Exams |
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Annual Show |
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Social Events |
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Medal Awards |
ExamsEvery class (except pre school ballet) works towards an annual exam which is held in September and all students are encouraged to participate. Students who work towards an exam are more motivated and strive for a higher level of technique. The exams, while strict in discipline and etiquette, are always conducted in a friendly environment with teacher participation for the earliest levels. The students are then rewarded for their efforts accordingly with a combination of rosettes, banners, certificates and report cards with grades and comments from the examiner. These make wonderful mementos of the students achievements. Exam fees increase with each higher level but all levels are reasonably priced and adequate notice is given before fees are due (around the end of term 2/start of July).
Students are expected to put in some extra practice at home in their own time and practice music is always available for this. |
Annual ShowThe show is the highlight of everyone's year. We start rehearsals at the beginning of term 4 and each child is invited to perform on stage in a minimum of 2 dances (dependent on how many classes they are enrolled for). Each student pays a fee to hire their costumes (which are sometimes custom made), wears full stage makeup, is professionally photographed and gets to perform on stage for family and friends. It is a great showcase of the hard work and progress of the years work. Our shows are performed at Birkdale Intermediate.
Digital copies of the show and the professional photo's are available to purchase. |
Social EventsThroughout the year, we invite all students and their families to our random social outings. Some of our get together's were at Jump!, the Aotea Centre to watch the Royal NZ Ballet, Cornwall Park for a photo shoot and the movies. These events are optional but a fabulous way of socialising with dance friends outside of class and as we are usually entitled to group discounts, we get to do something fun at a cheaper price!
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Medal Awards (Performance Exams)Students grade 1 and above are able to participate in medal awards which are special performance dances choreographed specifically for the student. The music is chosen together with their teacher and they attend private lessons to learn the dance. Senior students may co-choreograph their dance with their teacher or perform their own choreography. The medal session is held at the end of the exam session in September. The student performs the dance in front of the examiner and a small audience of family and friends in full costume (at the students expense) and full stage make up. Dancers receive their chosen medal and a report card from the examiner. Junior dancers are awarded with "congratulations" and some comments on their performance. Intermediate and Senior dancers are awarded with a grade as well as comments.
Dancers are also able to perform their dance at the end of year show. |