Doll, certification by one of the sanctioning bodies simply means that the candidate has a fundamental knowledge of the syllabus for each of the dances covered by the certificate and can demonstrate the dances properly for both lead and follow.

You will not find the teacher who is the best choice for you and Scottyboy by examining certificates. You can do so only by working with some until you find one with whom you enjoy studying.

I've had ISTD-certified instructors who sucked outrageously and chain-trained teachers who amazed me with their perception and attention to detail. A teacher's essential temperament is more important than trophies and licenses.

Our instructor just retired so that she can return to Oklahoma to care full time for her ailing older sister. After some searching - including many conversations with other amateur couples - we believe that we've found a good replacement. I have no idea what certification he may have but I can tell from the few times that we've worked together that he knows his stuff.

Nothing in dance is easy. If you don't have a natural partner (spouse or "significant other"), finding a good one is the toughest task in ballroom. Securing the services of a good instructor is the second toughest.

Good luck. I really hope that you find someone you like.



jj

In my personal experience of three years and change, it's not the piece of paper you paid for to tell the world (when you're not busy rubbing it in someone's face) what you know, it's if what you know is something you can impart to your students without making them want to burn their shoes that counts.

On the flip-side, I've seen in both dancing and horselife people who think that because they know steps or can stay on top of a horse and 'dun so since ah wuz a keeyuhd', that they're automatic teachers, coaches, instructors, or otherwise gurus... and mislead a lot of gullible "students" into frustration and burnout.

That being said, I look for MOSTLY if the person's a good teacher or not, not what kind of "titles and credentials" they like to wave around. Sometimes, the ones with the most paper are the biggest buttholes, and to me, that's a complete turnoff, regardless of what they know. Yes, I pay to learn to do something right, and when I need a critical nudge, they should give it to me... but not to the point of outright verbal abuse. Save that for ice-skating and American Saddlebreds.

I think that the ISTD likes to think of itself as the premier teaching society, but if you examine the current syllabus that is studied in the UK, home to both the ISTD & IDTA, then you might be forgiven for thinking that "dance" is very much secondary in the ISTD scheme of things (primary being to qualify for accreditation in a national framework of vocational qualifications, alongside plumbing and catering etc.), whereas there is NOTHING in the IDTA syllabus, except dance.

This is a very modern development, but I think it will result in a collapse in standards over the next few years, and the relegation of ISTD into near oblivion. I earnestly hope that the other leading Societies aren't so silly as to go the same way.

It might be worth mentioning that the ISTD was a Dance Society before Ballroom Dancing.
From Victor Silvester Modern Ballroom Dancing Page 32. The ISTD had been in existance for a number of years in a loose kind of way catering for all styles of dancing.In 1924 it was decided to remodel the Society and make each branch representative of a particular style of dancing.
The reason for forming a Ballroom Dancing Branch was when it was heard thar P.J.S. Richardson with several of the leading London teachers, none of whome were members of the IDST, were contemplating forming a Dance Society. Richardson was interviewed by the Secretary of the Imperial and gave an undertaking that if the ISTD would take the matter out of his hands there would be no need for a new Society.
Thats where it all began.
ISTD is the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

You are correct in your assumption.

Medal tests are divided into set divisions.. i.e... Bronze.. Silver .. Gold.. Gold bar and Gold star.

There are also 1 dance exams and now a new modular system is in place for students.

The Prof. exams are essentialy the same being broken down into 3 levels from Assoc thru to Fellow. An examiner is by appt. only .

The time frame for prof exams at one point was very strict ( my era ) Assoc.. 1yr with a recogn. school of dance.... technique and practical.in all 4 dances

members.. 3 more yrs experience,, same dances with theory

Fellowship.. same again ..5 yr wait.

As to the Amer system, I was an examiner ( all divisions ) for many yrs, and as JJ pointed out, the different schools that I visited, had wide discrepancies in knowledge., usually found in small market areas .

In fairness, the standard of teaching has improved dramatically due to the influx of many European teachers who have been trained in the Intern.style and have gone into the " backwaters " in many cases .

When I first arrived in the States ( late 50s ) I traveled constantly, coaching and training in the Intern. style, I even encountered schools that were opposed to it .

instructors.

If you ever meet one who is not an egotistical, arrogant bum then please let me know.



jj

Oh, my I am still so confused! I thought there was a credentialing committee, that was considered to be top notch. *(Such as a Harvard degree vs. a University degree.) I looked at all the different syllabus for the ISTD,IDTA,& DVIDA- the DVIDA seems to be more detailed and comprehensive. It also seems that anyone can "Put a shingle out", and call them self a dance teacher. Thus leaving a layperson to find it out the hard way!!

Dont " downplay " the path which one has to take to achieve fellowship level ( NINE yrs ) even the Members is 5 yrs .
There is essentially little difference as to the certif. process than any academic body requires ( I have been thru that process )thru examination of subject .

And.... if they (we ) were not to examine, whom would you expect ?.. after all , it is your "peers " .

More to the point.. did they know their " stuff " ?. You do not have to like any teacher but more important.. do they get results ?.

I have known several world class coaches, who were minus "diplomacy ", but, they sure knew how to get a point across.

I,m more interested in getting value from any lesson and will tolerate their shortcomings ( its only an hr for g... sake )

Exactly.



jj