NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF DANCING (NATD) UNITED KINGDOM
44-47 THE BROADWAY, THATCHAM BERKSHIRE , RG19 3HP , ENGLAND
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Professional Examinations
Amateur Medal Tests
 
 
Professional Examinations
 
STUDENT TEACHER ASSOCIATE LICENTIATE FELLOW
   
  STUDENT TEACHER
 

Candidates must be of 16 years of age or over.
Successful candidates gain no qualification in the society, but are permitted to attend teachers seminars on production of their Student registration card and a payment of the appropriate admission fee. The objective of these examinations is to provide experience for the candidates in preparation for their Associate examinations.
  ASSOCIATE
  Candidates for the Associate examination must be 16 years of age or over.
This examination may be taken in Modules.
  LICENTIATE
  Candidates for the Licentiate examination must be over 18 years of age and must have had 2 years teaching experience immediately prior to their application.
  FELLOW
  Candidates for the Fellowship examination must have held their Licentiate as full members of the Freestyle Branch concerned for at least two years.
   
  STUDENT TEACHER
  Duration of examination minimum 30, maximum 45 minutes.
  The examination to be taken in seven parts and may be taken in any order, at the examiners discretion
  All basic steps and actions should be performed with rhythmical body action and personal interpretation
  Part 1 ¡V Demonstration (Demonstrate to Music)
  A Exercise routine suitable for general limbering (min 32 bars)
  B Isolation routine (min 32 bars)
  C A 16 bar dance routine using own creative ability
  D A 16 bar routine suitable for basic bronze class work
  Part 2 ¡V Explanation and Exercise
    Explain :
  A Theory of warm up and cool down
  B Limbering routine as demonstrated
  C Basic bronze routine as demonstrated
  D Controversial movements ¡V Heads and Knees etc
  E Correct breathing
  Part 3 ¡V Anatomy
    Briefly Define :
  A Muscles
  B Tendons
  C Ligaments
  Candidates must have a knowledge of Directional chart
  Part 4 ¡V Definitions in alphabetical order
    Define the following accompanied by music where necessary:
  Accent Non Locomotive action
  Balance Pattern
  Beats Poise
  Expansion Posture
  Footwork Rhythm
  Freestyle dance Rhythmical expression
  Locomotive action Routine
  Middle body action
  Candidates must have a knowledge of Directional chart
  Part 5 ¡V Steps and Movement in alphabetical order
    Demonstrate and give technical descriptions of the following:
  Ball change Point
  Bouncing Pressure step
  Brush Run
  Chasse Scuff
  Hop Spin
  Jump Spring
  Kicks Stamp
  Knee lifts Step
  Leap Tap
  Plie¡¦ Walk
  Candidates must have a knowledge of Directional chart
  Part 6¡VArm and Hand Movements in alphabetical order
    Demonstrate and give technical descriptions of the following:
  Clap Opposition
  Diagonal Point
  Flick Parallel
  High V Shake
  Low V Snap
  Horizontal  
  The candidate will be required to demonstrate methods of dancing a minimum of three steps or movements with arm and hand movements.
  Part 7¡VTeaching Ability
    Explain:
  Method and approach to conducting a class
   
  ASSOCIATE
  Duration of examination minimum 1 hour, maximum 1.5hours.
  The student teacher syllabus, including dance and exercise routines, will be included in this examination at the examiners discretion.
  The examination to be taken in seven parts and may be taken in any order, at the examiners discretion.
  At all levels teaching ability will be assessed on the basis of presentation, knowledge of faults, their causes and correction, teaching methods, voice production and clarity of explanation.
  All basic steps and actions should be performed with rhythmical body action and personal interpretation.
  This examination may be taken in Modules.
   
  Part 1 ¡VDemonstration (Demonstrate to Music)
  A Exercise routines suitable for general limbering - (min 32 bars).
  B Isolation exercise routine ¡X (min 32 bars).
  C A 16 bar (or more) dance routine using own creative ability.
  D A 16 bar dance routine suitable for silver classwork.
  E Two separate 8 bars dance routines of contrasting tempi or rhythms suitable for intermediate or silver classwork.
  F A 16 bar routine - 14/18 bars per minute in 4/4 timing (Slow dance)
  Part 2 ¡VExplanation and Exercise
    Explain and discuss¡G
  A The theory of warm up and cool down.
  B Limbering exercise routine as demonstrated
  C Isolation exercise routine as demonstrated.
  D Silver routine as demonstrated
  E Two separate 8 bars routines as demonstrated.
  F Explain and discuss all dance routines as demonstrated (including Student Teacher).
  G Injury prevention.
  H Breathing exercises.
  Part 3 ¡VAnatomy in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher - Plus)
    Briefly Define :
  A Skeletal system
    The Skeleton Joints
    Functions of the Skeleton Synovial fluid
    Bones Cartilage
  B Muscular System Muscles:- types of
  C Nervous System Motor sensory nerves
  Candidates must have a knowledge of Directional chart
  Part 4 ¡VDefinitions in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher - Plus)
    Define the following accompanied by music where necessary:
  Accented movements Tempo
  Counting in beats and bars Time signature
  Phrasing Syncopation
  Part 5 ¡VSteps and Movement in alphabetical order
    Demonstrate and give technical descriptions of the following:
Basic steps, actions and movements
  Body bending Shake
  Body ripple Spiral
  Body stretching Sway
  Contraction Switch turn
  Cross turn Turn
  Leap Twist turn
  Lunge Whisk turn
  Open turn  
  Candidates must have a knowledge of Directional chart
  Part 6¡VArm and Hand Movements in alphabetical order
    Demonstrate and give technical descriptions of the following:
Arm Movements
  Arm circles Hand rolls
  Arm swinging Pulling
  Clenched fist Pushing
  Contemporary Wrist circles
  The candidate will be required to demonstrate advanced methods of dancing a minimum of three steps and/or movements with arm and hand movements.
    Head Positions and Movements
  Erect Raised
  Head roll/half circle Turned
  Inclined Turned inclined
  Lowered  
  Part 7¡VTeaching Ability (As Student Teacher - Plus)
    Explain:
  Approach to choreography for:
    Solo routine  
    Pairs Routine  
   
 

LICENTIATE
  Duration of examination minimum 1.5 hours, maximum 2 hours.
  The student teacher and associate syllabi, including dance and exercise routines, will be included in this examination at the examiners discretion.
  The examination to be taken in seven parts and may be taken in any order, at the examiners discretion.
  At all levels teaching ability will be assessed on the basis of presentation, knowledge of faults, their causes and correction, teaching methods, voice production and clarity of explanation.
   
  Part 1 ¡VDemonstration (Demonstrate to Music)
  A Exercise routines suitable for general limbering ¡V (minimum 32 bars)
  B A 32 bar (or more) isolation exercise routine
  C A 16 bar (or more) dance routine using own creative ability
  D A 16 bar (or more) routine suitable for gold standard
  E Two separate 8 bars dance routines of contrasting tempi or rhythms suitable for gold classwork
  F

A 16 bar routine ¡V 14/18 bars per minute in 4/4 timing (Slow dance)
  Part 2 ¡VExplanation and Exercise
    Explain and discussall the routines above, as demonstrated, plus the following¡G
  Warm up
Warming up in various ways according to the age and ability of your class.
A complete knowledge of warm up and components.
 

Cool down
A complete explanation of cooling down in various ways according to the age and ability of your class
  Part 3 ¡VAnatomy in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher and Associate- Plus)
    Briefly Define :
  A Skeletal system ((as for Associate- plus)
  B Types of bones and joints  
  C Muscular System (as for Student Teacher and Associate- plus)
  D

Types of contraction

  
  E Types of movements  
  C Circulatory System  
  D Breathing/Respiratory system
  E Digestive system
   

Food and energy

  
  Part 4 ¡VDefinitions in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher and Associate- Plus)
    Define the following accompanied by music where necessary:
  Amount of turn Pelvic action
  Balance/Centring Positions of feet
  Hip action  
  Part 5 ¡VSteps and Movement in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher and Associate- Plus)
  Arabesque Pivot
  Attitude Releve
  Attitude jump* Ronde
  Box split* Scissor kick*
  Box split jump* Scissor leap*
  Develop Splits Half*
  Drop or Hitch kick Splits Full*
  Jete Splits Leap*
  Merengue action Star jump*
  Pirouette Stag leap*
  Tour Jump

 
  NB All figures marked thus * need not be performed but candidates must be able to give a clear description.
  Candidates should understand the type of movements suitable for :
 
Beginners through to medalists and competitors (all ages).
Under 8`s, Under 12's, Under 16;s.
Slow routines
Adult so2cial Freestyle exercise
  Part 6¡VArm and Hand Movements, Head Positions and Movements in alphabetical order (As Student Teacher and Associate- plus)
    Candidates should have a good knowledge of all arm and hand movements, head positions and movements.
  Part 7¡VTeaching Ability (As Student Teacher and Associate- plus)
   

Explain approach to:
  Approach to choreography for
  Safety  
  Slow dance routines  
  Team routine  
  Competitive training  
   
  FELLOW
  Duration of examination minimum 2 hours, maximum 2.5 hours.
  The student teacher, associate and Licentiate syllabi, including dance and exercise routines, will be included in this examination at the examiners discretion.
  The examination to be taken in seven parts and may be taken in any order, at the examiners discretion.
  Candidates for the fellowship examination of any corporate member of the British Dance Council must have been a full member in the freestyle branch for at least three years.
  Candidates should be able to discuss and /or demonstrate ways of developing the routines in the demonstration section to suit
    The high grade medalist  
    The competitive dancer  
  At all levels teaching ability will be assessed on the basis of presentation , knowledge of faults, their causes and correction, teaching methods , voice production and clarity of explanation.
  Candidates of a mature age will be permitted to use a demonstrator, trained by the candidate for the advanced routines. When demonstrators are used the candidate will be expected to analyses the complete routine in depth.
  Candidates should have an awareness of current musical trends and dances and discuss them.
  Written notes are to be submitted for 8 bars of one of the 16 bar routines.
  The examiner will provide the candidate with a written routine to be spontaneously analyzed.
  Candidates should have an awareness of rules concerning competitive Freestyle/Street dance.
  Candidate will be required to explain their approach and structure to training
 
  1. Student Teacher
  2. An Associate
  3. Licentiate
  4. Fellow
   
 
Amateur Medal Tests
  GENERAL INFORMATION
    Routines:  
  Routines should include a combination of locomotive and non-locomotive actions and isolation movements.
  Teachers should have an awareness of contemporary musical trends and current dance movements when choreographing the routines.
       
    Dress:  
  Dress is of the candidate¡¦s choice, but should be appropriate to this form of dance. i.e. Dress/Skirt is not suitable
  Shoes suitable for this dance form may be worn.
  Not to be danced in bare feet.
    Number on Candidates:  
  It is recommended that a maximum of four candidates be examined at one time and that they wear numbers to assist proper identification and examination.
  When entering Freestyle couples for examinations, teachers should clearly write ¡¥Couples¡¦ on the report form.
       
  All Amateur examinations must be taken in designated order.
  For children under the age of 8 years, they must take RAINBOW AWARDS. The Rainbow Award is an extreme attractive composite award for the children under the age of 8.
  Candidate should achieve the following seven colours in order to complete each RAINBOW AWARDS.
 

RAINBOW AWARDS
   
1. Violet
2. Indigo
3. Blue
4. Green
5. Yellow
6. Orange
7. Red

 
  For children over the age of 8 years, beginner can take POPULAR SOCIAL DANCE TEST PART 1, 2 & 3. and then proceed to PRE-BRONZE 1, 2.
  Children can enter to the following examinations when they satisfy the following age requirements. Those who do not satisfy the age requirements but are interested to enter the following examinations should seek their registered teachers¡¦ recommendations and approval.
   
  All candidates under age of 16 years should attain PRE-BRONZE 1, 2 in the appropriate branch to take the follow examinations first except with special permission from Hong Kong Ballroom Dancing Council, then they can start from ONE DANCE TESTS.
 

JUVENILE (under 12)

JUNIOR (12 to 16)

ADULT (over 16)

ONE DANCE TESTS

ONE DANCE TESTS

ONE DANCE TESTS

BRONZE

BRONZE

BRONZE

SILVER

SILVER

SILVER

GOLD

GOLD

GOLD
   
 

RAINBOW AWARDS (For Children under the Age of 8)
   

This is an extremely attractive composite award for the under 8 years¡¦ age group. There are seven colours to be taken to complete each of the RAINBOW AWARDS (please indicate which Dance is to be taken and each award MUST be taken in the following order)
   
1. Violet
2. Indigo
3. Blue
4. Green
5. Yellow
6. Orange
7. Red

 
 

Candidates may dance Freestyle, line routines or any new dance forms in vogue, either solo or with a partner.
 

The Examiner will assess the candidate on co-ordination, posture, poise, balance, rhythmical expression, musical interpretation, use of arms, legs, feet, head and body.
   

Tests are conducted in five divisions:
   
Freestyle Rainbow Awards, Pot of Gold
Juvenile division: for candidates under 12 years of age.
Junior division: for candidates of 12 and under 16 years of age.
Adult division: for candidates of 16 years and over.
    Tests are as follows:  
    Freestyle Rainbow Awards, Parts 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Pot of Gold
    Popular dance tests, Parts 1,2,3
    Grades: 1,2,3
    One dance tests at bronze, silver and gold levels
    Medal series:
   

Bronze, silver, gold, gold cross, gold bar.

  
       
  RAINBOW AWARDS  
    Two dances must be shown in each test. A minimum of four actions or movements should be demonstrated in each dance. Moving in time to the music is of primary importance.
       
  POPULAR DANCE TESTS  
    These are introductory tests at beginner level. Candidates of any age may enter.
    A minimum of four figures must be shown in each dance. Technical perfection is not expected. Moving in time to the music is of primary importance.
    Those who already hold medals in any of the branches may take any of the popular dance tests.
   
Part One One routine minimum 8 Bars
Part Two Two routines minimum 8 Bars
Part Three Three routines minimum 8 Bars
       
  GRADE  
    These act as a link between the popular dance test and the more technical tests which follow.
   
Grade 1 One dance routine, a minimum of four actions and/or movements. Minimum 8 Bars
Grade 2 Two dance routines, a minimum of four actions and/or movements. Minimum 8 Bars
Grade 3 Three dance routines, a minimum of four actions and/or movements. Minimum 8 Bars
Bronze Two dance routines, a minimum of four actions and/or movements and a higher quality of performance. Minimum 8 Bars
Silver Three dance routines, a minimum of six actions and/or movements and a higher quality of performance. Minimum 8 Bars
Gold Four dance routines, a minimum of eight actions and/or movements. Minimum 16 Bars
  NOTE: One of the routines should be danced to slow music.
    For Gold & Above: One of the routines must be danced to slow music. 14 Bars to 18 Bars per minute
   

Party Dances are not considered appropriate at this level.
   
  COUPLES TESTS  
    Two candidates may be entered as a couple. Couples fees would then apply and the partnership would be marked as a couple. A report form, certificate and medal would be issued to each candidate. Candidates need not have taken the appropriate medal individually.
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