Introducing the IDTA Bursary Awards

W.J. (Bill) Tasker Pre-Associate of the Year Awards

Four awards are presented annually, to the four best Pre-Associate candidates in the Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence and Freestyle, in memory of IDTA Fellow and Financial Director from 1971 to 2002, Mr Bill Tasker.

The awards are made based on the highest mark achieved between 1 January and 31 December each year. If there is a tie for the highest mark, candidates will be asked to submit an essay to be judged by the appropriate faculty chairman. Examiners are not required to nominate candidates, as the selection of candidates is initially based on their examination result.

The winners are invited to attend their local IDTA Area Annual General Meeting with their teacher to be presented with a cheque to assist with their future dance teacher training and certificate of achievement by the Area Committee Chairman.

John Dilworth Scholarship Awards

IDTA Examiners nominate Associate candidates for the John Dilworth Scholarship Awards in the four core subjects of Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence and Freestyle. Nominees must be outstanding candidates attaining a mark of Distinction or above.

The Awards are made in memory of former Company Secretary, Mr John Dilworth who held the post from 1967 to 1976.

Winners are invited to attend the IDTA Annual Dinner at Congress in July each year to be presented with their certificate of achievement and cheque to assist with further dance teacher training by the IDTA President.

Arthur J Gallagher Bursary Awards

Insurers, Arthur J Gallagher, sponsor two bursary awards for IDTA members, one for the Ballroom Branch and one for the Theatre Branch.

Arthur J Gallagher Bursary Award – Ballroom – Four awards are presented annually, to the four best core subject Licentiate candidates to assist them with further training for their Fellowship qualifications. Award to be made based on the highest mark achieved between 1 January and 31 December each year. If there is a tie for the highest mark, candidates will be asked to submit an essay to be judged by the appropriate faculty chairman.

Arthur J Gallagher Bursary Award – Theatre – One award is presented annually, to the best core subject Associate candidate to assist them with further training for IDTA qualifications. Award to be made based on the highest mark achieved between 1 January and 31 December each year. If there is a tie for the highest mark, candidates will be asked to submit an essay to be judged by either the President or President Elect or the Quality Assurance Panel.

Examiners are not required to nominate candidates for the Arthur J Gallagher Bursary Awards, as the selection of candidates is initially based on their examination result.

The certificates of achievement and cheques to assist with further dance teacher training are presented by a representative of Arthur J Gallagher Insurance and the IDTA President at the Annual Congress Dinner held in July each year.

Miss Dance of Great Britain

The IDTA Miss Dance of Great Britain event, which takes place in June each year, was the original idea of John Dilworth. It started in 1973 and his motive was to give opportunity to performers who were on the threshold of the profession in the hope that their appearance would impress choreographers and agents and so further their careers. The event started in a small way with a few regional heats, the finals being held in conjunction with the IDTA’s Congress. Since its inception the event has grown throughout the United Kingdom and its status with the dancing world is second to none. Many past Miss Dance winners and finalists have made their mark in the professional theatre assisted by the opportunity that this competition gives them. In the year 2000, Dance Master UK was introduced for boys, again through Area heats, with the finals being held at the same event.

Dance Festivals around the UK are allocated heats for the Miss Dance of Great Britain and Dance Master UK. Competitors must be 16 years of age by 31st May in the year of the final and are required to give a completed theatrical dance performance which may include, Modern Jazz, Tap, Gymnastic Dance, Dialogue, Song, Instrumentation, or Comedy, (Classical ballet, Character, Greek, National are not permitted).

The winners and finalists from 2nd to 6th place receive a prize cheque. The competition rules and list of heats are available from IDTA Head Office.

International Theatre Dance Awards

The International Theatre Dance Awards are obtainable only through audition and candidates are initially nominated by the Association’s examiners when taking the higher Grades or Performer Award examinations through an IDTA qualified teacher. Eight awards are granted in Ballet, Theatre Craft, Tap, and Modern Jazz at higher Grade and Performer Award level. The event takes place annually, usually in February at a venue in Manchester. The closing date for each year is the 30th November.

Over 500 candidates out of more than 7,500 are nominated each year for these awards and those who are successful are awarded a trophy and a cheque to further their dance career. Certificates are awarded to every nominee and the teachers of the winners.

The following additional trophies are presented:

  • The Bill Tasker Award for Theatre Craft Grades or Performers          
  • The Ken Dodd Awards for Tap Grades or Performers (1 Girl and 1 Boy)
  • The Gladys Thorpe Memorial Award for Ballet Performers (including bursary)
  • The above awards chosen by an independent assessor
  • The Veronica Tweedale Award (including bursary) for the runner up of the Ballet Grades Class
  • The Pam Tidmarsh Award (including bursary) for the runner up of the Modern Jazz Grades Class
  • The Peggy Harrison Award for the runner up in the Modern Jazz Performers class

Freestyle Scholarships

 Candidates for the IDTA Freestyle Scholarships are initially nominated by the Association’s Examiners when taking a Freestyle Solo medal test at Star 1 level or above, through a qualified teacher. Candidates must obtain a mark of at least 90% and show outstanding / exceptional potential.

Awards are granted in the following age groups for Freestyle Solo performances:

  • Class A: under 16 years
  • Class B: 16 years and above

The Scholarships are held annually in the Spring. Nominations are taken from 1 March to 28/29 February the following year. Winners receive a trophy and a cheque prize to further their dance career. Certificates are awarded to every nominee.

An additional trophy and voucher towards further training to be presented by Anna Jones for the nominees in each age group showing outstanding potential.