Information about Ballet Exams

Those children who have graduated to the Primary class at the beginning of this academic year, will be embarking on the beginning of a more formal ballet training; they will be learning the ISTD Cecchetti Ballet Examination Syllabus.

Children were introduced to some of the movement vocabulary in their Pre-Primary class, and now that our pupils have graduated to the Primary Exam Work they will be working on developing their co-ordination, proprioception, strength, sense of poise and stance, musicality, use of technique in the allegro,  port de bras/use of arms, creative improvisation, knowledge of entire syllabus without prompting, terminology, they will learn a dance, and most importantly we want them to love their dancing. There’s a lot to learn!

When do children start Ballet Exams?  Are they important?  

Ballet Exams work starts at Primary, age 5.  It takes a minimum of 3 terms (usually 5 terms to prepare pupils for their first ballet exam).   Some schools do run ballet exams for children age 4, the ISTD believe this is too young, the pressure for each child to reach the same milestones at this age is often unrealistic.   Exams are not compulsory, they are optional, and for those children who choose not to do exams we run internal assessments and pupils can receive Certificates of Achievement.  We believe that every child should have the opportunity to take an exam if they wish to. 

Preparing for a ballet exam is a commitment, much like preparing for a music exam. To help your child succeed, it’s essential to practice regularly at home to build muscle memory. We can support you with this by providing notes and resources.

It can be difficult for a child’s confidence and self-esteem to take an exam without being fully prepared. In ballet, the best way to prepare is through consistent, supervised repetition and constructive feedback

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing offer two types of exam syllabus.

ISTD Cecchetti Class Examinations for children who take class once a week
(Primary/Standard 1-7/ Performance Awards/Intermediate Foundation)

• While the ISTD Cecchetti Class Syllabus emphasises enjoyment as a primary goal for young children, class examinations can provide a valuable framework for recreational ballet pupils.
• Class examinations outline specific skills and knowledge to be acquired at each level. This provides a clear path for students to progress and see their improvement over time.
• The ISTD sets uniform standards for each examination, ensuring that students receive a consistent evaluation of their abilities.
• The structure of class examinations allows students to set achievable goals and work towards them.
• Successfully passing an examination provides a sense of accomplishment and can boost a student’s confidence.
• Class examinations from Standard 1, offer students the opportunity to perform in front of an external examiner, which can help them develop their stage presence and self-confidence.
• Class examinations are also an excellent stepping stone for children who wish to take their ballet more seriously, allowing them to progress to the Graded Examination (see below)

ISTD Cecchetti GRADED Examinations for children who take class more than once a week.
(Grade 1 – 6/Intermediate/Advanced 1/ Advanced 2 / Diploma / DDE)

The ISTD Cecchetti Graded examinations are recognised by OFQUAL.  These examinations would be suitable for children who wish to study ballet in greater depth, or would like to pursue ballet more seriously, with a view to applying for vocational performing arts schools/colleges, or Associate Programmes.  This Syllabus is technically demanding and to reach the level required children are expected to attend several times a week or attend private lessons.  At Grade 6 and above UCAS points are awarded.

At CWS Dance many of our children attend ballet for enjoyment and they take ISTD Cecchetti Class Syllabus exams. However some children take ballet more seriously and attend more frequently because they love it,  some attend private lessons, some older children commit to Associate Programmes (usually held on Sundays), Ballet and Choreography Competitions,  Easter courses/Summer Courses. At CWS Dance we strive to cater for all children and needs.

If you have any questions about your child’s progress or the exam process please get in touch with angelina@cwsdance.com