Why do our dancers do exams?

I often hear the words, “so long as they are having fun” I'm happy for them to attend. This may not be as helpful for your child as you may believe.

First, let me clarify, every dancer should leave dance class feeling upbeat and positive about themself. It should be a place of personal growth. Just like football or any other sport.

“Fun” by definition is not growth. The dictionary defines “Fun” as enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure. We find the Joy of dance in personal achievement. All of us develop our confidence and sense of self through our achievements.

Dance should be a space where your dancer builds their identity through a strong work ethic. This allows them to experience mastery, as they try, fail, try again, just like learning to talk or walk. Mastery of many small movements creates bigger long-term outcomes. The first pointed foot of the 3-year-old later becomes an elegant leap sustained in the air, legs in full extension in the teen years.

How can you support your child’s dance journey to ensure it becomes a safe space? A space for personal growth to evolve. A place that becomes a second home and a source of identity, crucial in the teen years?

Dance exams are an excellent opportunity for our dancers to strive for self improvement. Dance exams are a very different experience to academic exams. Perhaps more akin to music examinations. Although not quite the same.

The Essentially Dance exams are designed with sequential pathways at each level. This enables dancers to develop the necessary techni

cal dance skills at a safe pace. Preventing injuries, while building control and strength in the small and big muscles, at all stages, avoiding excess force or overstretching, both of which can have long-lasting effects on joints and muscles.

From junior to advanced levels, exams provide a sound measure of achievement in technical, musical, and artistic performance skills. Exams provide high quality constructive feedback to parents and students. Exams also help teachers monitor the progress of individual students, as well as identify areas of weakness within a specific class group. This then enables ongoing improvement in the teaching staff.

Essentially Dance exams are not compulsory, but are strongly recommended. The exam process is kind and encouraging and every dancer should have a positive experience.

Exams are an important part of the learning process for our dancers.

Exams motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability, through measured stages of progress and attainment.

Exams are open to all students and enable dancers to optimise the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Exam certificates acknowledge individual achievement.

Exam grades are often used as a reference for secondary school applications.

The exam process builds self-believe and confidence.

Please reach out if you have any questions,