Examinations are available with various British Dance Council Accredited awarding bodies, who demand one of the highest standards of examination performance in the United Kingdom, of which our Principal is also an Examiner.
The development of a medallist starts with a simple Intro Award. Generally, this level is achievable after about 3 months of dance experience and is the first rung on the Medallist ladder.
For the Under 8’s there are the fabulous awards which work as a great incentive at this important age.
We feel that being involved in the Medal Exams is an integral part of the development of good dancing, as it sets a benchmark for both the teacher and the pupil and ensures that enjoyable choreography is balanced with good sound technique. As our Principal always says “it is easier to dance well than badly!”
Examination sessions are held 3 times a year and we currently enjoy an unbroken 33-year record of a 100% pass rate.
Examinations are administered across different age brackets, namely:
Under 8 Years
Juvenile (under 12 years)
Junior (12 to under 16 years)
Adult (16 years and older)
As the required examination standards escalate with each age group, it is required to recommence examinations from the Bronze level upon transitioning to a higher age bracket. This ensures the attainment of the elevated level of knowledge demanded.
Examination Grades Available as an example, are as follows:-
Under 8 Years
Uni-Ted Master Plaque Including Uni-Ted Badge 1
Uni-Ted Badge 2
Uni-Ted Badge 3
Uni-Ted Badge 4
Uni-Ted Badge 5
Uni-Ted Badge 6
Gold Bear
Top Ted Statuette
Juvenile, Junior, Adult
Intro 1 (C)
Intro 2 (W)
Intro 3 (R)
Intro 4 (Q)
Pre-Bronze Badge 1 Ballroom (W)
Pre-Bronze Badge 2 Latin (C)
Pre-Bronze Badge 3 Ballroom (Q)
Pre-Bronze Badge 4 Latin (J)
Bronze Ballroom (W, Q)
Bronze Latin (CCC, J)
Bronze Bar Ballroom (F, T)
Bronze Bar Latin (R, S)
Bronze One Dance Test (VW)
Bronze One Dance Test (PD)
Silver Ballroom (W, F, Q)
Silver Latin (CCC, R, J)
Gold Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Bar 1 Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Bar 1 Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Bar 2 Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Bar 2 Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Bar 3 Ballroom Statuette (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Bar 3 Latin Statuette (CCC, S, R, J)
Laurel Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Laurel Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Star 1 Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Star 1 Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Star 2 Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Star 2 Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
Gold Star 3 Ballroom (W, T, F, Q)
Gold Star 3 Latin (CCC, S, R, J)
President’s Award Ballroom (W, T, F, Q, VW)
Presidents Award Latin (CCC, S, R, J, PD)
Professional Teacher’s Qualifications
Professional Preliminary Student Ballroom
Professional Preliminary Student Latin
Professional Anatomy Module
Professional Student Ballroom
Professional Student Latin
Associate Ballroom
Associate Latin
Licentiate Ballroom
Licentiate Latin
Fellowship Ballroom
Fellowship Latin
How Much Will My Examination Cost?
The price of examinations varies depending on the number of dances, complexity, and the fees set by examiners and the examination body. However, they generally start from £30 per examination.
The cost of your CDC Pre-Test is fully covered by the studio, so there is no fee to pay for this.
All About Exams
Our principal Phil Meacham has not only attained the highest qualifications possible in Ballroom and Latin American dance in the United Kingdom but is also an Examiner working under the auspices of the British Dance Council. We are therefore best placed to guide you through the examination process and able to give you the greatest chance of an outstanding result for your dance examinations.
As a guide, below is a list of criteria we aim at for anyone taking an examination, all of which should be in place in good time for the Pre-Test.
What Do I Need To Pass My Examination?
RAINBOWS
Candidate should be able to demonstrate:
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Good knowledge of the routine
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Dance on time
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Show correct footwork
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Correct posture
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Curtsey when presented to the examiner
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Appropriate Examination Dress:
Juvenile Girls - either a BDC Juvenile dress or party dress, white ankle socks
Juvenile Boys – Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie.
Intro & Pre-Bronze
Candidate should be able to demonstrate:-
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Know the routine well
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Dance on time
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Show correct footwork in Ballroom, Leg and Ankle Action in Latin
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Start to use Rise and Fall Correct posture, with correct head positioning
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Appropriate Examination Dress:
Juvenile Girls - either a BDC Juvenile dress or party dress, white ankle socks
Juvenile Boys – Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie.
Ladies: Dress, or skirt and top or proper ballroom/Latin outfit (tights must be worn - Red or Flesh coloured fishnets or flesh coloured tights.No black tights or leggings
Gents Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie shirt or proper ballroom/Latin outfit,
Ladies Hair to be tied back in a bun. If the hair is not long enough then must be neat and tidy
BRONZE
Candidate should be able to demonstrate:-
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Know the routine well
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Dance on time
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Show correct footwork in Ballroom, Leg and Ankle Action in Latin
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Start to use Rise and Fall
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Correct posture, with correct head positioning
-
Appropriate Examination Dress:
Juvenile Girls - either a BDC Juvenile dress or party dress, white ankle socks
Juvenile Boys – Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie.
Ladies: Dress, or skirt and top or proper ballroom/Latin outfit (tights must be worn - Red or Flesh coloured fishnets or flesh coloured tights.No black tights or leggings
Gents Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie shirt or proper ballroom/Latin outfit,
Ladies Hair to be tied back in a bun. If the hair is not long enough then must be neat and tidy
Ballroom or Latin shoes must be worn
SILVER
Candidate should be able to demonstrate:-
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Know the routine well
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Dance on time
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Show correct footwork in Ballroom, Leg and Ankle Action in Latin
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Use Rise and Fall
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Show correct CBM and CBMP
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Correct posture, with correct head positioning
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Appropriate Examination Dress:
Juvenile Girls - either a BDC Juvenile dress or party dress, white ankle socks
Juvenile Boys – Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie.
Ladies: Dress, or skirt and top or proper ballroom/Latin outfit (tights must be worn - Red or Flesh coloured fishnets or flesh coloured tights.No black tights or leggings
Gents Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie shirt or proper ballroom/Latin outfit,
Ladies Hair to be tied back in a bun. If hair is not long enough then must be neat and tidy
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Ballroom or Latin shoes must be worn
GOLD & ABOVE
Candidate should be able to demonstrate:
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Know the routine well
-
Dance on time
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Show correct footwork in Ballroom, Leg and Ankle Action in Latin
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Use correct Rise and Fall throughout
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Use correct CBM and CBMP throughout
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Use sway
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Correct posture, with correct head positioning
-
Appropriate Examination Dress:
Juvenile Girls - either a BDC Juvenile dress or party dress, white ankle socks
Juvenile Boys – Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie.
Ladies: Dress, or skirt and top or proper ballroom/Latin outfit (tights must be worn - Red or Flesh coloured fishnets or flesh coloured tights. No black tights or leggings
Gents Black Trousers, Black Socks, white shirt and Tie or Bow Tie shirt or proper ballroom/Latin outfit,
Ladies Hair to be tied back in a bun. If hair is not long enough then must be neat and tidy
Ballroom or Latin shoes must be worn
Changing Age Categories & Exams
At the Chelmsford Dance Centre, dancers progress through the following age categories:
Juvenile: 8–11 years
Junior: 12–15 years
Adult:16 years and above
When a dancer moves into a new age category, the following exam rules apply:
✅ If you have already taken exams at Silver level or above in your current age category:
You will be required to return to Bronze level in your new age category.
This includes completing the Bronze Ballroom Waltz & Quickstep and the Bronze Latin Cha Cha Cha & Jive.
This ensures consistency in skills and technique as dancers progress.
✅ If you have not yet completed your Bronze level exams in your current age category:
You may continue and complete your Bronze level in your new age category.
Once this is achieved, you can progress through the exam levels as normal.
Transferring in from another association or Dance School
At the Chelmsford Dance Centre, we want to make sure every dancer is placed at the right level to support their progress and confidence.
If you have previously taken exams at a different dance school or with a different exam board/association, please be aware that you will be required to return to the previous grade before moving forward with us.
This is because:
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Different associations have slightly different syllabi, standards, and technical requirements.
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Going back one grade allows us to ensure that all students have a consistent foundation of knowledge and technique.
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It gives dancers the opportunity to become familiar with our association’s style, structure, and expectations before advancing.
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Our goal is to support every student in achieving success, not just in their next exam but throughout their dance journey. Returning to a previous grade is not a step backwards—it’s a chance to strengthen skills, build confidence, and set yourself up for future success.