IDTA Examinations
Here at Generation Dance our Ballet, Tap and Modern students have the opportunity to take dance exams through the Internationally acclaimed IDTA exam board.
Our students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of different exams. Below you will see these explained...
Rosettes
Exams commence at age 4/5 with Rosette exams. In these exams, students learn basic routines, which they perform in groups of up to 8 collectively under the guidance of a teacher in the exam. Rosettes serve as the initial exam experience for young dancers, providing a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Available in Ballet, Tap, and Modern, students receive a bannerette and then different coloured Rosettes for each exam completed. Typically, students complete Ballet, Tap, and Modern Rosettes before progressing to full graded exams.
Preparatory Exams
This exam marks the students' first formal graded examination. Those invited to participate are encouraged to elevate their practice as the exam standards increase. Available in Ballet, Tap, and Modern, students are required to perform various technical exercises and dances independently, without the presence of their teacher in the exam room. Students are marked on their Technique, Musicality and Performance and can be awarded either a Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Primary - Grade 5
After completing the Preparatory level, students progress through the subsequent exams from Primary to Grade 5. At our studio, students have the option to pursue these exams through two different pathways. Further details are provided below. Additionally, students have the flexibility to mix and match these pathways. For example, a student may opt for a Class Work Assessment for Primary but choose a full graded exam for Grade 1, based on their individual progress:
PATHWAY 1: Full graded examinations
Students invited to undertake full graded examinations are expected to devote a significant amount of practice time outside of class. Given the high standards upheld by the IDTA, students aiming for full exams must demonstrate consistent progress and a strong work ethic during classes. Assessment criteria include Technique, Musicality, and Performance, with possible grades ranging from Fail to Pass, Merit, or Distinction. Upon completion of the exam, students receive both a plaque and certificate, while also accruing QCR points. Achieving Grade 5 through the full IDTA examinations grants eligibility for the Intermediate exam, which in turn allows students to earn UCAS points.
PATHWAY 2: Class work assessments
These exams offer students a pathway to progress through grades without the intensity of a full graded examination. Students are required to master the grade but only need to perform approximately half of the prescribed exercises, which are chosen in advance by the teacher. Additionally, students may have the teacher present during the exam to assist with counting set work and providing reminders. While these exams do not award QCR points, students still receive certificates and plaques, enabling them to advance through the grades.
Intermediate - Advanced 2
These exams are categorized as 'Performance Examinations' and represent the highest levels attainable within the IDTA. Students are expected to dedicate numerous hours outside of class to practice for these exams and demonstrate a strong commitment to dance taking a number of hours of classes a week. Upon successfully completing these exams, students earn valuable UCAS points and may choose to advance to teaching exams if they wish to do so.
Other exams - Stardance exams
Another option we provide for students is the Stardance exams. Similar to the Rosettes, students perform several set routines for the examiner under the guidance of their teacher in the exam room. These exams are frequently chosen by older students taking exams for the first time or those seeking to bolster their confidence before progressing to graded exams. Additionally, they serve well for students in between major examinations, as graded exams may sometimes take a year or longer to complete. Upon finishing the Stardance awards, students receive a plaque to collect their stars and certificates.