MODERN THEATRE TAP &
CECCHETTI CLASSICAL BALLET EXAMS

Rules, Regulations, Requirements & Procedures

Candidate Selection: Although all students in our school are taught the principles of the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet technique, as well as the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing syllabus for Tap, not all students in any one particular class are ready at the same time. Nor do they all possess the technical proficiency or correct mental attitude to withstand the rigors of these tests. During the first term each student is evaluated during their classes to determine who should be recommended to try these exams. Based on my years of professional experience in this field, including those as an examiner, those students who meet the criteria are invited to apply for testing.

Exam Preparation: All candidates from this school are taught everything they need to know for their tests. They are prepared in a highly professional manner and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Class attendance is required for normal preparation and absences obviously will hinder progress. Special coaching classes with Ms. Seibert for the lower ballet levels are scheduled on February 4, February 11 and March 10, and are mandatory as part of the preparation. These are included in the fee.

This year we are offering the opportunity to take private lessons with Ms. Seibert. There will be a sign-up sheet of available dates and times. The fee for a private lesson is $40 for one-half hour and $80 for an hour. (Two people may take a half hour, or up to 4 people may take an hour, and split the cost.) Please see Ms. Dingus to sign up. Reservations must be made no later than 24 hours in advance. Any cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will still be charged. Fees are expected prior to the private lesson.

Value of Testing: Although these tests may not make a dancer, the benefits of taking them are many. They provide an opportunity to work towards and achieve personal goals; are a yardstick used in measuring a student’s comprehension of the work; and best of all develop poise, self-confidence, and a strong work ethic for the future. Both the Modern Theatre Tap and the Cecchetti Classical Ballet methods have a set of standards accepted worldwide. Therefore, our students are not competing with each other, but are objectively assessed on their technical proficiency based on these international standards. Both the Cecchetti USA and ISTD Board of Examiners are comprised of highly qualified teachers whose eyes are kept keen by seeing students from around the world. It is their job to ensure that the quality of the work is kept at the highest standard.

Testing Procedures:

Class Examinations (All Ballet, but Primary Tap only): Between 4 – 6 candidates are required per exam. Ms. Seibert will go into the room with the ballet students and conduct it like a class. The examiner will be watching and writing but will not ask the candidates any direct questions. Ms. Seibert will tell the students what to do, but cannot offer any assistance or corrections.

Class Examinations (Vocational Tap only): A maximum of 3 candidates per exam is permitted.

Grade Examinations: Candidates enter alone, in twos or threes, (Tap allows up to 4 maximum), without their teacher. All material must be memorized. The examiner will ask each candidate some theory questions.

It is common for some candidates to experience nervousness - a case of the butterflies - and it is the examiner's job to put the candidate at ease and to draw out of each one their very best work. It is not on their efforts all year long, nor their potential down the road that they are graded, but the examiner is assessing each one on their skills and knowledge demonstrated at that particular moment. We assure you that each one will get out of the process exactly what they put into it.

Results: After all the tests are completed we will receive notification of the candidates' results. The exact time of this notice is unknown. Each candidate will eventually receive a report from the examiner showing the standard achieved in each section. These marks will add up to an overall final result.

For the Tap Exams, it is to be noted that the numerical grading system is dictated by the ISTD (London, England) and should in no way be compared to the American school system! For the Cecchetti Exams, the final result will be neither a number nor a letter, but a mark as follows: Honors, Highly Commended, Commended, Pass Plus, Pass, or Standard not yet Achieved.

The examiner's decision is final and no correspondence or verbal discussion can be entered into regarding the examiner's report. Candidates who do not pass may retake the test at another time, but they must wait a minimum of 30 days in order to do so.

Mock Testing Rehearsal:

TAP – March 3
BALLET – Friday- Sunday, March 23-25
Because the examination experience is significantly different from regular ballet or tap classes, it is imperative that each student participates in a “mock test.” Times for each level will match the exact timetable for the real tests held the following week if at all possible.

Test Dates:

TAP – March 16 & 17  [Timetable]
BALLET – FRIDAY – SUNDAY, March 30-April 1 [Timetable]
The levels must be presented in sequential order. Specific times are assigned when the exact numbers of candidates is known. Due to both the pianist and studio schedules, some tests will have to be on Fridays or Mondays and will require your child missing a small bit of their school day. We will try to accommodate your family schedules whenever possible, but your cooperation is essential.

Examination Venue: Cheshire Dance Centre, Cheshire, Connecticut

Examination Fees: Fees are never refunded for failure to pass, or for withdrawal without a doctor’s certificate. The exam fee covers any coaching sessions, pianist time, rehearsal and the actual exam itself. Private lessons are available at $40 for one-half hour, $80 for one hour (may be split between two to four people).

CECCHETTI CLASSICAL BALLET and MODERN THEATRE TAP

All fees must be paid in full no later than January 28, 2012 and checks should be made payable to Cheshire Dance Centre.

Time of Arrival: It is imperative that candidates arrive at the studio a minimum of 30 minutes prior to their test time. This is to ensure enough time for a proper warm-up, to become centered and focused, and to receive any last minute remarks from their teacher.

Dress Code:There are set exam leotards for each level of tap and ballet. Examples of these can be seen at the studio and ordered at Dancer's World. Click here for the full list of exam leotard styles/colors by level and genre. Hair must be securely fastened off the neck and face. If you need help in the hair department you must bring your own hair brush, Bobbie pins, hair nets, elastics, barrettes, hair spray, etc. as these will not be provided for you. Hair adornments will be provided at Ms. Seibert’s discretion. No nail polish, nor jewelry of any kind (except medical bracelets), may be worn. Only mature students who normally wear street makeup should do so.

Parental Commitment: Besides the obvious financial and transportation commitments, we encourage every parent to be supportive in the following ways: see to it that your child gets a good night's rest, eats high energy foods (not empty calories), and comes to the test (as well as each class!) in a cool, calm, and confident manner.

Special Thoughts: We always discuss with the candidates the possibility of "what's the worst thing that could happen?" They know going in that one of the options is that they might not pass the test. In their words the answers are "You try again", and "You don't get so upset that you stop dancing". We are very proud of all the candidates for the commitment, dedication and effort they put into preparing for this experience. For the teachers, the entire process is worth everything and means so much more than just the final result.