Dance exams are a great way to assess your child’s progress and to reward their effort.
Your class teacher will decide when each child is ready to sit their graded exam. They try as much as possible to keep peer groups together but this is not always possible. When your child is ready for their exam, the class teacher will give them an entry form which must be signed and returned with payment before the given closing date. Please take time to read the form as it indicates the dates of the exam session and highlights the fact that exams can be scheduled during school hours.
First exam experience…
We recommend that children sit their Rosettes / First Steps / Pre-Primary Class Test as it is an introduction to the exam system without the pressure of a Pass or Fail mark. It also introduces parents to the strict rules, regulations and expectation of the graded exams. For these first levels, the candidates enter the exam studio with their teacher who is present throughout. Their individual report, medal and certificate arrives at the same time as the graded exams and will be presented in class. These exams are always an exciting experience for young dancers!
DANCE EXAMS AND AWARDS
Prepare for success…
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Exam Preparation Classes
Candidates should have good attendance at their own regular lessons and can drop-in to lessons at our other branches too.
CSBS teachers offer exam preparation classes on Sundays in the 4 weeks before the exam session. Students are encouraged to attend extra practice and will receive individual correction. CLICK HERE for Acro Exam Prep timetable on Monday 17 March.
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Syllabus practice videos
Exam candidates should put in personal practice alongside their lessons.
We have a number of practice videos on our CSBS Youtube channel for the ballet grades and some tap. The Royal Academy of Dance also has an app for iOS and Android with their official syllabus videos. Click here to visit the RAD Enterprise store an purchase the app.
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Exam Timetable
Dance exams are accredited so exam timings and timetables are set by the exam boards. For filmed exams, we have some flexibility with these timetables, however, for in-person exams, the timetables are confirmed in advance. Unfortunately changes cannot be made to finalised schedules.
Please note your exam time and venue and arrive at least 20 minutes in advance.
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Regulation exam uniform
Check the regulation uniform for your child award or examination. All items of dancewear are available to purchase from our online shop, or from most high street or online suppliers.
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Additional exam information
Each exam board has published recommended study hours for each syllabus level. We have made a guide to the levels for each age group for quick reference and other relevant information from each exam board.
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Royal Academy of Dance - exams booklet
The RAD have produced a booklet highlighting the benefits of their examination system and detailing the exams and Class Awards.
Click to view the booklet.