The ISTD Quickstep Syllabus, published by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), is a technical reference book covering the prescribed figures and movement principles of International Standard Quickstep.
The book presents 27 syllabus figures across four examination levels: Student Teacher, Associate, Licentiate and Fellow. Each figure is explained through the established ISTD technical chart format, providing detailed information for both leader and follower.
Designed for structured study, the manual helps dancers and teachers examine the technical requirements of Quickstep, from fundamental turns and chassés to more advanced running actions, swivels and figure combinations.
Quickstep Technique and Technical Charts
The syllabus includes technical information covering:
- Foot positions: Placement and progression of the feet throughout each figure
- Alignment: Directions and alignments used in the execution of figures
- Footwork: Heel, toe and other prescribed foot actions
- Timing: Slow and Quick timing values and rhythmic patterns
- Amount of turn: Rotation required for individual steps and figures
- Rise and fall: The prescribed rise and lowering actions
- Contrary Body Movement (CBM): Technical use of body rotation
- Sway: Appropriate body inclination within movements
- Precedes and follows: Figure connections within the syllabus
- Technical notes: Additional information supporting correct execution
The book also introduces the musical structure of Quickstep, including its 4/4 time signature and the use of Slow and Quick timing.
Contents
Student Teacher
- Quarter Turn to Right
- Natural Turn
- Natural Turn with Hesitation
- Natural Pivot Turn
- Natural Spin Turn
- Progressive Chassé
- Chassé Reverse Turn
- Forward Lock
Associate
- Closed Impetus
- Back Lock
- Reverse Pivot
- Progressive Chassé to Right
- Tipple Chassé to Right
- Running Finish
- Natural Turn and Back Lock
- Double Reverse Spin
Licentiate
- Quick Open Reverse
- Fishtail
- Running Right Turn
- Four Quick Run
- V6
- Closed Telemark
Fellow
- Cross Swivel
- Six Quick Run
- Rumba Cross
- Tipsy to Right and Left
- Hover Corté
A Technical Reference for Teaching and Examinations
The level-by-level organisation allows teachers and students to locate the figures relevant to their syllabus studies and examination preparation.
The technical charts provide a consistent reference for reviewing footwork, timing, alignment, rise and fall, amount of turn and figure connections. They are particularly useful when examining the differences between similar Quickstep actions or refining the technical execution of established syllabus figures.
For teachers and coaches, the book supports lesson planning and technical explanation. Examination candidates can use it to review prescribed material, while competitive ballroom dancers can consult it when strengthening their understanding of International Standard Quickstep technique.
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