Medals

Introduction

Our medals classes are aimed at both social and competitive dancers. These classes will teach the steps, routines and stylings necessary to achieve a Medal at a given level and gives a dancer a goal to work towards, as well as a confirmation of progress and accomplishment.

Participation in the examination is not obligatory; you can join the class without committing to an exam.

Our medals classes are taught by Clive, who is a fellow and examiner with the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing, as well as a Licentiate holder with the ISTD and IDTA. He is very experienced in coaching his students to reach a medal standard.

The levels

All medals tests are divided into two styles - Ballroom and Latin American. The dances covered are as detailed on our Ballroom & Latin American page and different medals look at a different number of dances. Taking both styles at the same level is not compulsory, for example, one can choose to take a Bronze medal in Latin American dance and an Introductory award in Ballroom. Please note that there may be step restrictions and if you choose to present your own choreography, please run them past Clive first to check that it is suitable for the level you wish to be examined in!

Introductory award (equivalent to a beginner level class):

One dance per style:

Ballroom: Waltz or Quickstep

Latin: Cha cha cha or Jive

Candidates will be presented for a test in one dance of their choice. This is the only level where not all the dances are compulsory.

Bronze medal (improvers):

All dances listed per style:

Ballroom: Waltz & Quickstep

Latin: Cha cha cha & Jive

Silver medal (intermediates A):

All three dances listed per style

Ballroom: Waltz, Quickstep & Foxtrot

Latin: Cha cha cha, Jive & Rumba

Gold medal (intermediates B/C):

All four dances listed per style

Ballroom: Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Tango

Latin: Cha cha cha, Rumba, Samba and Jive

There are no step restrictions at the Gold level. Competitive choreography is permissible. Please do speak to Clive should you wish to be presented for a Gold medal.

FAQ:

-- Do I need to come with a partner?

As with all our other classes, partners are not necessary. However if you intend to take the test, it is worth considering finding a partner from others who attend the class. You can then practice together in the run-up to the test.

-- When are the exams?

Our next exam is scheduled for December 2011. Further details will be provided at the medals classes. Provided that the CDC has sufficient interest, arrangements can be made for another exam sometime in the remainder of the 2011/2012 academic year.

-- How much do the tests cost?

This will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of tests and the level you are taking. On average, one would expect to pay between Ł10 - Ł20 per test. In general, the higher the level, the more it costs. If one chooses to be examined in both ballroom and latin styles for a particular medal, that counts as two tests.

-- What do I need to wear for the test?

There is no strict uniform for the test; just wear clothes that you are comfortable, can dance in and look presentable. Practice wear is allowed. For those at a higher level, please bring your dance shoes.

If you're interested or have any further questions, do come to our medal classes (please check the timetable to confirm if we're running the medals classes) where Clive will be happy to answer any questions you may have.