Extravadance Exam

Dance Exams at Extravadance Studio

Extravadance has always valued a strong technical training program for our dancers which is why we educate and certify ourselves in the ADAPT and Acrobatic Arts Syllabus. 
Our realization that training just to compete and perform in the year-end recital is not enough for our dancers, especially when they don’t have that opportunity and we can no longer take it for granted. 
We want our dancers to have a goal every year to work towards, and dance exams will be a great goal that they will have fun working towards and you as their parents will be able to see even more growth and developed technique in your dancers.

What is ADAPT

ADAPT is a certified “dance syllabus” offering yearly examinations in the dance disciplines of Tap, Jazz. We follow the syllabus in all of our jazz and tap classes.

Why are ADAPT Exams Important?

ADAPT examinations and the examination process encourages each and every student to work harder so they may achieve their best personal potential and through ADAPT training help them to maintain that potential throughout their dance training years.

ADAPT examinations allow students to enjoy quality technical training, supporting good competitive values along with enhancing stronger performance abilities.

ADAPT examinations are a “goal” setter.  They are a memorable experience and present an opportunity for students to be critiqued and evaluated by professional dance master examiners on a yearly basis.

ADAPT examinations offer certification and successful candidates receive graded certificates.  High achievers also receive a special “Medal Of Merit Award”.

ADAPT examinations and training will help students to build stronger character, integrity and lasting moral values for their future.

ADAPT Exam Attire

Female candidates taking the Junior or Pre-Intermediate Tap or Jazz examination must wear a studio leotard (details available in studio), Mondor suntan tights, hair in a bun with no bangs and the proper shoes. Intermediate candidates must wear a black leotard, black tights, hair in a bun with no bangs and the proper shoes.

Male candidates must wear dark pants and a T-shirt for tap or jazz exams with the proper shoes.

Exam Results

There are two examiners critiquing four to six candidates in each examination class. ADAPT Examination marks are as follows:

Successful examination candidates receive an ADAPT certificate along with an evaluation report. Students who receive a Highly Commended Plus mark also receive the ADAPT “Medal of Merit” for their high achievement. Examination results are final and each student’s evaluation is totally at the discretion of the ADAPT examiners. Students must successfully pass the third level of each dance division before proceeding into the next division.

Tap & Jazz Exam Levels

What is Acrobatic Arts

Acrobatic Arts runs training and certification courses for dance teachers in the art of AcroDance. The program is based on safe and effective progressions with proven results in 5 divisions of AcroDance. These divisions are: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering and Tumbling. Developed with input from professionals and experts in ballet, modern dance, jazz, contortion, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, sport acrobatics, yoga, pilates, physiotherapy and more, you will not find more comprehensive program. Simple and thoughtful progressions take the beginner preschool level dancer from log rolls and summersaults to the advanced dance tumbling effortlessly across the stage.

Acrobatic Arts Exams and Results

The Acrobatic Arts examination process is designed to motivate dancers. Having defined and achievable goals is a proven way to motivate dancers to excel. Dancers work through twelve exam levels, each designed to create a well-balanced acrobat, including elements of flexibility, strength, balance, limbering and tumbling.  
Examiners evaluate dancers against a set universal standard, allowing dancers and teachers to see where the dancer stands globally.  During the exam, students can expect a class setting with the examiner directing the class and making notes throughout.
Required elements will be critiqued and scored by the examiner. The exam will be graded ‘Distinction’, ‘Excellent’, ‘Highly Commended”, ‘Commended’, ‘Pass’ or ‘Retry’ based on the scores achieved for each element as well as grooming and attitude. Students who complete the level they are being tested for will receive a certificate to commemorate their achievement. Students who receive a grade of ‘Distinction’ will also receive a custom Acrobatic Arts medal. 
All students will receive a report card complementing areas of excellence and suggesting areas for improvement.

Online AcroDance Exams

Why should students work towards exams during the pandemic?
We believe that having a goal during this time keeps students motivated, on track and gives them the opportunity to look forward to something.

How does working toward an exam aid in Acrodance development?

Students receive critical feedback from experts with Acrobatic Arts. Students are evaluated on skills and provided areas of excellence, as well as corrections to improve development.
Doing an online exam provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have been working hard for. Without dance competitions and studio recitals, students are missing the performance aspect in AcroDance.

Working through the Acrobatic Arts syllabus continues student growth in a safe progressive manner. A carefully curated acro program ensures safe training and low risk to injury. Be wary of turning to unqualified sources online.

Students are tested against a global standard. This means that all of our participating students around the world are held to the same standard of excellence and are graded fairly. Staying motivated is key for students right now. With no definitive ending to the pandemic, students need a set goal to stay motivated. Our hope is for students to stay active to promote positive mental and physical health.

In Person AcroDance Exams

Acrobatic Arts Certified Examiners travel to your home studio for exams.

NOTE: Instudio exams are currently on hold due to the health crisis.

Examiners meet with the teachers following exams to offer assistance in creating the best possible acro program for the studio.  This process is intended to raise the level of technical excellence for both the student and the teacher.  Only certified Acrobatic Arts Teachers can enter their students in exams.