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Your child announces they're ready to take their first ballet exam, but you find yourself overwhelmed with questions. What exactly are these exams? How do they work? And how can you best support your child through the process? These ballet exams can seem daunting at first, but they are valuable milestones in a dancer's journey. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with the knowledge and tools to guide your child on their exciting journey.
Different Grading Systems
In ballet, several organisations offer graded examinations to assess a dancer's progress and provide a structured framework for their training. Two of the most prominent organisations are the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD). Both offer comprehensive syllabi and examinations that are recognised internationally.
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD): The RAD, based in London, is one of the world's leading dance education and training organisations. Their graded exams, renowned for their comprehensive approach, progress through a series of levels, from Pre-Primary (ages 5-6) to Advanced 2 (age 18+). Each grade focuses on specific skills and techniques, building a strong foundation in classical ballet.
Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD): The CSTD, based in Australia, is another highly respected dance education organisation with a global reach. Their examinations also follow a graded structure, beginning with Pre-Primary (ages 5-6) and progressing through various levels to Advanced. The CSTD syllabus emphasises a holistic approach to dance education, incorporating elements of music, anatomy, and dance history alongside technical training. Here’s a video for the 2024 CTSD CDWM examination for young children.
While both organisations offer excellent pathways for ballet education, the choice of which system to follow often depends on individual preferences, teacher expertise, and the availability of examinations in your region. At Dancepointe Academy, we primarily follow the RAD syllabus, offering ballet classes for kids that align with their graded examinations.
Preparing for Exams
Now that you have a better understanding of the different ballet grading systems, here’s how you can help your child prepare for their ballet exam.
Consistent Practice: Regular attendance in ballet classes is crucial for building a strong foundation and mastering the required techniques. Encourage your child to attend all their classes and make the most of each lesson. Consistent practice at home is equally important. Set aside time for your child to review exercises, practice steps, and refine their technique. Even short, focused practice sessions can make a difference in their progress.
Seek Guidance from Teachers: Our experienced dance teachers are invaluable resources for exam preparation. They possess in-depth knowledge of the syllabus and can provide personalised guidance, feedback, and corrections to help your child improve. Encourage your child to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively participate in class.
Attend Coaching Classes: Students preparing to take their examinations are required to attend an additional class per week (Coaching Class). These classes focus more on helping the dancers work on their technique and performance quality.
Mock Exams and Open Houses: Our teachers will hold mock exams during the classes that will run through the exam process. This will usually happen closer to the exam date. We also have open houses, whereby the students’ parents are invited to attend. Not only does this allow the parents to see their child in action, but having an audience prepares the students for the examination as they get used to having someone other than their friends and teachers watch them during the class.
Stay Positive and Supportive: Maintaining a positive and supportive attitude is crucial throughout the exam preparation journey. Encourage your child to focus on their progress, celebrate their achievements, and learn from setbacks. Offer words of encouragement, provide a comfortable practice space, and help them manage their time effectively.
Managing Exam-Related Stress
While ballet exams are a valuable part of the learning journey, they can sometimes be a source of stress and anxiety for young dancers. Here are some strategies to help your child manage exam nerves:
Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about the exam. Listen attentively and validate their emotions. Open communication helps children feel understood and supported, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
Positive Self-Talk: Help your child replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Encourage them to focus on their strengths, past achievements, and the progress they've made. Positive self-talk can boost self-esteem and reduce performance anxiety.
Visualisation: Visualisation techniques can be powerful tools for managing stress. Encourage your child to visualise themselves performing confidently and successfully in the exam. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.
Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. These techniques can help calm nerves, reduce physical tension, and promote a sense of well-being.
Focus on the Process: Remind your child that the journey of learning and improving is just as important as the exam result. Encourage them to focus on the preparation process, enjoy the performing experience, and celebrate their personal growth.
Maintain a Balanced Perspective: Help your child maintain a balanced perspective on the exam. While striving for success is important, emphasise that the exam is just one step in their dance journey. Reassure them that their exam results do not solely determine their worth.
Seek Support from Teachers: Our dance teachers are experienced in supporting students through the exam process. They can offer guidance, encouragement, and personalised strategies to help your child manage stress and perform at their best.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your child approach their ballet exam with confidence and composure. Remember, the goal is to achieve a good result and foster a positive and enjoyable experience contributing to their growth as a dancer.
The Benefits of Taking Ballet Exams
Preparing for and taking ballet exams may require dedication and effort, but their benefits extend beyond a simple grade or certificate. Here’s why:
Increased Motivation: Setting goals, like working towards a ballet exam, can boost a child's motivation and focus. The desire to achieve a specific target encourages consistent practice, dedication, and a deeper engagement with their ballet training.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Ballet exams provide a structured framework for setting and achieving goals. As students progress through the grades, they learn the importance of setting realistic targets, working towards them with perseverance, and experiencing the satisfaction of accomplishment. These skills translate to other areas of life, helping children develop a growth mindset and a positive approach to challenges.
Enhanced Learning and Progress: Preparing for a ballet exam encourages students to delve deeper into their training. They focus on refining technique, improving performance quality, and developing a greater understanding of ballet principles. This focused effort can lead to accelerated progress and a stronger foundation in dance.
Objective Feedback and Assessment: Ballet exams provide valuable feedback from qualified examiners. This objective assessment helps students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their future development and providing a clear sense of their progress.
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Completing a ballet exam can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment and recognition for their hard work fosters a belief in their abilities and encourages them to strive for further success.
Preparation for Future Opportunities: For students who aspire to pursue dance professionally, participating in ballet exams can be valuable preparation for auditions, scholarships, and further training. A strong track record of exam success demonstrates dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
Embrace the Journey
Ballet exams can be a truly enriching experience for young dancers. They offer a structured pathway for progress, foster motivation and discipline, and provide a sense of accomplishment beyond the dance studio. At our dance school in Singapore, we encourage students to embrace the challenge of ballet exams and celebrate their achievements every step of the way. Contact us today or sign up for a free trial class to learn more about our ballet classes.