Examinations

Examinations are a requirement of studying dance at Pure Ballet. It is the cornerstone of the program, and it is one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences a student of ballet can go through.

The Cecchetti Council of America holds examinations in classical ballet for students and teachers who are training in the Cecchetti method. The Syllabus tests the technical and artistic accomplishments of student candidates who have been prepared by member teachers. It offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability and understanding of the material. Each level provides attainable goals that build self-confidence in their developmental progress and successful achievements.

Utilizing Examinations for the Student and Teacher

The exam process works in four ways:

• to promote knowledge of ballet
• to maintain and improve teaching standards
• to qualify, by examination, teachers of dancing in the Cecchetti technique
• to provide, through its syllabi, techniques upon which to train dancers for the profession.

The Cecchetti Council of America is nation’s largest and oldest Cecchetti organization. Their main objective is to promote high quality classical ballet through a balanced, analytical and standardized method of training. They not only promote knowledge of dance, but they maintain and improve teaching standards. The syllabi, developed in both London, England and in the United States, are updated regularly, thereby reflecting the most current trends in dancing.

BENEFITS OF EXAMS

Whether it is through the CCA or other standardized syllabi examinations, successful completion of examinations in any dance style provides a way of assessing progress from year to year and of maintaining industry recognized standards. Furthermore, examinations not only help develop self-discipline, commitment, and a strong work ethic, they also provide a strong sense of accomplishment and success.

In addition to these benefits, examinations also provide the opportunity to earn high school credits and/or college credits. The Cecchetti Council of America is an educational co-operative. Student course work has been given high school credit in the past. Teacher coursework is almost always recognized on the collegiate level. Personal assistance will be offered for students/teachers wishing to procure academic credit for completed Cecchetti work.

Exams are generally held in February, March, June and each October. Locations vary. There are exams each year in San Antonio as well as Denton, Dallas and Austin. All children progress at different rates and it is not unusual for some children to be “exam ready” before other children. Every effort will be made to see that each child is ready for his or her exam at the appropriate time.

Examinations are held prior to the spring and fall workshops and given under the auspices of the Examining Board of the Cecchetti Council of America.  Candidates must be presented by a CCA member in good standing.  Both student and teacher examinations are available.

Examinations are also held throughout the year at the studios of members if the criteria for examinations are met.

Preparation for Exams

Mock Exams

A great way to help prepare for any exam is to have a dry run through the process. I hold mock exams approximately one week before examinations during which the students will need to dress for, conduct themselves and present their work in exactly the same fashion as they would for a real exam. I welcome any family and/or friends to view the first mock exam to see the students work.

Students may be examined in the following levels:

Primary 1, 2, 3

Student Grades I, II, III, IV

Professional Grades V, VI, VII (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced)

Maestro Cecchetti Diploma

Teachers may be examined in the following levels:

Grades I – IV (Associate Member – eligible to present student candidates for exams up to teacher level attained)

Grade V  (Elementary Professional – Qualified Member)

Grade VI ((Intermediate Professional – Licentiate Member – eligible to present teacher candidates as well as student candidates through Grade VI)

Grade VII (Advanced Professional – Fellow Member – eligible to become an examiner if other criteria are met)

Maestro Cecchetti Diploma (Diploma Fellow Member)