At MMStudios we offer Comdance exams in the styles of classical ballet, modern jazz and tap. Comdance is a global dance community that was established in 1933 by Melbourne dancer Dorothy Gladstone and has created internationally recognised syllabi for dance educators and students.

 

Why are Exams important?

“Parents often ask ‘why do exams’? They are concerned that exams might lead to pressure on their child. But there are many LIFE LESSONS and positives that come from undertaking exams. They help students develop confidence and prepare them for some of the more intimidating experiences in life like job interviews, school exams or walking into a crowd of strangers.” (Comdance website) Read more about Comdance and dance exams here: https://comdance.org/for-dancers/

 

Some of the benefits of dance exams include:

• Pathways to formal qualifications and a possible career in dance. Did you know that some levels of dance exams earn the candidates QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) credits? Find out more here: https:// www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/qce_recognised_comdance.pdf

• Exams are a major form of recognition of a universal standard in the dance world, and a systematic measurement of progress and attainment. Students receive an unbiased assessment and valuable feedback from experienced and qualified examiners.

• Dance examinations and exam syllabus are designed to help dancers develop their technique at a safe pace in order to prevent injuries, as well as assisting in proper development and safe dance training. Dance exams develop strong, disciplined and all rounded dancers.

• Exams are a way to measure personal development and progression.

• Completing exams helps to develop confidence and self esteem. By providing students with the opportunity to learn new skills, overcome challenging situations and take responsibility for their own progress, we allow them to increase their confidence and self esteem levels. Exams provide students with important and achievable goals, which in turn help them develop goal setting skills. Students experience a sense of accomplishment and achievement, as well as the boost in self confidence that comes from achieving those goals.

• Exams help to instil a good work ethic in students and discipline, respect and gratitude are naturally encouraged.

• Exams provide not only education about correct dance technique and improve overall physical strength, flexibility, agility and range of movement etc, but also develop the student’s style, expression and artistic ability. Musicality, performance quality, movement quality and understanding of the required expression and emotion in certain exercises are included in examination criteria. Dancers are encourage to perform with personality and integrity.

• Dance exams promote concentration and focus in class, as well as the students ability and drive to work autonomously and practice outside of class.

 

What is required?

Dance exams require commitment, dedication, ambition and hard work over a sustained period of time. Students learn to work hard towards a goal, absorb feedback constructively, remember long sequences of steps and content, apply corrections and to perform under pressure. Your child will receive constant and personalised feedback in order to progress and improve. Correct uniforms and shoes are required for exams, as well as an examination entry fee.

 

Dance exams not only educate students about correct dance technique, and improve overall physical strength, flexibility, agility and range of movement, but they also educate the student about the overall style and expression required for different types of dance and different exercises. Dance exams help build mental and emotional resilience in children, which is becoming more and more important in today’s society.

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