ISTD Modern Theatre & Tap Examinations

At Flame Dance Studios, we are proud to be affiliated with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and follow their syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, and Tap. Both Ffion and Eleri have undertaken years of rigorous training to become full ISTD members and are qualified to enter children into examinations across all three genres.

A Journey of Growth and Achievement

We currently enter students for exams from Primary level through to Grade 3. Each grade introduces new technical and performance challenges, helping students build a strong foundation before progressing to more advanced movements. The hard work and dedication that our students put into their training are inspiring, and we take great care to ensure that every child is well-prepared before they take an exam.

When are they ready?

From the very start of their journey with us, children follow the ISTD syllabus. We introduce elements of it into our Hwyl a Sbri classes, and from Primary level upwards, students learn syllabus content alongside our own curriculum and show work.

We carefully assess when each child is ready for an exam through discussions with their class teachers and by evaluating their progress. While children enter exams in small groups, they must be prepared to perform individually without teacher supervision. To ensure that every child is confident and ready, we make this decision carefully.

While we encourage students to take exams, we understand that they are not for everyone. No child will ever be left behind if they choose not to, or are unable to, take their exam.

How much learning time is needed to prepare for an exam?

The ISTD provides guidelines on the recommended number of training hours before children are entered into an exam.

For Primary and Grades 1-3, the ISTD recommends a minimum of 70 hours of learning. This equates to nearly two years of training based on our 45-minute Modern and Tap lessons within a 1.5-hour class. The learning time increases at Grade 4, Grade 6, and Vocational levels.

While these guidelines are useful, some of our dedicated students have successfully entered exams after just one exam season of lessons. Progression varies from child to child, and we always tailor our approach to support their individual development.

What happens during the exam?

Primary Exam;

At this level, the class teacher is allowed to sit in the exam room with the children to help guide them through the process. While we cannot correct them, we can offer praise and encouragement, and if necessary, repeat an exercise if something goes wrong.

The children are marked on the following components;

Children are assessed on their ability to demonstrate:

Technical accuracy with correct placement to the best of their ability
A sense of line and well-coordinated movements
An assured performance with the required movement qualities
Musicality and rhythmic awareness

Each child receives an individual report and result reflecting their personal achievements.

For Grade 1 onwards;

From Grade 1 onwards, class teachers are not allowed in the exam room. Instead, a music operator (who cannot be the class teacher) plays and stops the music as requested by the examiner.

Children must introduce themselves to the examiner and demonstrate their set syllabus work as a group and individually. The examiner can set unset work, meaning the children need to be comfortable and confident recalling and demonstrating all vocabulary of their grade based on what the examiner may ask of them.

The children are marked on the following components;

Children are marked on:

Technical accuracy and correct placement
Understanding of movement sequences
Coordination and sense of line
Confidence and assured performance
Musicality and rhythmic awareness

Each child receives an individual report and result based on their performance.

Cost of exams

Each exam has an entry fee set by the ISTD, along with a small additional cost to cover studio expenses, staff, admin, and uniform/shoes.

Grades and marking

Around a month after completing their exam, students receive a graded mark sheet and certificate.

Examiners at the ISTD go through regular and rigorous training to try and make sure their marking is as consistent as possible. However, as with any performing art, personal preference comes into play which can mean that marks do not always come out the same from one examiner to the next. This does not take the value out of participating but is important to understand beforehand.

ISTD Grading System:

A candidate who achieves a ‘Distinction’ classification (80-100 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

flair, vitality, and skill
fully appropriate style
incisively focussed dancing
precision in the technique of the genre
consistent, highly developed musicality
confident and accurate responses to questions asked and/or tasks set

A candidate who achieves a ‘Merit’ classification (60-79 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

skill and proficiency
largely appropriate style
focussed dancing
competence in the technique of the genre
evidence of developing musicality
relevant and appropriate responses to questions asked and/or tasks set

A candidate who achieves a 'Pass' classification (40-59 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

competence
basic ability to carry out the required movements
periodic moments of convincing focus
basic competence in most aspects of the technique of the genre basic musicality
broadly relevant and appropriate response to questions asked and/or tasks set, but some prompting may be required

What is the value of taking exams?

Following the graded syllabus of the ISTD offers a clearly defined structure that allows learning to take place in the context of safe dance practice. The Graded Examinations build up progressively, ensuring that steps and skills learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements as the candidate progresses. Taking the exams provides students with an important and achievable goal to work towards aside from our dance shows. Studying for a dance exam also promotes discipline and commitment within the studio environment; a skill benefiting more than just the dance world!

For students who wish to continue their training, Vocational Graded Examinations offer preparation for professional dance careers or teaching qualifications.

It's also important to note that Vocational level ISTD exams earn UCAS points, making them beneficial for university, college, and job applications. Many institutions value extracurricular achievements like high-level ISTD certifications.

Supporting Every Child's Dance Journey

At Flame Dance Studios, we celebrate every dancer’s journey, whether they choose to take exams or not. Our goal is to create a nurturing, supportive environment where each child can progress at their own pace and feel proud of their achievements.

If you have any questions about ISTD exams please don't hesitate to get in touch.