The professional examinations contain three sections.

1. Demonstration

The demonstration to music is the first requirement and candidates must pass this section in order to continue with the examination. A classical demonstration is expected.

2. Theory

The technique and theory is based on the Reference Books. Questions are confined to the level of the examination and progress from Student Teacher throught to Fellow.

3. Teaching Ability

The candidate’s ability to teach is assessed during the examination.

STUDENT TEACHER SYLLABUS

Practical Demonstration

Candidates must demonstrate with music the required dances dancing as their own gender.
The required dances are: Waltz; Tango; Foxtrot; Quickstep and Slow Rhythm. The demonstration is restricted to the Student Teacher figures.
Candidates must also dance as the opposite gender, with or without a partner, to music the required dances.

Theory (Oral Examination)

Candidates will be expected to explain the terms and definitions used in the technique charts and must be able to give a simple description of: 1. Feet Positions. 2. Alignment/Direction. 3. Amount of Turn. 4. Rise and Fall. 5. Footwork. 6. CBM and CBMP. 7. Sway.
Give a simple description of:

1. Forward and Backward Walks.
2. Hold.
3. Time and Tempo of each dance.
4. One Precede and Follow to each specified figure.

Technical analysis and solo demontration as man or lady is confined to:
1. Feet Position.
2. Alignment/Direction.
3. Amount of Turn.
4. Rise and Fall.
5. Footwork.
6. Timing.
7. Counting in Beats.

ASSOCIATE SYLLABUS

Practical Demonstration

Candidates must demonstrate with music the required dances dancing as their own gender.
The required dances are: Waltz; Tango; Foxtrot; Quickstep and Slow Rhythm. The demonstration is restricted to the Student Teacher and Associate figures.
Candidates must also dance as the opposite gender, with or without a partner, to music the required dances.
To dance solo to music, as man or lady, an amalgamation of two or three of the specified figures of the examiner’s choice in any of the four standard dances.
Candidates will be expected to answer simple questions on Class Teaching Methods appied to any dance of the syllabus.

Theory (Oral Examination)

Candidates will be expected to understand the technical knowledge of the specified figures and answer questions on the technical terms and the application of the following general principles to every specified figure: 1. Feet Positions. 2.Alignment/Direction. 3. Amount of Turn. 4. Rise and Fall. 5. Footwork. 6. CBM and CBMP. 7. Sway. 8. Time and Tempo of each dance. 9. Counting in Beats and also Beats and Bars. 10. Description of Figures. 11. Forward and Backward Walks. 12. Two Precedes and Follows to each figure.

LICENTIATE (MEMBER) SYLLABUS

Practical Demonstration

Candidates must demonstrate with music the required dances dancing as their own gender.
The required dances are: Waltz; Tango; Viennese Waltz; Foxtrot and Quickstep. The demonstration is restricted to the Basic and Standard Figures. A higher standard of dancing is exected at this level.
Candidates must also dance as the opposite gender, with or without a partner, to music the required dances.
Candidates must dance solo to music, as man or lady, an amalgamation of two or three of the specified figures of the examiner’s choice in any of the five dances.

FELLOWSHIP SYLLABUS

Practical Demonstration

Candidates must demonstrate with music the required dances dancing as their own gender.
The required dances are: Waltz; Tango; Viennese Waltz; Foxtrot; Quicksep. The demonstration must include the Named Variations. A higher standard of dancing and presentation is exected at this level.
Candidates must also dance as the opposite gender, with or without a partner, to music the required dances.

Theory (Oral Examination)

Questions will be on any of the technical requirements of any figure up to and including the Named Variations. To show practical methods of the application of the technical principles in teaching any dance or specified figure selected from the syllabus by the examiner. A comprehensive understanding of the technique and the application of technique is expected at this level.

Refernce Books

The Ballroom Technique ISTD
The Viennese Waltz – Harry Smith-Hampshire
Social Rhythm – Teach Yourself Ballroom Dancing – ISTD and Alex Moore