The Spanish Dance Society (SDS) was established in 1965 by Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anton Dolin to formalise and codify the teaching of Spanish Classical and Regional Dance.

In 2002, Flamenco was added to the syllabus, allowing dancers to specialise through either the Classical / Regional or the Flamenco pathway.

The SDS structure examination system includes Junior and Major Grades, helping dancers develop professionally as performers or teachers with higher teaching qualifications such as Instructor de Baile and Professor de Baile.

Recognised worldwide, SDS operates across multiple continents and functions as an examination body for Spanish dance similar to the role of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in ballet.