A Brief History

Founded in 1925 and called "The Northern Professional Dance Circle".
In 1930 the title was changed to "The Northern Dance Counties Dance Teachers Association" and this was to incorporate the four northern counties at that time namely Northumberland, Durham, Westmoreland and Cumberland.

The Ballroom & Old Time Branches were first to be established, followed over the years by Latin American, Tap, Ballet and Musical Comedy. Ballroom Medal Tests were then introduced and the NCDTA held their first Ballroom Medal Competition in 1944. They then introduced the Tap Medalist Competition and the Old Time Medal Competition followed. The NCDTA were the first to introduce an under 8 syllabus.

During the 1950's they introduced Amauture Ballet and Old Time Championships and their Inventive Dance Competition, but unfortunatly, the well known Northumberland and Durham Professional Championships ceased in 1955 due to lack of support.

In 1958 the Latin American Branch was fully established which was incorporated into the Medal System. They held Junior Ballroom & Old Time Championships, held all girl competitions and eventually Latin American Championships.

The NCDTA has produced many Champions in all its brances, particularly in the field of Old Time. Over the years many of the NCDTA's members have won Inventive Dance Competitions and quite a number of these dances are still being danced today both competitively and socially. The Theatre Branches have also produced many Champions, winning Stage Dance Council Scholarships, British Championships and many more.

The NCDTA had a big input into the starting up of "Come Dancing" in which many of the NCDTA's top Amateurs entered this event and were successful, including the "Bartonians"

In 1966 they were holding the Tap & Modern Championships for Juniors and Seniors and until a few years ago thesefour championships were held on one day. However today the entries have increased so much that it is becoming difficult to complete juniors on one day and seniors the next. In 1970 their Stage Festival was introduced. This festival has grown so much that it now runs for three or four days. Further new branches have been introduced, namely Speech & Drama, Country & Western and most recently Performing Arts.

Student Examinations in Ballroom, Latin American, Old Time and Theatre followed in 1978 and during the 80's they saw the introduction of Social Dance Tests and Freestyle Competitions.

The NCDTA hold Theatre Scholarships and Children's Days, Lectures, Meetings, Social Evenings and Dinners.

The membership has increased over the years and although they initially set up for the Northern Counties, their membership has spread far and wide. We are a non- profit making organisation, a corporate member of the British Dance Council, the Stage Dance Council International and the Central Council for Physical Recreation.

Amatuer Medal Tests and Professional examinations are available in all branches. Members recieve a regular Newsletter keeping them up to date with meetings, events, syllabus changes and general matters of interest.

In 2002 they introduced "Affiliate" membership to their Association. Anyone who is a fully paid up member of another recognised Dance Organisation may become an "Affiliate" member without examination. Details from the General Secretary see www.ncdta.com

One of the smaller Associations, they pride themselves on high standards, friendliness and a willingness to help each other.