What are exams?
At CCC Dance and Fitness we teach from the NATD Graded Syllabi. This board provides examinations which our pupils can take if they wish to. After a dancer has learned all of the work in their grade to a sufficient standard, parents will receive an Exam Submission Request and, if accepted, they will be entered for an exam session. The student enters with a small group of classmates and demonstrates their work to the examiner. After passing an exam the dancer will move up to the next grade.

Why do we do exams?
Examinations give us a standard level for attainment and rubric by which to achieve this. Exams give students something to work towards and strive for. Students take great pride in achieving positive exam results. At a higher level, some examinations are equivalent to GCSE/A level and can help a dancer get into University (even if they’re not studying for a dance degree)! If your child may like to dance or teach when they are adults completing the professional grades – Intermediate – Advanced 2 will form an essential part of their CV. These qualifications are usually the prerequisite for applying for dance college places or being called to attend auditions.

How do I know if my child is ready for an exam?
Our teachers will make this decision. It usually takes around one year of regular attendance (one to two classes in each chosen discipline per week) to achieve the standard necessary to take an exam. A student would never be entered for an exam they were not ready for.

What do students wear for an exam?
Upon accepting an Exam Submission Request, parents will be sent information on what uniform is necessary for specific exams, however, there are certain guidelines that apply to all exams. Hair must be immaculate (in a bun for ballet, and this can work for most disciplines). No nail polish, make up or jewellery whatsoever. Appropriate underwear should be worn - we don’t want to see pants sticking out of leotards! Tights/socks/shoes should look clean. You will also wear a number so the examiner knows who’s who.

How do I find out about exams?

When Exam Submission Requests are sent out, you will be notified of exam session dates. Closer to the exam day we will email out a timetable and fees. Times cannot be changed once they are set, as we have to provide this information to the exam board. There is opportunity in the Exam Submission Request to let us know of any legitimate reasons you may need your child’s exam to be within a particular time scale. Fees are due no later than 2 weeks prior to the exam but we will make sure you have plenty of notice.

How much do exams cost?
This varies depending on the grade/award being taken. Prices start from around £22.

What happens on exam day?
Students must arrive 30 minutes prior to your allotted exam time - dressed ready to go. Hair should be done before they arrive, with their uniform on underneath their outdoor clothes. You will sign your child in and they will be given an exam number to pin onto their uniform. They should warm up/practise with their classmates until someone takes them to wait outside the examination room once the previous group has gone in. After taking their exam, they will be escorted back to the waiting area to their parent/carer. Here they should give their number back, collect their belongings, then you’re free to go! If they have multiple exams in the same day, you may be asked to leave and come back - this depends on the gap between exams and whether we have space/sufficient staff for extra dancers to wait around.

What happens next?
We normally have a ‘Party Week’ following exams to celebrate all the hard work the students have put in towards the exam session. We would then usually start learning new choreography for the next Dance Show or start working on the next grade for exams. We usually receive exam results within 3-4 weeks, and certificates/medals within 6 weeks. This can vary at busy times.

Any other questions?
If you think of anything else we haven’t covered here, drop us an email at events@cccdanceandfitness.co.uk and we will be happy to help you.