8/13/2019 IDTA History

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/idta-history 1/2

IDTA History 

In 1903 a group of teachers in Manchester area formed an association, the Manchester

and Salford Association of Teachers of Dancing. The prime mover was James Finnigan -

the arranger of the dance the Military Two Step - and it is interesting to note that James'

great-granddaughter, Julie Laird, is currently a prominent member of the IDTA. Withtime the 'and Salford' was dropped from the name of the Association and then in 1938

the name was changed to the Empire Society.

In the first decade of the century other small associations were established and four

such were the English Association of Dancing Masters, Premier Association of Teachers of

Dancing, Universal Association of Teachers of Dancing, and Yorkshire Association of

Dancing Masters. In 1930 these four bodies amalgamated to form the International

Dancing Masters' Association. This body grew in strength and stature until in 1955 it was

felt necessary to become a company limited by guarantee.

Meanwhile Birmingham area teachers joined together in 1920 to create the Midland

Dance Teachers' Association. This body grew beyond its original area base and changed

its name in 1958 to the Dance Teachers' Association. Shortly after in 1961 it merged

with the Empire Society retaining the name Dance Teachers' Association.

In 1967 the IDMA and DTA merged becoming the international Dance Teachers'

Association - retaining the Limited by Guarantee status of the IDMA. This merger created

one of the largest dance teacher organisations in the world. Indisputably it had the

largest membership of ballroom dance teachers.

The IDTA takes a prominent part in the various bodies co-ordinating dance activities in

Great Britain and the world. It is a member of the British Dance Council, the Central

Council of Physical Recreation, the Council for Dance Education and Training, and the

Theatre Dance Council International.

The IDTA conducts examinations qualifying teachers of dancing and entry to the

Association is by examination only. They are based on detailed knowledge of the dance

techniques involved and on the ability to teach the various dance forms to a wide range

of prospective students. The examinations are oral based and depend upon a competent

range of qualified examiners. The IDTA was the first dance teachers' Association to

institute rigorous examinations for prospective examiners. Even to-day, in the case of

some dance teacher organisations, examiners are appointed purely by election or even

by patronage.

The Association covers a wide range of dance disciplines, which divide broadly into twocategories those of theatre dance and those of ballroom dance although there are, of

course, substantial overlaps.

Professional examinations are available in the following core subjects:

Ballroom Branch: Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence and Freestyle.

Theatre Branch: Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Theatre Craft

Professional examinations are also available in non-core subjects: Rock ‘n’ Roll, Salsa,

Cheerleading and Street Dance.

Diplomas are available in the following subjects: Dance Exercise, Gymnastic Dance andAnatomy.

8/13/2019 IDTA History

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/idta-history 2/2