DANCE ASSESSMENTS
Summary
- Assessment for entry into higher level courses
- Primary assessment (15-20 minutes, complimentary for first time, $25 otherwise)
- Initial feedback
- Secondary assessment (30-45 minutes, $45)
- Final feedback and determined entry point
Description
Dance 4 Life provides assessments for experienced dancers wanting to figure out where they fall in the D4L system. If you're new to Dance 4 Life and are interested in higher level courses, please contact us for a complimentary tour and dance assessment. During the assessment, you'll be asked to demonstrate and display a number of fundamental dance techniques and patterns covered throughout our courses. We'll provide you feedback at the end of the assessment, and you may be invited to do an extended assessment at the cost of $45. We can then determine a suitable entry point for you.
Existing Dance 4 Life students will be notified when they can progress to higher level courses and do not need to do assessments. However, current students can also apply to do assessments if they are keen to progress and want to identify key principles required for progression.
Existing Dance 4 Life students will be notified when they can progress to higher level courses and do not need to do assessments. However, current students can also apply to do assessments if they are keen to progress and want to identify key principles required for progression.
Purpose of Assessment
Dance 4 Life prides itself in laying solid social dance foundations and general dance technique in our courses. The courses are not based on learning turn patterns and figures, but lay the groundwork for strong body awareness of both yourself and your dance partner. These skills are required for more streamlined development of lead/follow connection, higher level techniques and safer social dancing. As such, entry into our higher level courses is based on balance, posture, limb control and sensitivity to body connection. We believe these fundamental tools are required to maintain a high quality of teaching in our courses.
Our teaching focus may also differ (slightly or greatly) from other schools, so please be aware of this when coming in for the assessments. We do not discourage higher level dancers, but need to ensure there is no unnecessary repetition of our fundamental concepts.
Our teaching focus may also differ (slightly or greatly) from other schools, so please be aware of this when coming in for the assessments. We do not discourage higher level dancers, but need to ensure there is no unnecessary repetition of our fundamental concepts.
What Will Be Assessed?
The assessment will consist of the following:
Demonstrate the Dance Styles
Body Mechanics
Partner connection
Basic Balance in Turns
Demonstrate the Dance Styles
- Basic pattern of the dance style
- Basic linking patterns of the dance style
- Show Learned Footwork of basic and linking patterns
- If provided with alternate footwork, demonstrate alternate footwork of basic and linking patterns
- You may be asked to demonstrate higher level patterns
Body Mechanics
- Standard balance and posture
- Single leg balance
- Isolated ankle usage
- Isolate knee usage
- Postural control of spine
- Control of hip alignment
- Control of hip rotation
- Contractions of hip block
- Figure 8 hip action
- Contractions of mid torso
- Contractions of upper body
- Figure 8 action through upper body
- Shoulder movement
- Shoulder rolls
- Control of head weight
Partner connection
- Individual balance
- Lead/follow sensitivity
- Body awareness and use of body connection
- Muscle tension
- Musicality
Basic Balance in Turns
- Stationary flat footed three step turn
- Pivoting spot turn
- Step swivels
- Chaine turn (side steps)
- 3 step closed foot turns
What Happens after the Assessment
After the initial complimentary assessment, we will determine suitable entry points based on your dancing. You can then enrol from there.
If you are determined to enrol in a certain level, you will be given feedback on the technical principles that you will need to master and demonstrate in order to qualify for entry into that course. Depending on your results, you may be asked to practice these principles and be invited to do a second assessment at the cost of $45. Private lessons can be arranged to master these concepts if you want to fast track entry into a higher level course. There is no guarantee that you will get into the course any faster, as some fundamental concepts can take time to practice and master.
After the second assessment, you will be given additional feedback on your progress and be provided with a revised entry point based on your second assessment.
If you are determined to enrol in a certain level, you will be given feedback on the technical principles that you will need to master and demonstrate in order to qualify for entry into that course. Depending on your results, you may be asked to practice these principles and be invited to do a second assessment at the cost of $45. Private lessons can be arranged to master these concepts if you want to fast track entry into a higher level course. There is no guarantee that you will get into the course any faster, as some fundamental concepts can take time to practice and master.
After the second assessment, you will be given additional feedback on your progress and be provided with a revised entry point based on your second assessment.
Do I have to be assessed on every dance style?
You are only assessed on the dance styles covered in the course you are looking to enter. You must do a primary assessment for every high-level course you want to enter.