Types of Exams

However your school operates, there is a way to implement exams. Whether your dancers attend regular classes, attend once a week, compete in festivals, or have returned to dance as an adult, everyone can enjoy our exams.

Pre-Graded, Graded and Vocational Exams

Pre-Graded, Graded and Vocational Exams follow a traditional system of dance training. Students complete an entire work of syllabus, in the chosen genre and level. They are aligned with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are regulated by Ofqual and Qualification Wales, or an internal bbodance board. Students receive a personalised feedback report from the examiner, alongside a certificate and a badge (up to Grade 3).

Pre-Graded Exams are a route for younger students to prepare for Graded Exams. They are recommended for students aged 4-7, however dancers of any age my take Pre-Graded Exams. For Introduction to Ballet, Pre-Syllabus and Pre-Primary, it is recommended that children are accompanied by their teacher or assistant. They are there to assist in the smooth running of the Examination (i.e., positioning the Candidates and props). They are not there to demonstrate for the Candidates.

Graded Exams provide a foundation for dance training with clear progressions. Students complete the exam in small groups, or individually, without their teacher, encouraging independence and pride in their achievement.

Vocational Exams are designed with technical excellence, artistry and dedication to training in mind. These exams provide a robust training pathway for students wishing to pursue a career in dance, or challenge themselves to attain a high-level dance qualification.

Pre-Graded Exams
Introduction to Ballet (regulated by our internal board)
Pre-Syllabus Tap and Modern (regulated by our internal board)
Pre-Primary (regulated by Ofqual and Qualification Wales)
Primary (regulated by Ofqual and Qualification Wales)

Graded/Vocational Graded	Level
Grade 1	1
Grade 2	1
Grade 3	1
Grade 4	2
Grade 5	2
Grades 6-8	3
Intermediate Foundation	2
Intermediate	3
Advanced 1	4
Advanced 2	4

Graded Assessments

Graded Assessments involve students performing a select number of exercises from a Grade, not the entire syllabus. They are regulated internally by bbodance but are held to the same regulatory standards as our Pre-Graded, Graded and Vocational exams.

Students receive a personalised feedback report from the examiner and a certificate.

Graded Assessments are a fantastic option for any dancer, including:

Students who only attend classes once a week and do not have time to learn an entire syllabus
Students who have never taken an exam before and are nervous about completing an entire syllabus
Students with different accessible needs who find it difficult to remember or learn an entire syllabus
Students who cannot complete an entire Grade but wish to move up a Grade with their classmates

Graded Assessments are available in all our Ofqual and Qualifications Wales regulated syllabi (Pre-Primary - Advanced 2).

Dance Awards (UK) and

Dance Theatre Awards (Australasia)

Dance Awards and Dance Theatre Awards offer the opportunity for students to perform dance routines in an exam setting. They are choreographed by the teacher and build in length and complexity, according to the Dance Award Level. Dance Awards can be in any genre, they do not need to be a bbodance syllabus genre.

They are regulated internally by bbodance but are held to the same regulatory standards as our Pre-Graded, Graded and Vocational exams. Students receive a personalised feedback report from the examiner, a certificate and a badge. For Dance Theatre Awards in Australasia, students scoring 85 or above (Gold Medal) qualify for the Dance Theatre Awards Finals.

Dance Award and Dance Theatre Award routines can be from existing routines schools have from festivals, shows, competitions or classes. Or teachers can create new routines specifically for the exam. They are also an effective way to boost the minimum fees required to hold an exam session in-person at your Centre!

Suggested Grade of Study	Dance Awards
Introduction	Nursery Award
Pre-Primary & Primary	Primary Dance Award
Grades 1-3	Level 1 Dance Award
Grades 4-5 & Intermediate Foundation	Level 2 Dance Award
Grades 6-8 & Intermediate	Level 3 Dance Award
Advanced 1 & 2	Level 4 Dance Award