Amateur Examinations/Medal Tests

Dizzyfeet Dancing offers students the chance to take accredited medal tests with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), one of the leading teaching and examination boards.

Medal tests provide an opportunity for a dancer to develop their style and technique which can lead to a greater understanding of the dances. Furthermore, they can help to promote enjoyment and improve a dancers performance. These tests are designed with social dancers in mind who wish to study dance on a recreational basis and improve their technique, but they can also form the basis for students wishing to pursue a career in dance.

The ISTD follows a progressive programme of medal tests in both Ballroom and Latin American - Social Dance Test, Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Star as well as other special award tests that cover both styles. Each level has a set syllabus of figures, and you would be required to show most of these with a quality of proficiency and technique expected at that level. You are required to dance a minimum number of dances in each test, which can range from 1 to 10, and the cost varies from test to test.

Medal examinations are not danced solo, but with your teacher or a partner. If you and your partner both choose to be examined, then you can be judged either as a couple or individually. All of our examinations take place in the main studio, with just you and your teacher present, along with an ISTD examiner assessing your performance and making notes. A few weeks after the examination, you will receive your marks and a copy of the examiner's notes. Your certificate and medal will be presented to you at a Medal Presentation Evening, that usually coincides with one of our social dance events.

Our new Examination Technique class is a good place to start preparing for your examination, however the best way to prepare is through private lessons. This way we can assess your dancing ability, and ensure you are dancing the correct figures for each level and that your technique and performance is at the necessary standard.

If you already attend our social group classes, then you would be perfectly positioned to take a Social Dance Test award, as this is the entry level examination.