Exams
Overview
Exam Programme Overview at Tina's Dance Studios
At Tina’s Dance Studios, we offer a prestigious exam programme starting for students as young as 5 years old. Our exam board, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), is globally respected for its commitment to excellence in dance education. Students are guided through a structured journey of growth, with multiple levels to achieve as they progress.
Exam Levels & Grades
Our students can work towards the following ISTD exam levels:
ISTD examinations – Our syllabi are created by internationally renowned teachers and dancers and are used to train dancers.
Our clearly defined structure allows learning to take place in the context of safe dance practice and is designed to cater equally for those who wish to progress to making dance their profession, either as a performer or dance teacher, and for those pursuing dance purely as a leisure activity.
Grades – Aiming to build up progressively, ensuring that steps and skills learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements as the candidate progresses.
Grades 1-6 are accredited by Ofqual, but some Faculties have additional Grades prior to Grade 1, that is, Pre-Primary and Primary.
Vocational grades – The Vocational Grades are accredited by Ofqual and include Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2. These examinations form a cohesive bridge between grade work and professional examinations to provide the basis for either a career as a dancer or further training as a dance teacher.
Pre-Primary and Primary Class Examinations
Designed for our youngest dancers, this level introduces the fundamentals of dance in a fun and supportive environment. Over the year, our children learn a set of short, imaginative exercises that encourage basic technique and musicality. The exam concludes with a solo or group dance, showing off their presentation and performance skills. Our Pre-Primary candidates take the exam in groups of four, and dance for the ISTD visiting examiner whilst their teacher conducts the exam. This is a lovely way to introduce children to exams, and our pupils come out smiling with a great sense of achievement. Our Juniors have the choice to take exams in Ballet, Modern and Tap at these levels.
Grades 1 - 6
Visiting examiners are always complimentary on our dancers attitude and approach to their exam work.
Vocational Grades
Exam Schedule
Exams are held 2-3 times annually, offering our students certification in reward for their hard work. Candidates gain valuable UCAS points from Grade 6 and above. These exam sessions are typically scheduled just before half term in February, October and May.
Here is the link to register for our next session:
https://forms.office.com/r/2c6fRtYCvX
| Exam Session | Month | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Session | February | December |
| Spring Session | May | March |
| Autumn Session | October | August |
Exam Preparation
We follow the ISTD (Imperial Society of the Teachers of Dancing) syllabus to train our pupils from Pre-Primary to Grade 6 in Children’s Grades, and from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced levels in Vocational Qualifications. Our aim is to build strong foundations for technique, therefore facilitating safe advancement. We aim for every child to reach their own potential, and to gain confidence and a sense of achievement as they master each grade and progress to the next. In order to do this, our pupils must attend the evening syllabus class to learn their set work as well as the Saturday freework class. We find this combination to be the best way to develop thoughtful dancers who understand the individual steps within their dance enchainement. Having an exam to work towards gives them a goal, whilst continuing free work prevents the boredom of weekly repetition. We do not encourage competition or comparison, and teach the children from a young age that everyone is different and has their own strengths and weaknesses. We nurture an inclusive environment, understanding that their best effort is always good enough.
The curriculum at Tina’s Dance Studios is meticulously crafted to ensure our students are well-prepared for ISTD exams. Classes are designed to progressively build the skills needed for each grade, with teachers providing personalized attention to every dancer. Our studios boasts a high success rate, with the majority of our students passing exams with Merits and Distinctions. This speaks to the dedication of our teacher and the determination of our dancers.
Prestige and Rigor
The ISTD exam programme is known for its rigor and prestige. Earning certifications through these exams is a significant achievement that highlights both the dancer’s discipline and artistry. Over the years, many of our students have not only passed their exams but have excelled, with standout performances that earned them high distinctions.
Joining Tina’s Dance Studios means becoming part of a legacy of excellence, where every step brings you closer to achieving your dreams.
