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At Oliver Brown Dance Academy, we offer students the opportunity to take dance examinations across a wide range of genres and abilities.

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Exams are a great way for children to demonstrate their progress, celebrate their achievements and gain recognition for all their hard work in class.

 

All exams at OBDA are completely optional, although we encourage students to participate wherever possible because of the many benefits they offer.

 

Why Take Dance Exams?

Dance exams offer much more than just a certificate or medal. They provide children with valuable opportunities to develop both as dancers and as individuals.

• Goals & Motivation – Give children something to work towards and a real sense of achievement when they succeed.

• Confidence & Self-Esteem – Build confidence through performing, overcoming challenges and celebrating personal progress.

• Recognition & Rewards – Recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment children put into their dance classes.

• Technique & Progression – Provide a structured pathway for developing strong technique, learning new skills and progressing through different levels.

 

Graded Examinations

Graded exams are generally longer and more technique-focused, assessing a student's ability across a range of exercises, skills and routines.

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Students work progressively through different grades as their technique and ability develop. These examinations are usually taken around once a year, or whenever our teachers feel a student is ready to progress to the next level.

 

We currently offer graded examinations in the following genres:

• Ballet – UKA syllabus

• Modern – ISTD syllabus

• Tap – ISTD syllabus

• Contemporary – iD Company syllabus

• Musical Theatre – UKA syllabus

• Acro – UKA syllabus

 

We follow a selection of established examination boards and syllabuses that we feel best suit our students and the teaching offered at OBDA.

 

Medal Test Examinations

Medal tests are generally more routine-based and performance-focused, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate what they've been learning in class.

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They are a fantastic way to build confidence, particularly for younger dancers, and provide regular opportunities to celebrate progress and achievement between graded examinations.

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Medal tests are also available in genres such as Street Dance and Cheerleading, allowing children to work towards awards in classes that don't necessarily follow a traditional graded syllabus.

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Students receive a certificate and usually a medal or trophy to recognise their achievement.

 

Exam Awards Party

One of our favourite parts of the exam calendar is our annual Exam Awards Party, usually held in February.

This is a chance for our dancers to come together, celebrate their achievements and receive their certificates, medals and trophies following their examinations.

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It's always lovely to see the children being recognised for their hard work!

 

Upcoming Exam Dates

Our next UKA examination sessions are:

• Sunday 6 December 2026 – Main examination session

• Sunday 13 December 2026 – Acro recorded examinations and additional exam session

 

We hold our main UKA examination session every December, with additional UKA, ISTD and iD Company graded examination sessions arranged throughout the year as required.

 

How Do I Enter My Child for Exams?

Ahead of each examination session, we email parents with our recommended exams for their child.

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These recommendations are based on the examinations a student has previously completed, their current ability and what our teachers feel they are ready to work towards.

 

Parents will receive an email a few weeks before the examination date outlining:

• The examinations recommended for their child.

• The date of the examination session.

• The associated examination fees.

• Details of how to book their child's place.

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Examination fees are an additional cost and are not included in regular class fees.

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Taking exams is always optional, and there is no obligation for any child to participate. Children are equally welcome to enjoy their weekly dance classes without taking examinations.

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