About Comdance
2008 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD).
The Society had its beginnings in 1933 with the formation of the National Examination System and the Victorian Society of Dancing. Established in 1931 and 1933 respectively, the two organisations were founded to establish Examination Standards and to raise the standard of dance in Australia.
The later amalgamation of the two societies into the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing consolidated the work of the two organisations into one democratic society which today occupies a unique position amongst the dance societies of the world, catering for all major forms of dance.
The national operations of the Society are managed by an Executive Committee elected annually by the membership. The real estate assets of the Society are administered by the Board of Trustees.
The Society is an authoritative examining body whose high standards are internationally respected. All grades of examinations for amateur and professional dancers are conducted under separate syllabi for:
- Classical Ballet
- Theatrical (Stage) Dance
- Tap Dance
- Jazz Ballet
- Modern Jazz
- Highland Dance
- Ballroom Dance (Modern, Latin American,
- Australian New Vogue & English Old Time)
As a member body of the Australian Dancing Board, the CSTD plays an important role in the administration of ballroom dancing in Australia.
Our current President represents Australia internationally as a delegate
to the World Dance and Dancesport Council.
Full membership is open only to holders of the Society's Diploma.
Teacher Qualifications
Teachers who have a full teachers' diploma use the letters CSTD together with the distinguishing letters for the syllabus, eg. CSTD/cb (classical ballet).
Affiliate membership is available to teachers of dancing, professional dancers and student dance teachers who do not hold the Society's teaching qualification.
Competitions, Festivals, Championships and other member activities are programmed each year to meet the needs of members in each state.
