Why we offer Comdance (CSTD) at Dance Force

The COMDANCE global community is made up of teachers and studios around the world, who work as a global family. The CSTD (Commonwealth Society for Teachers of Dancing) was established in 1933 by Melbourne dancer and teacher Dorothy Gladstone, who is honoured by the ABD's (Australian Dancing Board) Hall of Fame for her contributions. The society offers progressive syllabi in Ballet, Jazz, Tapping, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop, making it a true gem of dance education, born right here in Australia! Since 1933 the COMDANCE community has reached every corner of the globe.

WHICH of the CSTD syllabi do we offer?

Dance Force offers exams in CSTD Ballet, Jazz and Tapping, and our contemporary classes are designed with the standards of the CSTD's syllabus in mind. This contemporary syllabus was created by none other than internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, Jason Winters.

The CSTD Classical Ballet syllabus is based on a pedagogy of technique, musicality and artistry. The syllabus has been refreshed recently, with new music having been composed and performed by Michael Brett, pianist for the Western Australian Ballet Company. This new music allows students to fully express themselves and brings out the very best in artistry from each student. Many teachers comment about how the CSTD have created a well-rounded classical syllabus that balances classical coordination with precise technique, whilst still preparing students adequately for a career in dance or dance education. It is also a very affordable syllabus, making it accessible for students to complete regular and enriching examinations.

The CSTD's Modern Jazz Syllabus was revised in 2017. It contains an amazing body of work choreographed and developed into a sound progressive, developmental sequence by Rachelle Conroy and Sandra Breen. Some of Australia’s leading artists have contributed their choreography to the syllabus in both exercises and routines. The work is contemporary, technically challenging and a great preparation in all forms of jazz for today’s performance demands. Theory is also a welcome component of this syllabus in the higher grades.

The Comdance Tapping Syllabus was also updated in 2017. The new tapping syllabus is a complete training package with graduated exercises, amalgamations and dances suited to each target age group. The Sandra Breen OAM Tap Syllabus caters for candidates from 4 years upwards, and has been created with contributions from Jack Chambers, Rennie Ann Martini, Keith Hawley and Chris Jordan; All being very experienced, well-respected tappers & choreographers. Theory is once again an important component, helping students understand the rhythm and execution of tapping steps more comprehensively.

So... WHY have we chosen the CSTD syllabi?

Dance Force has been offering the CSTD's syllabi in their studios since opening in 2005. Of late, we have made the important decision to offer this as our sole Classical Ballet syllabus of choice at our Toowoomba studio (the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus is due to be phased out by the end of 2021). It is our studio's vision to see accessible dance education offered in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley, and the CSTD allows us to do this without the slightest compromise on quality.

The CSTD offers comprehensive, progressive and up-to-date content across all genres, with reasonable examination fee structure. Becoming a qualified teacher with Comdance is both reputable and affordable for those students wishing to pursue a career in dance teaching. The syllabi has realistic "base benchmarks" for the recreational dancer seeking a challenge, yet still extends its criteria to constructively critique those dancers of a more proficient calibre. Considering the CSTD has extended its branches across the globe, our students are prepared and equipped to a standard that is recognised internationally. It's truly wonderful to be able to share such an excellent syllabus while supporting our unique Australian dance culture across our two locations!