Exam Frequently Asked Questions

Lordswood Dancentre offers examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street and Acro.

The Ballet, Tap, Modern and Street exams are through bbodance and Acro is through Acrobatic Arts. 

Students start at the appropriate level to their ability and work through the grades and Levels. Street and Acro work in levels and Ballet, Tap and Modern work in Grades. When students reach Grade 6 they do receive UCAS points which go towards university applications. 

Examination results indicate the standard achieved by students within a nationally recognised framework. Exams allow students to learn in a structured and progressive way and are important to this process. Exams can help all students develop self confidence, musicality and build resilience to never give up. We find that students who take exams from a young age do find it easier to perform under pressure when they are having to take their GCSE’s and A Levels. 

Exams vary in cost depending on the grade/level and genre. At LDC we also incorporate rehearsal, leotard hire (if required), Satin ballet shoes (if required), socks/tights into the exam cost so no extra money is required.

Satin ballet shoes, socks and tights for exams will be ordered without you having to place an order, as everyone will be required to have new. However, leotards, tap shoes, jazz shoes will need to be placed at least 3 weeks before the exam using the normal ordering link.

Majority of the exams are held at the LDC studios, however there may be occasions when exams are held at a different venue and full details will be given beforehand.

No. The exam is just the students, examiner. Up the Primary exams, an assistant teacher will also be allowed in. Miss Nicola is not allowed into the exam.

All practice videos are on our Youtube channel - in order to find the videos you need to follow the link within the email. Our videos are unlisted due to copyright from bbodance and therefore you can not search the videos required.

The exam rehearsal is an opportunity for the students to do their whole exam in full exam attire including examination hair. Parents and carers are invited to watch the exam rehearsal and support your child.

From Grade 1 the students are put through a ‘Mock’ exam. This lesson is set up like the real exam and an exercise sheet is completed by the principal and teachers. The sheet lists all the exercises and we advise students on how they can improve each exercise. This is to help them achieve their best possible outcome.

We expect the students to practice as much as possible, and use the practice videos we provide. The students are expected to attend all lessons and rehearsals on time and in correct class attire. 

To ensure students attend all lessons and rehearsals in correct attire, and to fully support their child in the examination process. To ensure payment is made on time for the exam so no late payment fee is incurred by the examination board to LDC.

No, it is entirely yours and the students' choice if they take exams. However the students' progress may be slower and they will be asked to attend a lower class if we do not feel they have made the same standard as the others taking the exam. For any students over grade 1 that do not take exams, they will not ‘move up’ grades with the other students. For the ballet students it will mean they can not go onto ‘pointe’ as we do require grade 4 ballet to be passed before allowing pointe shoes.

Majority of schools are familiar with the process for allowing students time off for dance/music exams. You will need to arrange the time off for the students once the timetable has been confirmed.

Performance awards are shorter than a graded exam. Thes performance exam allows the students to perform 1 or 2 dances, depending on level, to the examiner either individually or as a group. This allows the students to perform and get used to the examination process. All street exams are performance awards. There are Bronze, Silver and Gold in each level, Primary, Level 1, 2 & 3

The students arrive at least 30 mins before their exam time. They will be asked to have their hair done already, and be any uniform they have at home, is tights, and leotard.

When they arrive, we will walk round to the holding studio where there is an area to get changed and store their stuff.

They will have chance for last minute practice. And then led to the exam hall. After the exam is complete the students will get back changed and then be collected.

For the students first exam we invite parents to wait with us. Tea for Tutu is always open for parents to wait whilst the students are being prepared on the exam day.