For many of our young dancers, the word "Exam" sounds a bit daunting. They imagine a stern judge with a clipboard in a cold, quiet room. But the reality of a RAD, NZAMD or ADPA exam at Dance 24 Seven is quite the opposite!
In fact, our exams are designed to be a celebration of everything your child has achieved. To help ease those "pre-exam jitters," let’s take a look at the anatomy of an exam and demystify what actually happens once those studio doors close.
1. The Warm Welcome
First things first: The examiner is on your child’s team. These are highly trained professionals who love dance and want to see your child succeed. When the students walk in (usually in a small group of up to 8 kids), they are greeted with a smile. The examiner’s goal is to make the dancers feel comfortable so they can show their best work.
2. The "Flow" of the Session
The exam follows a familiar rhythm, the exact same rhythm we practice in our Whenuapai studio when we have our exam check days.
The Setup: Dancers stand at their designated spots. The music starts (the same tracks they’ve been practicing to!), and they begin with their foundational exercises at the barre or in the center.
The Progress: The examiner will ask students to present each exercise, and will tell the dancers if they should perform the routines all together or in partners.
The Finish: The session ends with a polite bow or "reverence" to thank the examiner and the music operator.
3. What is the Examiner Looking For?
It’s not about being a perfect robot! Examiners look for:
Joy and Performance: A smile and a "glint in the eye" can be just as important as a straight leg.
Safe Technique: They want to see that the child is moving in a way that is safe for their growing body.
Musicality: Can they hear the beat? (Even if they miss a step, staying with the music is a huge win!).
Top Tip!
Students often feel more confident during the exam because they are in their "home" environment. Performing on our professional dance studio gives them the extra spring they need for their jumps and the grip they need for their turns. This is why we encourage Studio Hire in the weeks leading up—feeling "at home" in the space removes 50% of the nerves!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are parents allowed in the exam room? To ensure the students stay focused and the environment remains professional, parents wait in our comfortable reception area. Don't worry - our teachers are right outside the door, and the examiner is an expert at making the children feel safe and supported.
What happens if my child forgets their dance? It happens to the best of us! Examiners are very patient. Often, they will simply let the music keep playing or give a small nod of encouragement. Because we focus so much on muscle memory at Dance 24 Seven, most children find their way back into the routine within seconds.
Do they get a result straight away? No, the examiner’s reports are sent away to be processed by the international boards (RAD or ADPA). This ensures every child is marked fairly against global standards. We usually hold a special prize giving later in the year to celebrate their certificates and medals.
Where can I find the best RAD Ballet and ADPA Jazz exams in West Auckland? Dance 24 Seven in Whenuapai is a premier exam center for RAD and ADPA. We pride ourselves on a "Family-First" culture that prepares children from Te Atatu, Point Chev, and Westgate for international success in a nurturing environment.