs as well as integrating dance into PE lessons, aligning it with National Curriculum topics each term. This is where national dance is very useful in linking to the study of different countries. I also have my own ISTD Approved Dance Centre (ADC), training teachers who generally approach me about upgrading their qualifications alongside their regular work.
All this is very different from the decades I spent at Preston College as Head of Dance, where I trained professional dancers and taught students. Although, while there, I initiated partnerships with schools to promote dance, particularly encouraging girls to participate in sports through initiatives aligned with the Olympic and Commonwealth Games supported by Sport England.
I am passionate about offering dance to all abilities of children and adults in a variety of situations. I have worked in recent years with DanceSyndrome, a wonderful organisation offering dance to adult students with varying degrees of disabilities but adapting dance to be inclusive to all.
"The power of dance can break down barriers and foster inclusivity in school settings."
What do you enjoy most about your daily life in dance?
Sharing my passion for dance with children who may not otherwise have the chance to study dance if it wasn’t delivered in schools. Likewise helping teachers upgrade their qualifications in teaching when they are not able to enrol on a college programme.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, I live on a farm so lots of sleepless nights and very early mornings to attend to sheep and lambs. I walk my dogs before going to teach in breakfast clubs in schools for 8am. Perhaps it is just as well I am an early bird! I teach dance in schools at lunchtimes too and various times of day.
Alongside school classes I teach online and face-to-face classes for whatever level of National or Imperial Classical Ballet teaching qualifications teachers may require. I try to be flexible with these classes to work around teachers’ work commitments. I have two lovely people studying National Fellowship, which we do at 6.15am to allow for time difference and childcare commitments!
What excites you most about your daily work?
To give children and adults an opportunity to study dance, when they might never otherwise be able to attend a private dance school. I link with schools to allow children to visit the farm to get out of towns and cities to the countryside. Some children have never had that opportunity. Recently, children from two contrasting locations came to the farm to learn from each other and share the experience. They planted trees and fed lambs on the farm. We are going to arrange dance sessions together in each school.
"The training I received and continue to receive from iconic teachers and examiners of the ISTD has inspired me in every aspect of my teaching life."
What new things have you learned from your current project?
Being a Lead Examiner has been a significant privilege for me. I’m humbled to be part of a team of professional examiners dedicated to establishing parity in mark schemes, providing teachers with consistent guidelines and maintaining high standards. To share and learn from the knowledge of these lead examiners, many of whom trained and supported me throughout my career, and whom I hold in high regard across all genres, has enriched my own teaching and examining. I value the work, dedication and commitment of fellow examiners and colleagues worldwide.
"I am passionate about offering dance to all abilities of children and adults in a variety of situations."
Which ISTD exams are you teaching and examining?
I teach all levels of grades to Fellowship in National Dance and Imperial Classical Ballet. I examine national dance up to and including DDE level.
Do you have a favourite ISTD memory?
I was inspired by the late Robert Harrold’s joyful teaching of national dance since childhood, which fuelled my passion for studying the genre. And who could forget Miss Rycroft’s yellow shoes!
Attending the Grandison Clark Awards in 2023 was a special experience, reconnecting with teachers and competitors after the pandemic and witnessing the impressive standard of national dance from around the world.
Does your ISTD training benefit you daily?
The training I received and continue to receive from iconic teachers and examiners of the ISTD has inspired me in every aspect of my teaching life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those teachers and examiners always going that extra mile to help me achieve my goal and dream, encouraging me every step of the way with their tireless energy and devotion.
What inspires you most about teaching?
Each day varies depending on the age group I teach and the specific situations I encounter. Children constantly inspire me with their innocence and their stories.
The power of dance can break down barriers and foster inclusivity in school settings, whether it’s during sports lessons or participating in school plays or productions. Through dance, everyone can be involved and included.
What excites you most about examining?
Personally, I’ve always aimed to reach the next goal or level. As an examiner, I hope to encourage children and students at all levels to continue their studies and achieve their best by being supportive and understanding.
I’m inspired by the high standards of work and dedication dance teachers across the country achieve, often under challenging circumstances. I particularly enjoy meeting new people.
"The power of dance can break down barriers and foster inclusivity in school settings, whether it’s during sports lessons or participating in school plays or productions."
What advice would you give to someone interested in similar work?
Teaching dance and transitioning into becoming an examiner is the ultimate fulfilment of your passion for dance. Assessing children and students after their hard work brings immense enjoyment. Every exam session, whether in the UK, abroad, or remote, is unique and fascinating. It’s always a pleasure to meet new teachers and pupils in these different settings.
Do you have tips for young dancers?
Believe in yourself and with hard work you can always achieve your dream. Always seek good advice from qualified teachers or examiners.
