MTSD Director, Choreographer and Teacher, Selina Marsh, is a fully qualified and affiliated member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. Established in 1904 to promote excellence in dance education and professional standards, the ISTD is a UK-based organisation with international reach across more than 59 countries. Its long-standing global reputation is upheld by generations of dedicated teachers and dance educationalists committed to the highest standards of training and assessment.

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Our full-scale dance productions, all originally choreographed by Selina, play a significant role in shaping MTSD’s identity. Equally important, however, is our commitment to the delivery of the ISTD examination syllabi, which is fundamental to the technical development of our students. We adhere to the Cecchetti Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance syllabi, and biannually many of our students are given the opportunity to be examined by a Fellow of the ISTD. Examinations provide a motivating challenge, a clear focus for learning and a strong sense of personal achievement. MTSD is proud to report a 100% pass rate among examined students, with a high proportion achieving Merit and Distinction grades.

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While formal dance examinations are highly valued by many of our students, they are not compulsory and may not suit every child. We recognise that dancers develop at different rates, and some students prefer to enjoy learning the syllabus material without the added pressure of an examination - MTSD fully supports the individual wants and needs of its members. All students, whether exam candidates or not, take part in a special end-of-year presentation of class work for an audience of family and friends. This inclusive celebration of learning allows every child to shine, showcasing the progress they have made and the confidence they have built throughout the year.