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To Test or Not to Test...
- Author:
- Phillip Stephens (philtex44@aol.com)
- Date Published:
- March 9, 2011
Going for the Gold
When people start taking dance lessons, they just want to learn a few steps so they can get out on the floor and start having fun. The teacher does his or her best to meet this goal of the new student and later endeavors to guide the student toward loftier goals. For some, this will be an exhibition at a studio function or perhaps entering competitions. For developing good fundamental dance techniques, I personally think a student should follow a structured program that includes periodic tests that evaluate overall progress.
Some people shudder at the very mention of the word "test", which is something that truly puzzles me when that reaction comes from students - and teachers! - who do exhibitions and/or compete. People often tell me that they aren't good test takers, and I then tell them that dance tests are not the same as the ones we took in history or algebra. This usually elicits a "ha, ha" from some people while I get a skeptical look from others.
So. Let me tell you about the Medal Test program available through the US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (USISTD).
In the USISTD Medal Test program, you work on a group of figures in a group of dances, such as the Bronze level of the American Rhythm dances. There are certain national standards set by the USISTD that involve frame, dance position, footwork, leg actions, hip actions, leading/following and styling. Even if you aren't following a medal test program, this should all sound familiar. That's because you work on those things during every lesson whether just learning to social dance or when preparing for an exhibition or competition.
When you reach a certain point, you are ready for the test. Interestingly enough, the "test" might be performing the exhibition or dancing in that competition. But when you take a USISTD Medal Test, you receive a written critique from the Examiner that lets you know how you measure up to the national standards set by the USISTD's Examinations Board. Furthermore, your Medal Test will be accompanied by a short coaching session with the Examiner, who will go over certain aspects of your dancing that need particular attention for enhanced performance.
Preparing for Medal Tests gives you a goal to work toward. You will find that the input from your teacher has more weight because it is more important to you personally to improve your skills so that you will perform well during the test. This will automatically accelerate your learning curve, and you will become a better dancer faster. Some people going through a test will graduate to the next level, say from Bronze to Gold, but you don't have to do that. We also offer a Pre-Bronze exam in which you are evaluated to pinpoint both weaknesses and strengths and, afterward, you know exactly what to concentrate on so that you will excell when you take the Full Bronze exam. Other tests are just a progress evaluation and will encompass 3 to 5 dances, or might just be a 1-dance test/evaluation. There are many options for both students and teachers, so talk this over and determine a course of action that involves a definite plan that will take you to a specific goal in your dancing.
The Dance Place will host a Medal Test session during early July. Most likely this will be during the weekend of July 8, 9 & 10. You can be a part of this session and be proud of the medal and/or certificate you receive attesting to the progress you've made in your dancing. You will also know how you "stack up" against those national averages.
The tests are relatively inexpensive, and you don't have to be a student or teacher at The Dance Place in order to participate in these tests. Several teachers will also undergo Professional Medal Tests or Professional Degree Certification Examinations during the July test session. Two Examiners will be present, so interested parties can schedule Fellowship Examinations. For further information, send me an email at philtex44@aol.com. I'll be happy to go over the details.
Happy Dancing and remember
www.the-dance-place.com is also www.theplace2dance.com
