Examination Information
Examination Entries
Examination entries are due by the closing date in term one or term two.
- May (entry closing date 1 March)
- June (entry closing date 1 April)
- July (entry closing date 1 May)
- August (entry closing date 1 May)
- September (entry closing date 1 June)
- October – Hong Kong only (entry closing date 1 June)
- December – Thailand only (entry closing date 1 August)
Examination Season/ Candidate Withdrawal
The examination season is:
New Zealand/ Australia – May – September
Hong Kong – June/ July/ October
Thailand – May/ November/December
Examinations can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends between 8.30am and 6pm. A 3pm finish is an option for weekday examinations. There is no option for an early finish on weekends.
Weekday examinations will be during school hours. It is important that studios communicate this information to their students/parents at time of examination entry.
Examination refunds are only possible for medical reasons (see refund policy below).
If teachers require dates to be avoided (due to other examinations or eisteddfod clash) then this must be specified on the exam entry form. Requests can be considered but not guaranteed due to the number of studios and regions which need to be accommodated.
If a student has travel commitments or possible event clashes during the examination season, we recommend you enter the student as a late entry (once your examination dates have been finalised) to avoid forfeiting the examination fee, due to withdrawal, if there is a conflict with dates.
Entry Administration
Entries are required by the closing due date ((see above).
Students are entered in height order, shortest to tallest. The shortest candidate being number one.
Examination mark forms are created from this information. All data is pre-populated in the system, therefore it is imperative that the correct spelling of student names is entered by the teacher. All data entered by the teacher will appear on student reports and certificates. Any replacements required due to teacher error incurs a reprint/postage charge.
Student entries cannot be replaced by alternative students if a candidate withdraws.
Late Entries
Small numbers of late entries will be accepted subject to timetable availability (late entries can only be accepted if they fit within the timetable provided). An additional late fee is required. Entire school entries cannot be entered as late entries. The late entry deadline date is generally one month after the general entry closing date.
Communication
Communication with registered studios is via email therefore it is imperative that any change in studio email address details are notified immediately.
Refund Policy
Examination refunds are given on receipt of an original medical certificate. This must be provided within 30 days of the examination date. It is important that this policy is communicated to students and parents at the time of entry.
Refunds are not given for lack of attendance for any other reason.
A $10 administration fee is deducted from refunds.
Multiple Examinations
Students are permitted to sit more than one examination in an annual session but this must be pre-approved by the Asia Pacific Dance Association. The student will then be timetabled to sit the lower examination level first. They must pass this level to sit the next level.
Entry Levels and Grading Rules
Students can enter the syllabus and sit examinations at any level up to, and including, Advanced Jazz One, Level 9. From Advanced Jazz Two students, Level 10 must have sat and passed the previous grade to move up to the next level (ie. no student is permitted to start at Advanced Jazz Two or Solo Seal without having sat and passed Advanced Jazz One, Level 9).
Student Support Initiative
Our APDA student support initiative assists students with limited means. Teachers can nominate one student in their studio for an APDA sponsored examination. Applicants with genuine circumstances will be considered for the student to enter an examination/assessment free of charge. Teachers can apply for one student per studio.
To apply, please email us briefly outlining the student circumstances. If we consider that the circumstances are of genuine hardship, then the student will be granted a free examination/assessment.
All personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Student support applications must be received seven days prior to examination entry closing date so that the support credit can be applied before examination fees are due for payment.
Marking Procedure
The Examiners have been instructed to mark in accordance with technical requirements for each exercise. Requirements include; placement, musicality, timing, travel, lines and definition, knowledge of the syllabus, focus and performance.
All Examiners seek to examine consistently according to the marking structure. Examiner communication and monitoring of results is conducted regularly to manage consistency.
It is important to understand that the nature of marking certain elements (eg. performance quality), can vary slightly between different examiners and this may be reflected in results. Due to the human element of marking, it is not possible for examiners to mark identically however they will always endeavour to mark as consistently as possible to one-another and in accordance with the marking procedure.
Examination Results
Examination results are attributed based on the following marks:
- 50 – 55.5 Pass
- 56 – 65.5 Pass Plus
- 66 – 75.5 Commended
- 76 – 85.5 Highly Commended
- 86 – 95.5 Honours
- 96 – 100 Honours with Distinction
The examiner’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Assessments
Students who are entered for assessments are marked with more weighting on performance and style and less emphasis on technical ability.
Medal test results are attributed based on the following marks:
- 50 – 59.5 Bronze
- 60 – 79.5 Silver
- 80 – 100 Gold
A gold result is an indication that the student could be entered as an examination candidate the following year.
The examiner’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Examination Reports and Certificates
APDA endeavours to deliver examination reports within six weeks of examinations.
All candidates receive a student report. Certificates are provided to candidates who pass an examination/ sit an assessment. A ribbon is provided to candidates up to Junior 3/ Level 3.
Any report/certificate reprints due to loss or incorrect spelling of student name/s carries a reprint charge of $10 per document plus postage fee.
APDA Top Mark & Top Tier Awards
At the completion of examinations, marks are collated to ascertain the top results for each grade.
Top Mark Award Winners (whether individual or joint winners) receive an examination scholarship to sit the next grade, “Highest Mark” certificate, “Top Mark Award” badge, and official recognition on our website.
Top Tier Award exam mark candidates (next two highest results after winner) receive a certificate, “Top Tier Award” badge, official recognition on our website. If there are several students with the same mark in the Top Tier, then the number of Top Tier students may increase slightly beyond three recipients. Students must achieve in the 90s to qualify for this award.
The Solo Seal Top Mark Winner receives a “Highest Mark “ certificate, “Top Mark Award” badge, NZ$100 financial scholarship which is required to be used toward dance-related expenses/further dance education.
Adult Students
APDA encourages adult students to sit examinations and believe that participation in assessments is a valuable goal. It shows belief in their abilities and can be an empowering and positive experience.
Adult students are marked less technically than children and teenage students. A candidate over 21 years is classified as an adult. The marking structure takes into account that adults are not always able to meet the physical requirements of some exercises. Turn exercises can be reduced to single turns if necessary.
Due to the different marking procedure, adult student results are not taken into account for top mark scholarship awards.
Examiner Hosting
The examiner must be collected from their accommodation allowing plenty of time for a prompt start. Examiners require 10 minutes to prepare their computers and spreadsheets on arrival. The first class of candidates should be ready to enter the exam room at the scheduled start time.
The studio is expected to provide the examiner with refreshments and lunch. An examiner preference sheet regarding tea/coffee and dietary requirements will be provided prior to examinations. Return transport to the accommodation or airport is to be provided by the studio.
The Examination Room
- A heater, blanket and jug of water should be provided for the examiner throughout the duration of exams.
- All mirrors must be covered. This includes mirrors on rear and side walls.
- All viewing windows must be covered so outside sources are unable to view examinations.
- Music must be cued and back-up music is highly recommended.
- The music operator must not talk or have any interaction with the students. If the music operator is a teacher, then a screen between the teacher and students is compulsory.
- Candidates are to enter in groupings of no more than eight candidates for junior grades, six candidates for Intermediate grades and four for Advanced grades. Please see Examination Policies tab for details.
- Candidate number one should be standing on the examiner’s left hand side. This enables the examiner to mark from left to right.
- Candidates should be lined up in height order with the number one candidate being the shortest and number eight the tallest.
- The shorter candidates should make the front line, taller candidates to make the second line (eg. candidates 1 – 4 in the front line, candidates 5 – 8 in the second line).
Examiner Responsibility
The Examiner will seek to create an atmosphere that will encourage your students to perform to the best of their ability. Students should be well-prepared to ensure a smooth-running, enjoyable examination.
A Studio Feedback Report will be included with your examination results as a reference for the next year. This is intended as a helpful guide to further improve your examination preparation.
Examiner Hosting
The examiner must be collected from their accommodation allowing plenty of time for a prompt start. Examiners require 10 minutes to prepare their computers and spreadsheets on arrival. The first class of candidates should be ready to enter the exam room at the scheduled start time.
The studio is expected to provide the examiner with refreshments and lunch. An examiner preference sheet regarding tea/coffee and dietary requirements will be provided prior to examinations. Return transport to the accommodation or airport is to be provided by the studio.
Candidate Preparation
Candidates must:
- Be clearly labelled with an examination number front and back. It is important that teachers have two sets of numbers so that there is no waiting between examination groups.
- Be well-groomed. Light make-up is permitted but not compulsory.
- Have hair secured back and off the face. Fringes are acceptable but must be clear of the eyes.
- Wear appropriate dancewear. Studio uniforms are compulsory.
Examination Protocol
- Teachers are permitted to enter Preschool and Primary 1 examinations and are able to dance/demonstrate and count (if necessary), with Preschool and Primary One candidates. The teacher is not permitted to physically or verbally correct the students in the exam room. Preschool and Primary One are the only grade examinations that the teacher is permitted to dance/count with the students.
- Candidates must enter the room briskly, stand in their positions and greet the examiner – “Good morning/good afternoon..”
- Transitions to starting positions should be made quickly and silently.
- Candidates may ask a question by raising their hand.
- Please see separate tabs of how to expect to see the groupings of candidates for presenting exercises in the examination room.
- Candidates must be able to count themselves in with the music.
- Candidates must move back to the centre at the completion of the examination for a bow to thank the examiner.
- If a candidate does not conduct themselves in the appropriate manner during an examination, the examiner has the right to instruct the candidate to leave the examination.
Mock Examinations
We strongly encourage teachers to conduct mock examinations to rehearse the protocol of examinations thus ensuring a polished, fast and smooth examination.
Medication
Inhalers and medical requirements are permitted in the examination room.
It is advisable to have a box of tissues available in the examination room for candidates with winter colds.
Fluids and Towels
Water bottles, knee-pads and towels are permitted in the examination room for students Elementary and upwards.
Inhalers and medical requirements are permitted at all levels.
Bathroom
Students should use the bathroom before entering the examination room however, students are able to excuse themselves during the examination if necessary.
Uniform
A body fitting studio uniform is required for Jazzaddict examinations.
Examination Presentation Guideline
Candidates enter the examination in groups of:
- up to eight candidates for Preschool Jazz – Elementary Jazz 3
- up to six candidates for Intermediate grades
- up to four candidates for Advanced and Solo Seal grades
In the examination candidates can expect to present exercises in the groupings below (although it is important to advise the students to be prepared for other groupings if requested):
Warm Up: Full group together (space permitting)
All exercises: Presented with up to 4 candidates at a time.
Travelling Progression: To be presented individually on both sides. Music should play continuously and students should follow on after the candidate before them.
Turns: Presented 2-3 candidates at a time
Leaps: Presented 2 candidates at a time, some higher levels can be asked for individually.
Amalgamations: Pairs or threes
Impromptu: Up to 4 candidates at a time. The examiner will play the music for the candidates to listen through one time, then dancers will be instructed to find a starting position and start their impromptu when the music begins.
Student Choreography: Pairs or possibly individually in Advanced
Dance: Pairs or threes
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
An audition amalgamation is taught by the examiner (to imitate an audition environment). The examiner will set the music choreography. The candidate will learn the choreography and present the piece for marking (the dancer to wear appropriate class dancewear).
Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props, music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Audition Piece: (set by examiner)
- Dance #1: Jazz
- Dance #2: Lyrical
- Dance #3: Musical Theatre
Uniform
Ballet uniforms should be the following colours (exception: schools offering La Beauté Ballet alongside another ballet syllabus can use the same ballet uniform to save having two ballet uniforms in the studio):
- Primary Ballet: Baby pink
- Junior Ballet: Lilac
- Elementary Ballet: Turquoise blue
- Intermediate Ballet: Burgundy/ Mulberrry
- Advanced Ballet: Black (or own choice)
Matching short ballet skirts to be worn with leotards up to, and including, Elementary grades. Intermediate and Advanced grades, skirts are optional.
Pink ballet socks can be worn for primary and junior ballet grades as an option.
All grades to wear tights and ballet shoes (elastic or ribbon on shoes – teacher preference).
Pink or salmon coloured tights/shoes can be worn (teacher preference) but the colour must be the same for the studio (ie. not mixed).
Examination Presentation Guideline
Candidates enter the examination in groups of up to 4 candidates (a group of 5 is permitted as a maximum if there is only one group).
In the examination candidates can expect to present exercises in the groupings below (although it is important to advise the students to be prepared for other groupings if requested):
All exercises: Presented with up to 4 candidates at a time.
Travel: To be presented individually or in pairs on both sides. Music should play continuously and students should follow on after the candidate before them.
Turns: Presented 2-3 candidates at a time
Grand Allegro: Presented individually or in pairs.
Enchaînment/Mime: Up to 4 at a time for Primary and Junior grades. Pairs from Elementary grades upwards.
Improvisation: Presented up to 4 candidates at a time
Student Choreography: Pairs or possibly individually in Advanced
Dance: Pairs or threes
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
A free enchaînment is set by the examiner at the beginning of the examination (the dancer to wear appropriate class/audition dancewear).
Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props, music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Free Enchaînment: (set by the examiner)
- Dance #1: Variation – Classical
- Dance #2: Variation – Romantic
- Dance #3: Student Choreography – Neo Classical
Uniform
A body fitting studio uniform is required for Lucidity examinations.
Examination Presentation Guideline
Candidates enter the examination in groups of up to:
8 candidates for Levels 1 – 5
6 candidates for Level 6 – 8
4 candidates for Levels 9 and 10
In the examination candidates can expect to present exercises in the groupings below (although it is important to advise the students to be prepared for other groupings if requested):
All exercises: Presented with up to 4 candidates at a time.
Travelling Progression: To be presented individually or in pairs on both sides. Music should play continuously and students should follow on after the candidate before them.
Turns: Presented 2-3 candidates at a time
Leaps: Presented individually or in pairs.
Composition: Pairs or possibly individually in senior levels (time permitting).
Improvisation: Presented up to 4 candidates at a time
Student Choreography: Pairs or possibly individually in senior levels (time permitting)
Dance: Pairs or possibly individually in senior levels (time permitting)
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
An Improvisation is presented by the candidate. The examiner will set the music and play for the candidate in the examination room once. The candidate will then perform the Improvisation (the dancer to wear appropriate class dancewear).
Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props, music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Improvisation: (music set by the examiner)
- Dance #1: Fluid Composition
- Dance #2: Dynamic Composition
- Dance #3: Themed Composition
Uniform
A studio uniform is required for Urban Ignition examinations. This can be a tee-shirt and shorts/pants or crop top or tee-shirt and leggings. Supportive urban footwear (ie. sneakers/trainers) are required.
Candidate Presentation in Examinations
Candidates enter the examination in groups of up:
- up to eight candidates from Foundation to Level 5
- up to six candidates for Levels 6 – 8
- up to four candidates for Level 9 and Level 10
The teacher is responsible for these correct groupings when entering candidates in the examination entry form.
Candidates can generally expect to be seen in the following groupings in examinations (although be prepared for other groupings if requested):
Warm Ups: full group together.
All exercises: up to 4 candidates at a time.
Travel and Turns: to be presented in pairs (exception of junior grades).
Set Dances: up to 4 at a time (junior grades), up to 3 at a time (level 4 upwards).
Freestyle: Presented all together in a semi-circle facing the examiner. Each student takes a turn freestyle dancing in the centre of the semi-circle starting with candidate #1 – the examiner will indicate (usually point) when he/she has seen enough (normally about a minute). The next student will come into the centre of the semi-circle to freestyle as the previous candidate leaves the centre. All candidates in the semi-circle are encouraged to groove, clap and cheer on their fellow candidates who are free styling. This is a unique hip hop characteristic derived from street dancing.
Student Choreography: pairs or possible individually at senior levels (time permitting).
Crew Choreography: to be presented by the entire examination group. This is to be choreographed by the candidates (not teacher).
Teacher Dance: 2-4 candidates at a time (depending on level).
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
An audition amalgamation is taught by the examiner (to imitate an audition environment). The examiner will set the music choreography. The candidate will learn the choreography and present the piece for marking (the dancer to wear appropriate class dancewear).
Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props, music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Audition Amalgamation: (set by the examiner)
- Dance #1: Urban Hip Hop Street Dance
- Dance #2: Student Selected Style
- Dance #3: Student Selected Style
Other styles can include slow jam, krump, whacking, reagaetton, old school.
Uniform
A body fitting studio uniform is required for Tap Evolution examinations.
Tap Shoes
Pre-Primary to Junior Tap Two can wear any style of tap shoes (preferably the same for all junior students, as part of the studio uniform).
From Junior Tap Three onwards, students will require split-sole tap shoes. These come in lace-up or no lace options.
- Candidates should be lined up in height order with the number one candidate being the shortest and number four the tallest.
Exam Presentation Guideline
Candidates enter the examination in groups of up to eight candidates (4 candidates for Advanced grades).
In the examination candidates can expect to present exercises in the groupings below (although it is important to advise the students to be prepared for other groupings if requested):
- Barre exercises: up to 4 candidates at a time
- Centre exercises: up to 4 candidates at a time
- Travelling and Turns: individually
- Pull backs (Int 2 upwards): pairs
- Speed exercise: pairs or threes
- Amalgamations: pairs
- Student Choreography: individual
- Dance: pairs
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
An audition amalgamation is set by the examiner and taught to the candidate/s at the beginning of the examination (the dancer to wear appropriate class/audition dancewear). Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props (if required), music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Audition Piece: (set by examiner)
- Dance #1: Theatrical Tap – compulsory – music can be chosen from ANY musical (ie. not just classic ‘tap’ musicals)
- Dance #2: Optional Style – Stomp, Waltz or Latin
- Dance #3: Optional Style – Stomp, Waltz or Latin (must be a different style to dance # 2)
Uniform
Candidates should wear a form of uniform in examinations. Jazz shoes should be worn. Chorus shoes can be worn (optional) where specified in the teacher training notes.
One or two costume accessories (per dance) are permitted to help dancers get into role (eg. gloves, hat, scarf, hair bow, apron, boa). Full costumes are not permitted until Solo Seal.
Exam Presentation Guideline
Candidates enter the examination in groups of up to four candidates (or five in exceptional circumstances).
Students should be prepared to present solo performances in groups of two, three or four. Partner work can be performed in groups of two or four. In senior levels the examiner may ask for candidates to perform individually (time permitting).
If there is an uneven number for partner work, a candidate will be asked to dance twice so that each dancer has a partner.
Where a cameo role is required, if there is no dancer available to play a cameo, it is fine for the dancer to perform solo without the cameo.
Props may be required.
One or two costume accessories (per dance) are permitted to help dancers get into role (eg. gloves, hat, scarf, hair bow, apron, boa). Full costumes are not permitted until Solo Seal.
Solo Seal
Solo Seal is the final examination of the syllabus in which the dancer showcases their training and choreography in a final performance presentation.
An audition amalgamation is set by the examiner and taught to the candidate/s at the beginning of the examination (the dancer to wear appropriate class/audition dancewear). Candidates then have three self-choreographed pieces to perform, each with a change of costume.
Solo Seal candidates are expected to arrange their own choreography, costumes, props, music (choice and edit), which is overseen by the teacher.
As this is the pinnacle performance examination which completes all syllabus training, candidates are permitted to invite an audience to view the performance pieces if they wish. Filming by the audience is permitted if agreed by the candidate and teacher.
Solo Seal components: (25 marks each):
- Audition Piece: (set by examiner)
- Dance #1: Golden Classic Performance
- Dance #2: Post Classic Performance
- Dance #3: Contemporary Performance