Legacy & Milestones - National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD)

National Association
Of Teachers of Dancing

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A TIMELINE OF DANCE

Explore our rich history and milestones. Discover key moments in our journey, from our early beginnings to our latest initiatives and achievements

Launch of our BRAND NEW Ballroom & Latin American Graded syllabi

2024

Launch of the BRAND NEW Original Street Styles Syllabus! With a mind-blowing total of 30 examinations, Professional qualifications plus our existing Medal Test Examinations

2023

Introduction of the Freestyle Medallist of the Year

2023

We return for our multi-genre Congress across two days in Birmingham

2022

Introduction of the Theatrical Scholarships

2021

Introduction of the North Midland Theatrical area

2020

Graded Freestyle syllabus launched.

2019

Medallist of the Year grand final held at Blackpool Tower.

2019

NATD moved to its new Head Office.

2018

NATD Gymnastic Dance syllabus recognised by Ofqual.

2017

NATD Contemporary Dance syllabus recognised by Ofqual.

2016

First Medallist of the Year competition launched in Blackpool for Ballroom & Latin American.

2016

Recognised by Ofqual as a Regulated Awarding Organisation.

2015

NATD re-instated its multi-genre Congress at Cheltenham.

2014

NATD launched its own Ballroom Technique book.

2014

Patrons introduced within the NATD.

2013

Production of DVDs for all Theatrical grades.

2013

CDET validation of vocational grades.

2011

NATD celebrated its centenary.

2006

NATD launched its annual awards with the Millennium Award.

2000

Creation of the Southern Area.

1996

Creation of the Anglian Area.

1995

Introduction of The Nina Hodgson Memorial Fund.

1991

NATD Head Office became computerised.

1989

Leisure Tap, the predecessor to Adult Fit, was introduced at the Richmond Theatrical Congress.

1988

NATD moved into its Thatcham offices.

1986

Introduction of Dance & Exercise, the predecessor of Acrobatics & subsequently Gymnastic Dance.

1984

NATD celebrated its 75th anniversary.

1982

North Eastern Area was established.

1978

NATD celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

1976

Nornie Dwyer published a 'Handbook of Modern Dancing'.

1968

NATD and DTA held a joint conference with a view to amalgamation.

1964

Nornie Dwyer's 'The Twist' booklet sold out in 10 days.

1962

NATD re-issued the technical section of Henry Jacques' 1944 book 'Modern Ballroom Dancing' as a 'Revised Technique' for professionals.

1957

NATD issued 'Ballroom Dancing to Bronze Medal'.

1954

NATD issued 'Ballroom Dancing to Bronze Medal'.

1954

NATD incorporated as an Limited Company. The first directors were Tommy Rogers, Millicent Simmonds, Keith Jones, Frank Borrows, Alex Hooper, George Holden & Maude Wells.

1952

'Ballroom Dancing for Beginners' published by Frank Borrows.

1947

NATD initiated Student Tests in Ballroom.

1944

NATD initiated the Junior Championship at the Blackpool Dance Festival. The trophy was donated by Gwen Silvester, sister of Victor Silvester.

1939

NATD initiated the Juvenile Championship at the Blackpool Dance Festival. The trophy was donated by Bob Garganico.

1938

Alex Moore elected as the NATD President.

1932

Edgar Newton conceived the Medal Test system for the NATD.

1932

New President's chain presented to the NATD by Bessie Thrush. This chain is still used today.

1930

First female President - Mrs Gosling elected.

1917

NATD grew to 90 members.

1916

64 members attended Congress (This represented almost 100% attendance).

1913

NATD had 50 members.

1912

NATD Founded.

1906