Dance Exams

At Elite we encourage our students to take dance examinations. They give dancers a goal to work towards as well as being a great indicator as to what they can achieve. Whilst boosting confidence and self-esteem. These exams also look great on your CV.

This page gives you a general guideline to what IDTA exams entail and an explanation of what grades there are and what results you can get. We hope this information is useful, however if you find yourself with further queries do not hesitate to contact us.

The examination board we use are the IDTA, you can access more information about them at www.idta.co.uk.

 

What exams can I take?

At Elite, we currently teach Freestyle and Street dance. Within each of these styles you can take a solo examination (we regard this as the most important), a pairs exam and a team exam.

If you are taught a pairs routine in class you can dance it for an examination with your partner, however each of the dancers are marked as individuals marked on their skills within the partnership.

To take a team exam you must be part of one of our school teams. Teams are marked as a whole on their shapes, patterns and ensemble work.

 

How do I know what grade I am on?

The IDTA grade system allows the pupil to work their way up, getting more difficult the further along you get. Here is a table detailing what each exam grade consists of and what you are awarded:

Preliminary Examinations

These first two awards aim to introduce the examining system in a friendly and supportive way. It encourages dancers to use; rhythm, co-ordination, expression and most of all to develop their individual personalities. Their teacher can dance with them for support and guidance during the exam.
Grade What has to be danced   What candidates recieve   Age restrictions
Rosette Awards One set routine & one party dance or other with the teacher dancing in front.   A rosette in one of 12 colours and a certificate.   3 – 8 years
Stardance Awards Two set routines with the teacher counting along in front.   A star which can be stuck on to the Display Board which is received after the first Stardance. You will also receive a certificate.   6 – 10 years

EXAM SYLLABUS

These grades are now marked, candidates receive a percentage out of 100 and a grade as mentioned above. These exam mark dancers on their rhythm, coordination, presentation, expression and personality as well as dance technique. Candidates must dance on their own and be able to keep time.
One-Dance (Green, Yellow, Scarlet & Pink) One set routine that is of a certain standard. The examiner will be looking for style and good timing.   A plaque with an engraved plate, certificate & report sheet.   All ages
Bronze (Double Bronze) Two set routines of a slightly higher standard to ‘one-dance’. The examiner will be looking for correct timing, foot action & poise.   A wooden stand with an engraved plate & a bronze medal which can be attached. The medals for Silver and Gold are also to be attached. Bronzes’ also include a certificate & report sheet.   All ages
Silver (Double Silver) Three set routines that are at a higher again standard. The examiner will be expecting good actions & style.   A silver medal to attach to the wooden plaque. Silver medal is blue and the Double Silver is orange. Silver grades also receive a certificate & report sheet.   All ages
Gold Four set routines that are of a higher standard. Each Gold routine should show different characteristics which enable the dancer to show their use of style.   A Gold medal with Red enamel to be attached to the wooden stand. Gold grades also receive a certificate & report sheet.   All ages
Gold Bar 1,2 & 3 Four set routines that are of a higher standard than Gold.   The first two Gold Bars are wooden shields with a gold plaque engraved. Third Gold Bars are statuettes. Again, all include a certificate & report sheet.   All ages
IDTA Stars 1-5 Four set routines that are of a higher standard than the Gold Bars.   IDTA Star 1 is a wooden shield with a Star attached. 2-5 are Stars. Once all Stars have been gained, dancers receive the Five Star Gold Cup.   All ages

 

What do happens after the exam?

Once you have completed your exam, you will have to wait to Elite's next presentation evening to receive your results. As well as your certificate and rosette or medal, you will receive a report sheet from the examiner. This will tell you what your mark is and any comments from the examiner. The results you can achieve start with a Pass (65%), Commended (75%), Highly Commended (85%) and Honours (95%) which is the highest result you can be awarded. When taking a preliminary exam no mark is given. You are then ready to start practising for your next exam!