[3] In 1979, alarmed at the indifferent quality of what was being presented as appropriate professional training and education in dance, musical theatre and the related performing arts, a number of eminent artists met with representatives of the leading industry organisations to discuss how the sector could work together to ensure high standards of provision.

Over the years CDMT has become the first point of contact for employers, students and teachers seeking information about high quality training, education and assessment not only dance and musical theatre, but also drama across the UK.

[5] CDMT ensures the provision of high quality professional dance, drama and musical theatre training through the accreditation of full-time performing arts schools.

CDMT publishes the annual UK Guide to professional training, education and assessment in dance, drama and musical theatre which is the definitive resource for those seeking information on quality provision in the sector.

CDMT administers the steering group for the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) on behalf of members, which involves facilitating communications between the Education Funding Agency and schools delivering dance, drama and musical theatre courses within the scheme; developing briefing papers on funding for government ministers; and administering the DaDA information website dadainfo.org.uk on behalf of stakeholders.

[4] CDMT validates offers graded, vocational and diploma examinations in the performing arts, carrying out quality assurance inspections and annual comparability studies of assessment standards.