A large dance crew of 28+ teenage girls in the middle of a performance.

EXAMS

Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance – Samuel Johnson

Dance exams at Marlborough Academy of Dance are offered to all students from the age of 5 in each dance genre and are an important step in learning foundational technique.

WHY EXAMS?

The exam syllabus for each dance style is crucial for building skill, technique and performance. For this reason, we encourage all students to work towards taking their exam.

Dancers wishing to be considered for Troupes & Crews must attend all of their exam classes and their exam in order to adopt and perfect proper foundational technique.

We understand a lot of young dancers take dance for enjoyment! So we aim to keep classes fun as they work towards their goals.

Once exams are held in August each year, syllabus work can make way for exciting new choreography as we build towards our end of year whole school production. A highlight and reward for everyone!

MODERN SYLLABUS

CONTEMPORARY, HIP HOP & JAZZ

Marlborough Academy of dance uses the New Zealand Association of Modern Dance organisation’s syllabi and examiners.
NZAMD provides a teaching and examination syllabus that is proven in its success for training New Zealand students and encouraging a love and passion for dance.

The NZAMD syllabus provides across all genres with grades available from beginner level through to Solo Diploma. The syllabus is suitable for dancers of all abilities with various options for achievement and has scholarship opportunities for talented senior dancers who wish to work towards a professional dance career.

While it is not compulsory for your child to sit an exam, we do encourage all students to do so, as it gives the dancer a goal to work towards, improves their standard, and offers a great sense of achievement.

NZAMD Logo

HIGHLAND SYLLABUS

Highland at Marlborough Academy of Dance is taught and examined through standards developed by The New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing.

Established in 1946, their vision is based on excellence of performance along with an holistic approach with an emphasis on education through:

  • Historical and theoretical knowledge
  • Fitness through exercise progression
  • The achievement of dance quality through an understanding of both the presentation and technical requirements.

These examinations and qualifications train our dancers to perform with confidence and become eligible to adjudicate and teach.