Always changing and ever-evolving, contemporary dance techniques encourage and reward creative freedom and artistic expression.
The ISTD Contemporary Syllabus is a movement system that enables learners to develop and acquire advanced understanding of contemporary dance technique, choreography, creative and compositional skills.
Over the three levels of Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced 1, the syllabus provides students with a progressive and in-depth exploration of movement qualities and patterns typical of contemporary dance - falling and recovering, spiralling, contracting and releasing, leaning and tilting - whilst encouraging learners to discover and develop their own individuality in the technical and artistic execution of the syllabus work.
Each level provides a variety of floor, standing, travelling and jumping sequences, from simple exercises to more sophisticated and complex ones. Each level also features a solo choreographed by industry professionals, and structured improvisation tasks which enable students to explore, develop, and create their own movement vocabulary.
The syllabus was created by Dr Ross McKim, the internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, philosopher, and Artistic Director of the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance (from 1985–2015).
The movement language of the ISTD Contemporary Syllabus draws from the work of modern dance pioneers such as Martha Graham, Erick Hawkins and Robert Cohan, and is informed by the Eastern concept of subtle energy.
If you’re starting out on your dance teaching journey or want to increase your repertoire, our comprehensive contemporary class syllabus offers the necessary tools to deliver an informed and complete approach to teaching contemporary dance, helping your students feel inspired, challenged and empowered.
Our Contemporary Syllabus offers learners Ofqual regulated qualifications as well as UCAS points at the Intermediate level, supporting students on their journey into higher education.
For teachers and studio owners, the syllabus provides a clearly structured, progressive, safe, and inspiring framework to train learners in contemporary dance technique, creative and choreographic skills.
If you are just starting your journey in dance training, the Contemporary Syllabus provides an accessible point of entry into developing competence in technical, performative, and creative skills.
For those with more dance experience, this training method will expand their movement vocabulary, enhance their existing training, and encourage learners to find a strong sense of individuality through an equally balanced focus on technical and artistic development.
Teacher Laura discusses how accessible the Contemporary syllabus is for students
To learn our Contemporary Dance Syllabus you can join our CPD training courses, which are scheduled regularly throughout the year, with options to train in-person or online with our specially trained Contemporary teaching team. Check out our Events and Courses page for up-to-date information on upcoming courses.
During CPD courses, attendees will learn and explore in depth all practical elements of the work, including the syllabus exercises, solos, and tools for preparing students for the structured improvisation. By completion of each course, attendees will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare their students for examination.
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate courses are currently offered in studio (over two days) and online via Zoom (over three sessions), whilst the Advanced 1 course is currently offered in studio only (over three days).
Shorter live and online courses, such as syllabus refreshers for each level or sessions designed to look at specific elements of the work range from a half to full day and are scheduled at various points throughout the year.
Teacher Siân on the levels within the Contemporary syllabus build upon one another to provide a progressive framework.
Our Contemporary Syllabus teaching resources are available to purchase online:
Download a copy of the specification, which provides detailed information about the syllabus and examination process.
Exams can be taken in a number of ways to best suit teachers and their students.
UK exams:
Internationally:
For further advice about our examinations please contact ukdanceteachers@istd.org for UK exams and internationalteachers@istd.org for exams in all other countries.
By becoming an ISTD member, one of the benefits is the ability to enter your students for examinations.
Our bespoke Contemporary Affiliate Membership is designed for dance teachers to join the Society and enter students for their contemporary dance exams and includes a range of other member benefits.
If you are an existing Full Teaching member, you can already enter your students for Contemporary examinations.
Testimonial
INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION COURSE ATTENDEE
Contact contemporary@istd.org or join us for one of our Contemporary Surgery Sessions where you can ask our Contemporary team your questions. To book on to one of our surgery sessions, check out our Events and Courses page.
You can also join our growing Contemporary dance community by joining our Contemporary Facebook group.
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