Membership to the association is by examination; however, a working teacher may join as an affiliate member by applying to the secretary and completing the prescribed form. Intensive courses are available for any working teacher/student who wishes to take a professional examination with the association.

Whilst holding an affiliate membership you can enjoy limited benefits of the association such as “Scholarships, Festivals, Open Days and Days of Dance” – it is expected that an affiliate member will take a professional examination within three years of joining and therefore become an Associate member – if for any reason an affiliate member does not take a professional examination within three years of joining, their membership may be terminated at the discretion of the Board; an affiliate member may enter students for examinations and medal tests within their three years of membership.

Please note: It is a requirement of your membership to book at least one examination or medal session per year.

Student membership is available to any student who has passed grade 5 in any subject. Only an Affiliate, Associate, Licentiate or Fellow member may enter pupils for examinations and medal tests.

If you are already a member of another recognised dance association, you may join us without taking a professional examination by providing proof of such membership i.e. certificates, membership card, report sheet to the secretary; if you have completed and passed a minimum two year full-time recognised dance course/degree in Theatre dance core subjects at a recognised University/College, you may apply for membership by providing the secretary with a copy of the certificate/report sheet – such membership is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

If you choose not to continue your membership and in the future you apply to reactivate your teaching membership, you will be required to bring up to date your missed membership fees (to a maximum of two years).

A.B.D. recognises Awarding Bodies belonging to the British Dance Council (BDC), Board of Dance Qualifications & Training (BDQT), Theatre Dance Council (TDCI) and Council for Dance Education & Training (CDET).

Teachers over the age of 25 years may take a professional examination and use a Student they have trained, for demonstration purposes ONLY.

The Board may grant an honorary membership, degree or examination-ship but reserve the right to rescind any of the above at their discretion- THE BOARDS DECISION IS FINAL.