The Scottish Dance Teacher’s Alliance (SDTA) sends an Examiner (usually from Scotland) to test the dancers on their ability to complete the requirements of particular exam levels.
New dances and/or steps are added to each progressive level and stronger technique is required to successfully complete examinations.
Upon successful completion of a medal test, dancers will receive a medal and certificate. We award these during our December concert.
The tests provide our students with goals and allow them to receive feedback from the examiner. Notices about the tests will be sent out several weeks prior to the exam.
The examinations are usually held in March or April each year. Although these tests aren’t mandatory, we encourage all dancers to participate in them.
All tests except theory are demonstration based only.
Beginners may be encouraged to take one or more of the following tests:
Stars 1-6 (maximum of 3 tests per sitting)
Covers basic movements and positions
Preparatory
Demonstrate without music – spring points, high cuts, toe-heels, pas de basques, jumps in 1st position
Preliminary A
Demonstrate with music – pas de basques and High Cuts
Without music – Fling steps individually – 1st, toe-heel and last shedding
Preliminary B
Demonstrate with music – pas de basques and High Cuts
Without music – Sword steps individually – 1st step, Pointing step
Pre-Bronze Fling – 4 steps with music
Pre-Bronze Sword – 4 steps with music
As dancers become more experienced, they will then move onto the other levels. Please consult your teacher to get details on the dances and steps.
For all tests except Tiny Tots, appropriate dancewear is required – kilt skirt, white blouse, knee socks (white) and highland dance shoes. Hair should be neat and tied back (ideally up in a bun) if long. No jewellery should be worn.