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IDA Honors Esteemed Artistic Advisor, Brian Loftus

Posted on by IDA

A Legacy of Excellence

Brian Loftus

International Dance Acclaim shares this news with immense sadness: our revered Artistic Advisor, Brian Loftus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Mr. Loftus was more than an advisor; he was a guiding light whose profound knowledge and passion for classical technique helped set the international standard of excellence for the IDA Syllabus. His wisdom is permanently woven into the foundation of our progressive Tiers and Awards.

A Life Dedicated to Artistry and Technique

A respected figure across the international dance community, Brian Loftus built a career defined by both breathtaking performance and dedicated instruction.

He trained in London and Paris, and danced professionally with the renowned Sadlers Wells Opera Ballet in London and with Grand Ballet Classique de France in Paris.

For over four decades, he was recognized globally as an international guest teacher, lecturer, and choreographer of the highest repute. His vast experience includes:

  • A Cornerstone of London Dance: For 22 years, he held highly sought-after “Open Professional Classes” in London’s famed Covent Garden, classes attended regularly by many of the world’s most well-known dancers.
  • International Influence: He taught regularly in dance capitals including London, Paris, Germany, Israel, and Japan.
  • Company Guest Teacher: Mr. Loftus was invited as a guest teacher with numerous large ballet and contemporary companies across the globe, including:
    • London Festival Ballet (now called English National Ballet)
    • Rambert Dance Company
    • London Contemporary Dance Company
    • London City Ballet
    • Koblenz Ballet Company and Kiel Ballet Company in Germany
    • The Deborah Colker Company from Brazil.

His Enduring Contribution to IDA

As an Artistic Advisor for International Dance Acclaim, Brian Loftus brought the unparalleled standards of the world stage directly to our syllabus. His commitment ensured that every dancer participating in IDA’s program is cultivated with the kind of technical precision, artistry, and foundational strength required for a successful dance career.

Brian passed down specific exercises that are cornerstones of the IDA curriculum—pieces of choreography designed not just to challenge, but to fundamentally shift a dancer’s ability. To honor his enduring contribution, we want to share an exercise he taught for the execution of a dynamic tour jeté. IDA member, dancer and teacher Noam Tsivkin demonstrates this specific exercise, showcasing the precise attention to detail and clean lines that Brian always championed:

Brian’s generous spirit and tireless advocacy for the highest quality of classical training will continue to live on through every teacher we train and every student who achieves success through the IDA program.

He will be profoundly missed by his many friends, colleagues, and students around the world.

From Studio to Spotlight: How IDA Fuels Community-Focused Pre-Professional Training

Posted on by Rebecca

There’s a unique and powerful synergy that occurs when a school commits to both rigorous pre-professional training and deep community engagement. It’s a delicate balance that cultivates not just exceptional artists, but also well-rounded individuals who understand the profound impact of their art. And playing a vital, often unsung, role in fostering this dynamic is an organization like International Dance Acclaim (IDA).

Many top-tier ballet schools are known for their intense training, producing dancers ready for the world’s most prestigious stages. But the true magic happens when that dedication to excellence is rooted in a commitment to the local community. Imagine a school where young dancers push their limits in the studio, perfecting fouettés and grand jetés, yet also understand the joy of sharing their passion with neighbors who might never step foot in a professional theater.

This is where International Dance Acclaim shines. IDA isn’t a competition in the traditional sense; instead, it’s a developmental program that focuses on “Achievement through Performance.” The unique adjudication process, where students perform choreographed exercises and a solo for an experienced IDA adjudicator, offers a tangible goal and a powerful motivator for technical and artistic growth. This structure inherently supports the pre-professional aspirations of a dance school by:

  • Providing a Benchmark for Excellence: The external assessment by an experienced IDA judge offers an objective evaluation of a student’s progress against international standards. This is invaluable for pre-professional schools, ensuring their curriculum is effectively preparing dancers for the demands of higher-level training and eventually, professional auditions.
  • Enhancing Performance Quality: IDA’s focus on structured exercises and solos directly refines performance skills, stage presence, and musicality – all critical components for a successful dance career. The preparation for an IDA Award is a mini-performance season in itself, building resilience and confidence.
  • Accelerating Training: The specific choreography and music provided by IDA are designed to improve technique, stamina, and artistry, pushing students beyond their comfort zones and accelerating their development. This complements the rigorous daily training of a pre-professional program.

But how does this pre-professional drive integrate with a strong community focus? This is where IDA’s indirect, yet significant, influence becomes apparent:

  • Inclusive Performance Opportunities: While IDA challenges dancers to strive for personal bests, it’s also designed to be a positive experience for every participant. This inclusive approach to “performance” – less about winning and more about personal achievement – aligns perfectly with a community-focused school’s desire to give all dedicated students valuable stage experience, not just a select few.
  • Building Confidence for Wider Engagement: The success and positive feedback students receive through IDA Awards can be a tremendous boost to their self-confidence. This newfound assurance then empowers them to engage more readily in community performances, outreach programs, and even teaching opportunities, becoming ambassadors for the art form.
  • Fostering a Culture of Growth, Not Just Competition: When students are motivated by personal achievement and the supportive feedback of adjudicators (rather than solely by competitive rankings), it creates a healthier, more collaborative studio environment. This aligns with the “family” feel often found in community-focused schools, where mutual support is prioritized.
  • Showcasing Local Talent: Schools often invite parents, friends, and local community members to witness their IDA performances. This provides a fantastic opportunity for the school to showcase the talent cultivated within its walls, drawing the community closer and inspiring future dancers. It’s a direct demonstration of the high-quality training available right in their neighborhood.

In essence, an organization like International Dance Acclaim provides the ideal framework for a pre-professional school to hone its dancers’ skills while simultaneously strengthening its community ties. It offers a structured path for individual artistic growth, preparing students for the competitive dance world, but does so in a way that encourages participation, builds confidence, and celebrates achievement for everyone. It’s a beautiful example of how high standards and heartfelt community spirit can dance together, creating a truly enriching experience for all.

Ready to explore how IDA can elevate your studio?

📅 Book a free Studio Success Call to discuss how our programs align with your unique vision and goals.

Elevating Every Dance Studio: IDA’s Support for All Approaches

Posted on by IDA

Dance studios are vibrant communities, each with a unique mission – from rigorous competition training to fostering recreational enjoyment, preparing students for pre-professional careers, or building community through movement. International Dance Acclaim (IDA) offers comprehensive tap and ballet curricula, culminating in our engaging IDA Awards adjudicated event, designed to support all these diverse approaches and help every dancer flourish.

For Studios with Competitive or Pre-Professional Aspirations: Enhance Training & Expand Opportunities

Your studio is dedicated to pushing dancers towards excellence, whether on the competition stage or in preparation for advanced training and careers. IDA offers a unique way to strengthen your core curriculum and expand opportunities, providing structured foundational work and enriching performance experiences that benefit every student.

Consider how IDA can seamlessly integrate with your existing approach:

  • Build Stronger Foundations: Our structured tap and ballet curricula provide a clear, progressive path for technical mastery. This in-depth training ensures dancers develop a solid understanding of core techniques, directly supporting more refined and confident performances—whether for competition, auditions, or pre-professional showcases. It’s about strengthening the fundamental skills that elevate every performance.
  • Offer Inclusive Performance Experience: While competitive teams or pre-professional tracks may focus on select dancers, IDA provides valuable performance opportunities for all your students. This allows younger dancers, those new to performing, or even your aspiring competitive or professional students to gain invaluable stage experience and receive professional, constructive feedback in a supportive setting, building confidence and presence without high stakes.
  • Diversify Performance Avenues: The IDA Awards offer an additional, distinct performance experience. Held at your studio or a shared venue, these adjudicated events provide a focused environment where dancers can concentrate purely on executing their artistry and receiving personalized feedback, separate from competitive scoring or audition pressures. This varied experience helps develop well-rounded, adaptable performers.
  • Boost Overall Student Retention: By providing a clear curriculum with achievable milestones and performance opportunities that include everyone, you create compelling reasons for all dancers to stay engaged. Students who may not be on the competitive team or a pre-professional track still find purpose and recognition, becoming long-term, loyal members of your studio.

IDA acts as a strong support system, enhancing your dancers’ technical skills, broadening their performance experiences, and ensuring every student feels valued and continues to progress within your studio.

For Studios Focused on Recreational Enjoyment or Community Building: Drive Engagement & Ensure Retention

Your studio fosters a love for dance in a supportive and fun environment, whether emphasizing recreational enjoyment, personal growth, or strengthening community bonds. IDA is specifically designed to fit these philosophies, offering clear structure, visible progress, and motivating performance opportunities that keep students engaged and returning year after year.

Here’s how IDA empowers your program:

  • Provide Clear Student Progression: A key to keeping recreational and community-focused dancers engaged is showing clear progress. IDA’s tiered tap and ballet curricula offer transparent milestones, allowing dancers and parents to easily see skill development. This structured pathway transforms consistent attendance into a meaningful journey, keeping students motivated and invested.
  • Offer Meaningful, Pressure-Free Performance: Every dancer wants to showcase their hard work. The IDA Awards provide an invaluable opportunity for in-studio or stage adjudication where students perform solo or in small groups. The focus is entirely on personal achievement and encouraging feedback from an experienced adjudicator. There are no winners or rankings, just a positive experience where every participant receives a medal and certificate, boosting their confidence and pride. This fosters a strong sense of accomplishment within your community.
  • Increase Engagement and Retention: Dancers often lose interest without clear goals or consistent recognition beyond the annual recital. IDA addresses this by giving them purpose. When dancers feel seen, their efforts acknowledged, and their progress evident, they are more likely to return each season. The IDA Awards and curriculum progression give them something exciting to work toward, reinforcing the value of their participation in your community.
  • Simplify Curriculum Implementation: IDA offers a ready-to-use curriculum, complete with choreography, music, and support materials. This valuable resource saves instructors time and ensures consistency in teaching, allowing them to focus more on individual student needs and fostering a genuine love for dance within your studio’s unique community atmosphere.

With IDA, you can offer your recreational and community-focused dancers a fulfilling journey filled with structure, visible achievement, and empowering performance experiences, strengthening their passion for dance and their loyalty to your studio for years to come.

Ready to explore how IDA can elevate your studio, whatever its focus?

📅 Book a free Studio Success Call to discuss how our programs align with your unique vision and goals.

The #1 Reason Parents Leave (and How to Prevent It)

Posted on by IDA

Spoiler: It’s not scheduling. It’s not the price. It’s something far simpler — and fixable.

Dance studio owners often assume the top reasons for losing students are things like conflicts with sports, rising costs, or transportation issues.

And while those are factors, they’re usually not the real reason parents pull their kids from dance.

The real reason?

They don’t see progress.

Why “Lack of Progress” Drives Drop-Off

Let’s be clear — students might be learning, but that doesn’t always mean parents can see it.

If a parent doesn’t feel like their child is:

  • improving
  • being challenged
  • celebrated for growth
  • or building toward something meaningful

…they’ll start asking themselves:
“Is this really worth it?”

They may not even bring it up. They’ll just quietly finish the season and not return.

It’s Not About Getting Better. It’s About Feeling It.

Parents don’t need perfection.
They need proof of momentum.

They want to know their child is:

  • gaining confidence
  • developing discipline
  • progressing through some kind of path

And if that’s never made visible, they’ll assume it isn’t happening.

So How Do You Fix This?

Here are 3 things you can implement quickly to make progress more visible — without changing your entire program.

✅ 1. Show Milestones Every 2–3 Months

Don’t wait until recital to show progress. Introduce small “wins” every 8–10 weeks:

  • A skills check-in
  • A showcase variation
  • A ribbon, certificate, or video recap

This creates anticipation, celebration, and talking points for parents.

Pro tip: Studios using IDA host “Awards Days” mid-year with adjudicated solos or small group performances. Students feel proud. Parents get something to clap for.

✅ 2. Use Tiered Language (Even If You Don’t Have a Full Curriculum)

Stop saying “beginner” or “advanced” and start using tiers.

Example:

“Sophie’s working toward completing Tier K2 of our ballet program. She’s now expected to demonstrate clean double pirouettes and dynamic contrast in her phrasing.”

Even if you don’t use a formal program like IDA, you can still frame learning in stages that parents can understand.

✅ 3. Talk About Progress in Class AND in Emails

Make it part of your culture.

  • Encourage teachers to mention what students have achieved that week
  • Send periodic progress reports (they can be short!)
  • Mention it casually at the front desk or in passing — “She’s really grown in her musicality this term!”

Most parents aren’t watching class, so they don’t see the day-to-day progress unless you tell them.

Final Thought: They’re Not Looking for Perfect. Just Proof.

When a parent sees that their child is moving forward, they’re not thinking about switching studios, quitting, or spending less.

They’re thinking,

“This is working. I’m proud. My child is thriving.”

And that’s exactly what keeps them coming back.

Want to see how studios are using IDA to show progress, support teachers, and increase retention — without more rehearsals or competitions?
 📅 Book a free 15-minute Studio Success Call

Why We Created IDA

Posted on by IDA

It started with a question.

How can we help dancers grow, feel proud, and stay motivated through performance and personal achievement?

For years, we taught at studios, mentored teachers, and judged exams. We saw how motivated students could be when they had a goal, a performance, an evaluation, a chance to shine. But we also saw something else: stress, burnout, tears over missed marks, and talented dancers quitting not because they lacked skill but because they didn’t love the pressure.

We believed there had to be a better way.

We didn’t want more trophies. We wanted more growth.

While traditional dance pathways can be exciting and motivating, they often leave students feeling judged, ranked, or behind. And these pathways aren’t ideal for every dancer or every studio.

We wanted a system where:

  • Every dancer leaves feeling proud
  • Every teacher feels supported
  • Every studio has structure with flexibility

That’s when we created International Dance Acclaim (IDA).

What Makes IDA Different?

Instead of comparative grading, we offer celebration. Instead of broad comparisons, we offer personalized feedback. Instead of rigid syllabi, we offer a flexible curriculum that supports your teaching, not replaces it.

IDA is a performance-based ballet and tap program designed to motivate, celebrate, and educate through a supportive framework.

Students perform tiered exercises and solos for a professional adjudicator in a supportive, showcase-style event. Then they receive a medal, a certificate, and most importantly, encouraging, growth-oriented feedback.

Why Teachers Love It

  • A tiered, progressive curriculum for ballet and tap
  • Over 300 instructional videos
  • Original music by acclaimed ballet pianist Steven Mitchell
  • Easy-to-follow lesson structure for every level
  • Monthly Technique Talks webinars for ongoing support

Whether you’ve been teaching for decades or just started last fall, IDA gives you tools that work without dictating your style or method.

Why Students (and Parents) Love It

Kids want to feel progress. Parents want to see it.

The IDA program creates structure, goal-setting, and celebration through individual accomplishment. Whether it’s a 5-year-old taking their first bow or a teen working on artistry, every dancer gets to perform and feel recognized.

And for parents, an IDA event shows them exactly what their child has accomplished without costumes, chaos, or the pressure of competition.

Achievement Through Performance

IDA exists because we believe:

  • Dancers grow through performance
  • Feedback should encourage, not discourage
  • Structure creates freedom in the studio
  • Every dancer deserves a moment to shine

If you’ve ever felt that your students needed something more to foster their growth and passion for dance, IDA might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Want to chat about how it could work for your studio? Book a 15-minute call with us here

Thanks for being part of a community that puts dancers first.

With gratitude,
Rebecca Tsivkin
Director, International Dance Acclaim

Summer Excitement & What’s Next with IDA!

Posted on by IDA

Hello, friends of dance!

What an invigorating lead up to summer it has been. At International Dance Acclaim, we’ve been filled with vibrant activity, connecting with the global dance community and fostering growth. Some recent spring IDA Awards were held in Texas, Grand Cayman, Chicago, Canada, Sweden, and Hong Kong!

Technique Talks: Our Engaging Webinar Series

We’re thrilled to continue our popular monthly webinar series, Technique Talks. Each session brings together dancers and teachers from diverse corners of the world, sharing insights and fostering lively discussions. We recently wrapped up a fantastic session about finishing the year strong and planning ahead. The energy and unique perspectives shared by participants, from across the U.S. to as far as Israel and Denmark, truly made it a memorable experience. It’s always inspiring to connect and learn from one another!

Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo 2025: IDA is Vegas-Bound!

This summer, we’re once again heading to Las Vegas for the highly anticipated Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo 2025! This event is a highlight for us, offering an incredible opportunity to connect with new teachers and studio owners at the IDA booth (stop by and say Hello at booth #311!). We cherish these moments to share how IDA empowers dancers through our performance-based curriculum. We’re also incredibly excited to reconnect with familiar faces and continue building our wonderful community. Of course, we’ll be sharing our passion for dance by leading four engaging classes – stay tuned for our full schedule! It’s always a whirlwind of inspiration, learning, and fun.

What’s on the Horizon?

We’re already looking forward to our next Technique Talk session. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for the official date and topic announcement. We’ll be exploring another valuable subject to support your dance journey.

Until then, keep dancing with passion, keep learning, and keep spreading the joy of movement!

See you soon,

The IDA Team

Bring Structure & Simplicity to Your Dance Classes

Posted on by IDA

Running a successful studio is no small feat. Between managing schedules, training staff, and ensuring that classes are consistent across all levels, it can often feel like you’re juggling a million tasks at once. The good news? You don’t have to do it all alone. Implementing a structured curriculum can bring much-needed organization and simplicity to your dance classes, benefiting both your teachers and your students — not to mention your studio’s bottom line!

The Benefits of a Structured Curriculum

  1. Time Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality

As a studio owner, your time is precious. A structured curriculum can free up valuable hours that you can redirect toward other essential aspects of your business. Instead of spending countless hours rebuilding your curriculum each season, you can rely on a proven program that has been designed by experienced and respected dance educators. This allows you to maintain high-quality instruction while also giving you the freedom to focus on marketing, student engagement, and other critical areas of your studio’s overall success.

  1. Consistent Student Progression

A well-defined curriculum ensures that students progress smoothly from one level to the next. By following a structured program, you can guarantee that each student is receiving the necessary skills and knowledge to advance. This consistency not only enhances the learning experience but also builds a sense of community within your studio. Students will feel more connected as they share similar experiences and milestones, fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth.

  1. Support for Newer Teachers

What if your new teachers felt confident from day one?

Imagine this: a brand-new instructor (or a sub) walks into class and already knows exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and how to keep students engaged — all without spending hours building lesson plans from scratch.

That’s what happens when you give your team access to a robust structured curriculum.

At International Dance Acclaim, we offer more than just a syllabus:

Over 300 instructional videos divided into levels, original music, comprehensive teaching notes, monthly “Technique Talks” webinars, and personalized support are all designed to help teachers deliver consistent, high-quality instruction with confidence from the very start. With the IDA curriculum, even your newest teachers will walk in prepared, energized, and ready to lead.

Practical Tips for Implementing a Structured Curriculum

  • Assess Your Current Program: Take a close look at your existing curriculum. Identify areas that may need improvement or consistency. This will help you determine what aspects of a structured program will be most beneficial for your studio.
  • Involve Your Teachers: Engage your teaching staff in the process. Gather their input on what they need to feel supported and successful. This collaboration can lead to a more cohesive teaching approach and a stronger sense of ownership among your instructors.
  • Utilize Available Resources: Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the resources available to you. At International Dance Acclaim, we offer a wealth of instructional videos and personal guidance from industry experts. These resources can be invaluable as you implement a new curriculum.
  • Monitor Progress: Regularly assess student progress and gather feedback from your teachers. This will help you make necessary adjustments to your curriculum and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of your students and staff.

Conclusion

Bringing structure and simplicity to your dance classes doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing a structured curriculum, you can support your teachers, ensure consistent student progression, and free up your time to focus on growing your studio. At International Dance Acclaim, we’re here to help you every step of the way. With our robust curriculum in ballet and tap, you can feel confident in your ability to provide high-quality dance education.

Want to explore streamlining your programs and get a glimpse of how other studios are benefiting from our resources?
Reach out and connect with us — we’d love to learn about your studio and see how IDA can help you make this dance season your best one yet!

Warmly,
Rebecca
International Dance Acclaim

Alumni Spotlight – Joseph Lihos

Posted on by Rebecca

Meet our third IDA alumni feature, Joseph Lihos! Joseph Trained at Staunton Academy of Ballet with Pamela McCray and Shanda Hansen for 7 years. He entered IDA every year, the last level he did was Tier L. He was offered a scholarship to train full time at Ballet West in Utah, Salt Lake City. Joseph loved the opportunity to dance the male variations in the IDA program, particularly a Swan Lake variation. When learning a different version of the Swan Lake male variation at a summer program, he felt confident as he had already learned and performed this variation with IDA.

Photo Credit, Danielle McMillion

Alumni Spotlight – Noam Tsivkin, State Street Ballet

Posted on by IDA
Noam Tsivkin, from New York City, received his dance training from Merle Sepel and his mother, Rebecca Tsivkin at The Academy of Dance in California.

He continued his training at the School of American Ballet where he performed with New York City Ballet in productions of The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. He received further training from the Alvin Ailey School, French Academie of Ballet, and State Street Ballet’s Professional Track program before joining State Street Ballet in 2016.

 

You can see Noam performing in Kismet in Santa Barbara. A fully staged musical and artistic collaboration, directed by Broadway’s Lonny Price, featuring the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, and a cast of performers from across the globe. 

Tickets at https://ticketing.granadasb.org/15635/15647

 

You can see Noam demonstrating in IDA’s Intermediate Tier Videos.

Alumni Spotlight – Andrea Yorita, Ballet X

Posted on by Noam Tsivkin
Photo by Gabriel Bienczycki. Courtesy BalletX.

Andrea Yorita is from Irvine, California, where she received her classical ballet training at Academy of Dance under the direction of Merle Sepel, Rebecca Tsivkin, and Mignon Furman.

In 2012, she graduated as a Gillespie Scholar with a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of California, Irvine, where she studied under Jodie Gates, Molly Lynch, and Donald McKayle. Originally trained under the RAD syllabus, Andrea has completed all Vocational RAD exams with Distinction, as well as received the Solo Seal Award. In 2008, Andrea competed as a finalist in the Genée International Ballet Competition in Toronto, Canada. She has participated in the National Choreographers Initiative as an apprentice, and the Traverse City Dance Project. Andrea was a 2016 Dance Finalist for the Clive Barnes Award. She joined BalletX in 2012.

You can see Andie demonstrating in IDA’s Advanced Tier videos. Here’s what she says about the program:

“Working on IDA brought me back to my training with Merle Sepel and Rebecca Tsivkin. It reminded me how important it is as a professional to always remember your roots. As a young dancer, dissecting a set of exercises always allowed me to dive deeper into the movement and pushed me to try and achieve the unattainable perfection of every step. I feel very fortunate to have been trained by Merle Sepel and Rebecca Tsivkin. They not only taught me the incredible athleticism it takes to dance, but also turned me into an artist. I believe that training with this program would make me a physically stronger dancer as well as expand my artistic quality.”

Andie is currently touring the country with BalletX. You can find tour dates here: https://www.balletx.org/on-tour/