The examiner will see you now

If you grew up in the 90’s and did dance classes (in the UK that is) there’s probably a photo of you in a stirrup catsuit with waist belt in a dubious jazz 4th or possibly in a character skirt holding a cushion…

Dance exams were one of the highlights of the dancing school calendar, and whilst there’s 100 different things these days that young dancers can do, exams are still a big thing for many schools and absolutely still hold purpose.

My mum is an ISTD examiner, and whilst I have my teaching exams I do not teach syllabus. I built my brand originally on being a supplement to a syllabus and I am not affiliated to any exam board, working with teachers across many different ones.

I wanted to write an article on why I think dance exams are important in 2026 and beyond, in the hope that if you’re a dance parent reading this you will realise the gravity of practicing at home, if you’re a teacher struggling to get kids into your exam classes this may help and if you’re a dancer wondering why those isolations to a random piece of music are important. (the music is one of the biggest issues in my opinion… ‘we’ve modernised the music’ - no you haven’t, you’ve used songs you like which are going to age quicker than any percussion instrumental- but that’s not my pirouette, not my relevè - my students take on the saying ‘not my monkeys, not my circus’)

So here’s my top 5…

1. Dance exams create something to work towards and hard on for an extended period of time. These days young people are often focused on instant results, dance exams offer a structured pathway for long-term growth, resilience, and achievement

2. Exams provide milestones that help children stay motivated. Rather than just attending weekly classes, dancers have something to work towards a grade-able achievement, learning the value of commitment and consistent effort. There is also then a standard allocated to that effort  (Albeit marking standardisation needs serious work in some exam boards).

3. They should build confidence (here’s where I believe NO child should ever fail an exam, they shouldn’t all get distinction but failing is a no for something so subjective in my opinion.) Preparing for and doing an exam teaches children to perform independently. Success in an exam can boost self-esteem, while learning to manage nerves develops confidence that extends beyond the dance studio. Growth mindset is developed when children learn that improvement comes through effort and practice.

4. An external perspective from a qualified examiner helps dancers understand their strengths and identify areas for development, supporting continued progress.

5. Dance exams enable students to develop correct technique, musicality, performance quality, and artistry in a progressive way. Good technique reduces the risk of injury and supports longevity. I think it’s often forgotten that some of the best dancers in the country do dance exams.

I could go on for a while, but I think you get the idea.

My method and teachers courses highlight ways that you can keep exams, syllabus relevant and not take over your whole time and still produce outstanding dancers. I’m all for ‘exam term’ - teach your kids to dance properly and picking up set exercises should be easy.

If you’ve got an exam session coming up, good luck. Go enjoy it.

and if you’re on a creative team for ISTD modern (I know you read these) please NEVER CHANGE the music for grade 4 isolations. And if you have already, 10 year old me is disappointed.