The Value of Syllabus Training

I am Laura Grecian, I danced professionally for many years, mainly on Princess cruises, and always knew that once back on land I would like to teach. 

After Cruise ships I was on a UK tour and saw an opportunity to combine theatre touring with studying for my bbodance Teaching Qualification. I grew up studying bbodance through to Advanced 2 level under Jill Clewes so it was natural that I would take their teaching qualification.

Once qualified I began to teach freelance before deciding to take the plunge into opening my own school. I opened DefyGravityStudios in Stoke-on-Trent and we are now entering our 18^th year in business. I teach bbodance Classical Ballet, Tap and Jazz at my studio.

Syllabus training is valuable for dancers because it gives clear markers on progression and repetition ensures the building of technique and strength. The steady progress provides all building blocks. It’s learning the foundations of each move and how to execute in a safe way, for not only growth within the style but injury prevention.

We follow Graded and Vocational exam pathways as well as Graded Assessments. My dancers love the progress markers and how each Grade follows on from the previous. The students are always keen to know what's next for them and they understand that studying for the exam unlocks the next level.

As a student the bbodance exams were always very important to me. They gave me confidence knowing I had achieved that level. As a teacher it gives me the same joy and sense of pride as I watch my students progress and achieve the standard required. Especially when they come out of the exam smiling or when they receive their well-deserved results.

For different reasons students may opt not to take the exam but they always remain in their current grade until they are exam ready before we would move them on to the next level. The training and how we teach holds them accountable to achieving their best, regardless of whether they choose to sit the exam.

The exam is optional, the training is optimal!

I believe syllabus training underpins solid technical foundations. The dancers who have followed a structure show a better physical understanding of multiple genres with technical knowledge to back them up! Many of our students are now progressing through vocational colleges and those who have graduated are booking professional jobs. Each one of them has studied bbodance from a young age going through the exam pathway.