Shobana Jeyasingh and Anthony Van Laast announced as ISTD Vice Presidents

Respected choreographers and dance practitioners, Shobana and Anthony have been long standing, active supporters of ISTD and its mission to make dance teaching and learning accessible to all. On accepting one of the highest honorary accolades that the Society can bestow, Vice President Anthony Van Laast said, “I am thrilled and honoured to become a Vice President of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. I have always considered the role of the teacher in the dance world to be paramount. I look forward to being an ambassador for the ISTD, an organisation which plays such a very important role in our industry.”

“It is an enormous privilege, pleasure and source of pride to be Vice President of ISTD” confirmed Shobana Jeyasingh. “I look forward to supporting their stellar work in making dance and movement accessible to all and to encourage the widest possible participation in it for both enjoyment and specialisation.”

Shobana and Anthony will join ISTD President Shirley Ballas to advocate for the Society and our teacher members who are training the next generation of dancers. This has never been more critical, as the ISTD’s recently published Extending Our Ambition for Dance report reveals. The findings of the report expose the challenges facing the industry and sets out the ISTDs commitment to bringing dance organisations together to collaborate and action change across the dance sector for its future growth and development.

"ISTD's trustees are delighted to welcome Shobana and Anthony as Vice Presidents of the Society.” Michael Elliott, ISTD Chair of Trustees confirmed. “Together with Shirley, our President, they form a formidable team in the support of our work in inspiring innovation, achievement, access, inclusion and diversity in dance education and in championing the benefits of dance for the enjoyment, health and well-being of individuals, communities and society in the UK and globally.” 

At ISTD we believe that through collaboration with the dance sector we can contribute toward a better future for dance. Ginny Brown, ISTD Chief Executive explains: “ISTD has always played a vital role in training the next generation of dance artists. So, we are delighted that two of the UK’s leading choreographers have accepted roles as Vice President. With Shobana and Anthony’s extensive industry knowledge we can ensure the Society remains firmly connected with the latest dance innovations.”

Working together with our President, Shirley Ballas, and newly appointed Vice Presidents, we will promote the value of dance and remove barriers to access and progression. Find out more about the ISTD and our mission for Dance for All, visit www.istd.org