Student Medals Training

The Theory

In order to become an accomplished dancer, you must develop confidence, self- discipline, self-reliance and the ability to work with others to reach your goals. There is no greater way to truly learn and understand dancing than to prepare for a formal certification examination. Medal Examinations can be compared to academic examinations, wherein you are tested on the mastery of skills previously learned before progressing to the next level.

What is a Medals Program?

A Medals Program is a fun and exciting way for you to become an excellent dancer. You and your instructor will structure your private lessons to meet a progressive series of goals. You decide how fast you would like to proceed and which dances you would like to focus on. You will be amazed at how your dancing, poise and self-confidence will improve through this process. Experts in the industry agree that a structured Medal program is the best way for students to become extraordinary dancers.

Once or twice each year we will schedule formal Medal exams. You will perform your routines with your instructor or partner. The examiner will grade your dancing and give you written feedback on the routines. As you successfully perform your routines, you will achieve a formal Certificate of Achievement from DVIDA – tangible proof that you have achieved a national standard of excellence for your level!

Exams are a real opportunity for you! Students can work for months and months, with little public recognition of their progress. During Medal exams, you can invite your friend and family to watch you dance, to give you moral support and to cheer you on. Once you have your Certificate from DVIDA, you can tell the whole world, “I did it!”

American Style Smooth and Rhythm Training

SMOOTH: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz

RHYTHM: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing

The Bronze I Test

At least 2 dances and up to 6 dances

Students may choose from any of the 12 dances listed above. Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing /Rhythm, Footwork and Continuity **

The Bronze II Test

At least 4 dances and up to 8 dances.

Students may choose from any of the 12 dances listed above and may dance a combination of Rhythm and Smooth. Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, Continuity, and Lead/Follow.
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level

The Bronze III and Full Bronze Tests; Silver I, II, III and Full Silver Tests; Intermediate and Full Gold Tests

dances (one style, either Smooth or Rhythm).

Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from the level being tested with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, continuity, Lead/Follow, Characteristic Style and the essential elements (poise, balance, control and body contact).

The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous levels**

International Standard & Latin Training

STANDARD: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep

LATIN: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive

The Preliminary Bronze 1 Test

(Standard Only) at least 2 dances and up to 5 dances.
Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork and Continuity. **

The Intermediate Bronze Test

At least 4 dances and up to 8 dances. May be taken from either Standard or Latin.

Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, Continuity, and Lead/Follow.
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level **

The Bronze III and Full Bronze Tests; Silver I, II, III and Full Silver Tests; Intermediate and Full Gold Tests

At least 4 dances (one style, either Smooth or Rhythm).

Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from the level being tested with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, continuity, Lead/Follow, Characteristic Style and the essential elements (poise, balance, control and body contact).

The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level **