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Examinations

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Why Take Dance Examinations?
 

Taking regular dance examinations is an excellent way to develop your dancing skills, providing a structured timeline to achieve specific standards. By setting a fixed date for an examination, you create a clear goal to work toward, ensuring your technique and overall performance improve within a defined period.
 

Benefits of Dance Examinations
 

Planning an examination in advance gives you a target date to perfect your dancing. These evaluations assess your ability to:

  • Perform the routine accurately.

  • Dance in time with the music.

  • Demonstrate correct footwork, rise, and fall.

  • Showcase your overall style and posture.
     

An examination acts as a comprehensive review, similar to an MOT for a car. It ensures all aspects of your dancing are in place, preparing you to progress to the next level.
 

Examination Process
 

The examination process is designed to be supportive and non-intimidating, consisting of two key stages:

  1. Pre-Test:

    • Conducted by the school Principal as a dress rehearsal for the main examination.

    • Provides honest and constructive feedback to help you refine your performance.

  2. Main Examination:

    • Overseen by an external examiner from a leading dance body.

    • Scheduled approximately one month after the pre-test, giving you ample time to address feedback.

Examinations typically occur on Sundays.
 

Examination Levels
 

Dance examinations follow a structured progression:

  • PSDT1 (Popular Social Dance Test 1): First examination in Cha Cha Cha.

  • PSDT2: Includes Jive and Waltz.

  • Pre-Bronze: Advanced routines.

  • Bronze and Beyond: Progress through Silver, Gold, and higher levels for advanced dancers.
     

Setting Goals for You and Your Teacher
 

Examinations not only provide you with clear objectives but also help your teacher plan lessons effectively, avoiding aimless practice and ensuring steady progress.
 

Pre-Test Details
 

The pre-test is held at Chelmsford Dance Centre approximately one month before the main examination. Key details include:

  • Individual dance times (with your partner or teacher) are posted on the website: www.chelmsforddance.com.

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early and treat the pre-test as a full-dress rehearsal.

  • After performing, the examiner will provide feedback on areas for improvement. If successful, you will receive an invoice for the main examination fee, payable by the date indicated.

Main Examination Day
 

The main examination closely mirrors the pre-test, with the difference being the presence of an external examiner who does not provide immediate feedback. Results are sent to the head office for verification and returned to the studio within two weeks. Grading is as follows:

  • 65%: Pass

  • 75%: Commended

  • 85%+: Highly Commended
     

Receiving Your Award
 

Three to four weeks after results are received, your certificate and award will be ready. A presentation event, akin to an Oscars ceremony, may be organized to celebrate your achievement.
 

Frequency of Examinations
 

For consistent progress, it is recommended to take one ballroom and one Latin American examination annually. This approach maintains steady improvement without creating undue pressure.

Dance examinations are a valuable tool to keep your skills on track, ensuring you achieve the best possible results while making the most of your lessons.

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