We aim to be a forward looking association, proactive rather than reactive.

Each subject has a head of department, whose terms of reference are to ensure their specialist subject is a market leader.

Along these lines we have recently introduced an Acrobatics / Gymnastics Solo and Pairs Agilities Awards. Street Dancing also featured in our recent Annual General Meeting.

The emergence of different types of footwear (split sole jazz boots etc) is being reviewed as to acceptability for examinations. Logo uniform has been introduced but not compulsory. Students like to 'belong'.

Who knows what the future holds...

The United Teachers of Dance was founded in 1976 by Mrs Valerie Ann Harris and twenty founding Teacher Members.

The association was founded for the following main reasons:

• To allow dance into everyone's life whatever shape, size, colour or age;
• To set examination progression at a level obtainable by pupils in an acceptable time frame;
• For all syllabi to have a good technique base, but to also be enjoyable;
• To set examination fees at affordable prices.

The UTD has grown since its birth and is now established throughout the UK with teachers also in Ireland, Holland and Germany.

Since the association is a limited company, an Annual General Meeting is held each year, currently at Scalford Hall, Leicestershire during the month of May.