The IDTA, is one of the oldest dance bodies in the UK.-- it is an amalgamation of 2 long established Soc.
All countries that are in the competitive world, have governing bodies, whose prime concern, is to promote dance . Social dance is always at the top of the agenda ,

They also provide, a medal system, based upon, essentially, Bronze level, social dancing . ( higher grades are available )


Forgot to address the question about the Amer. style Latin. It is light yrs closer to the original in its style and interpretation. And , so it should be --- its origins are from that part of the world , many teachers working in chain schools were latinos, and the approach is completely different . Once having done " latino " style, you will probably never revert back .

One has to visit and dance in authentic latin clubs in the states, to get the true feeling for the " messeage " is all about
Member bodies of all countries , have pretty much the same guide lines for Amat. and Professionals, who wish to become members . There is also a world body, that sanctions the various comps, which carry that title ( among others )

Outside of the USA, the american style syllabus,is taught in several countries, but International style dominates at world level .

The USA, teaches both standards, side by side .Their system, is based upon the english medal test system .
Even though, some of the American dances are not included in the English Soc.--- they are still being taught by several teachers ( me included ) in the UK.
I switched to authentic style many yrs ago ( for my own pleasure )

o.k ! but what is the point of both ? ITDA or ISTD ? what would be better for someone to choose?

What is the point of both ?-- Choice .

These soc. date back over 100yrs .
Looking back to those times, it would have been virtually impossible, for the average person, to have the facility to travel distances for information . As a result, competing bodies would have existed for those reasons alone , including, probably, politics .

And by the way , there are more than just 2 " bodies " .

The exam proceedure, and content, are virtually the same .
The ISTD, established its self , and are in competition ( in the states ) with several other organisations ( I was an examiner with one of those )

mostly i have seen that the footwork is quite difrent at the moves in the latin style dancing ! i go to dance on a studio that gets teached from istd and we have a lot of diferences .....
but i just want to know if the idta is known as a good certificate i know it counts if someone dances well but i have not heard of if that is why :)))

If you are refering to Amer. style as opposed to Intern. syle --- yes-- there are many differences in techn.

the techniques in each, are complimentary to the style .Both are valid in their own context .--

Remember-- all of the dances in the syllabii, are imports, and have changed , in some cases , radically from their original design .

The Latin division in particular, has strayed from its roots , primarily for acceptance on a social level .

IDTA and ISTD techn. are essentially the same. If you wish to have more info about each, I suggest you look up their websites .