EXAMS: INTRODUCTION TO BALLET, PRE SYLLABUS TAP, PRE PRIMARY & PRIMARY
Pre Graded examinations are designed as an introduction to exams. They are an excellent method of making sure the required standard is achievable when entering graded exams.
Tiptoes and Tappers enter students into Intro to ballet from reception age, Pre Primary Year 1 or 2 and Primary Year 2 or 3.
Children are marked on:
BALLET
Posture, promoting a straight back and secure headline, correct placement of shoulders and arm line.
Alignment, classically rounded arms with supported elbows and hands. Pleasing use of head and a long neckline.
Technical Ability, strength of footwork and good use of legs. Careful placement. Well pulled up legs and an understanding of hip placement and a centred of the body.
Co-ordination and fluidity of movements.
Artistry & Dance Quality, showing spacial awareness, musicality and performance.
TAP
Children are marked on, clarity of beats, placement of work, footwork, lines, co-ordination and knowledge of syllabus.
Co-ordination and fluidity of movements.
Artistry & Dance Quality, showing spacial awareness, musicality and performance.
EXAMS GRADE 1 – 8/ADVANCED 2
BBODance is an awarding organisation and are able to offer a qualification awards by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL). Exams from Grade 1 – 8 or Advanced 2 in vocational training are simultaneously graded as a traditional dance exams and aligned with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The work is demanding and will take longer to acheive than Intro – Primary grades.
Students are assessed on Barre work, Centre Work, Dance quality & musicality and Theoretical & syllabus knowledge. Candidates are assessed on:
BALLET
Posture and control of body and balance.
Classical arm placement and accurate alignment.
Correct footwork, placement of feet as well as control, strength and line of the leg.
Demonstrate steps with correct turn-out.
Display elevations and secure landings.
Demonstrate expressive interpretation of music, accurate timing and a sense of performance.
TAP
Posture of body and balance.
Correct footwork, placement of foot, clarity of beats, control of body, strength and line of leg.
Elevation and correct taps work (working different parts of the shoe)
Demonstrate expressive interpretation of music, accurate timing and sense of performance.
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
BBODance Performance Awards are an excellent alternative to Graded exams, they can be used as an alternative route to progress through the grades or along side the graded exams.
These awards are designed to be a level of attainment for students who enjoy their dance but do not wish to undergo the demands and commitment needed for Pre-Graded, Graded or Vocational Graded Examinations. To achieve a Performance award there are is a high level of ability required.
The performance award syllabus is an abridge version of the graded work, teachers are required to choose a number of exercises from the grade chosen grade for candidates to perform in exams. The exercises are generally performed together rather than individually.
Candidates are also required to perform a dance devised by the teacher which is to be shown one at a time.
Candidates are marked on all the same areas as graded exams.
MARKING
0 – 39 = Standard Not Yet Attained
40 – 54 = Pass
55 – 69 = Merit
70 – 84 = Distinction
84 – 100 = Distinction *
IS MY CHILD TAKING AN EXAM OR A PERFORMANCE AWARD?
When your child is ready to enter exams or performance awards you will receive an email from Rachael offering the option your child’s teacher thinks is most suitable for their progression. This may not always be one or the other as we tend to use both exams and performance award options regularly.
When considering which option is best suited we look at, confidence of a child, the length of time they have been in a particular grade, their musicality and performance skills, their technical ability, their knowledge of work, their ability to retain work and corrections and the level of enjoyment we believe they can gain from either option. We also consider the social aspect of dancing – we will always try and keep friendship groups together wherever possible.
EXAMS AND PERFORMANCE
AWARDS ARE OPTIONAL
Our value at Tiptoes and Tappers is that Dance is for everyone and should be a tool to encourage confidence and joy not to force children into stressful situations in exams or awards if they are not ready or do not want to take part.
If your child doesn’t want to participate in exams and awards then we are very happy for them to come and enjoy classes, we will move them up the grades with their friends or when we believe they are ready to take on a new challenge.
Equally if we enter a child for an exam or performance award but as the time approaches we think the preparation is becoming to stressful or isn’t going to plan, we will withdraw your child from the session with a view to either re-entering at a later date or moving them up with their friends without participating in the session.
We really just want everyone to have fun and learn a skill.
