We are very excited to be able to offer ballet exams through the Society of Classical Ballet – Vaganova Method (SCBVM) for interested/eligible students. 





Why do we encourage ballet exams?
There is no pressure to participate in the ballet exams as dancers are still able to progress to the next level when they are ready whether they have done the exam or not. That being said, we truly believe that exams are beneficial for several reasons. Exams allow students to work towards a specific goal and it shows them that when they do that work, they can be successful. It helps teach them about time-management and encourages an understanding that to do something well you need to have the patience to practice. Physically it can help them progress quicker than when not doing an exam because they often push themselves a bit harder when they know that their exam is coming up. The main thing for us, though, is that ballet exams offer a safe-space for children and youths to learn about dealing with stress. Preparing for the exams can be a bit scary for the students, but when they succeed it gives them the confidence to take more risks in the future. I specifically remember a student many years ago who was very nervous before her exam. When she left the studio after her exam, though, she had a huge smile on her face. Her mother emailed me that night telling me that her daughter was walking on clouds all day because she was so proud of herself.

Why the Society of Classical Ballet – Vaganova Method?
The SCBVM syllabus is based on the work of Agrippina Vaganova, who established an internationally recognized teaching method. What is great about this society, though, is that they have used this method to create a program that is accessible for both serious and recreational students. Every level allows the teacher to approach each student as an individual, letting them adjust exercises when necessary. Teachers are also allowed in the room during the exams (although they are not allowed to help the students) which lets students feel more relaxed and gives the teachers more context for their final marks. Another advantage to the SCBVM exams is that each dancer will receive comments (many other associations will only offer a grade and if you want comments you have to pay extra). This puts the focus where is should be – on the feedback they receive, not on their final “grade”. If you would like to read more about the Society of Classical Ballet – Vaganova Method please follow this link https://scbvm.org/







When and where do the ballet exams take place?
Exams generally happen the second week of April, often on the Thursday or Friday. We generally have a live in-person examiner each season, but this depends on the number of candidates. If it is too low, we do have a virtual exam option.

How do ballet exams work?
Throughout the year, Jay9 Dance Centre ballet students are learning specific exercises that have been set for that level by the SCBVM. During the exam, dancers will perform each of these exercises for a certified SCBVM examiner. The examiner will supply comments on each exercise as well as a final mark – students will receive a written copy of these comments along with their mark and an SCBVM exam certificate within a few weeks of their exam.

How are dancers marked?
SCBVM examiners are looking for several things throughout the ballet exam. The biggest ones are strength, coordination and technical ability. For the higher levels (5 and up), they are also looking for artistic development and performance quality. The marking system is as follows:
Not Awarded (this does not generally happen unless a dancer has decided to do the exam against the recommendation of their teacher)
Pass
Pass Plus
Merit
Commended
Highly Commended
Distinction
As mentioned above, though, the focus of the exams is to provide feedback and encouragement from an outside source (other than their usual teacher). Since the marks are not given as a number grade, this allows us to put the emphasis on the comments. In our experience, comments have always been insightful and are presented in a constructive and positive way. We have always found the marks to be quite fair.

What am I paying for?
Jay9 Dance Centre does charge an extra exam fee if your dancer would like to participate in the exams, although we do our best to keep this fee as low as possible. This covers the Society of Classical Ballet’s fee, the examiner’s fee, the writer’s fee (for in-person exams), an admin. fee, as well as the cost of the mock exam (an extra class provided prior to the exam). The fees will vary depending on the level and length of the exam.

If you decide that your dancer is interested in participating in the exam, or if you have any questions or concerns about the exam process, please contact us.