GQAL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Theatre Dance: Grade 1

GRADED-QUALIFICATIONS-ALLIANCE

vocational

This element introduces candidates to the foundational skills of Acrobatic Dance, integrating basic acrobatic movements with dance technique. The focus is on performing simple sequences that demonstrate controlled execution, alignment, and spatial awareness, while responding expressively to music. It lays the groundwork for safe practice and performance quality in acrobatic dance.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating correct body alignment and controlled landings in basic acrobatic elements such as forward rolls and cartwheels.
Expect candidates to show clear transitions between movements, maintaining flow and connection to the music throughout the sequence.
Credit performance energy and focus, including eye line, facial expression, and projection appropriate to the dance style.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating correct body alignment and controlled landings in basic acrobatic elements such as forward rolls and cartwheels.
Expect candidates to show clear transitions between movements, maintaining flow and connection to the music throughout the sequence.
Credit performance energy and focus, including eye line, facial expression, and projection appropriate to the dance style.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Prioritise clean technique and smooth transitions over speed; examiners look for quality not complexity.
💡Use the music to guide your phrasing – practice counting and accenting key beats to enhance musicality.
💡Maintain performance focus throughout, even during simple movements, to show confidence and awareness of audience.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Rushing through sequences, leading to loss of control and imprecise technique, especially during rolls and handstands.
Failing to engage the core, resulting in poor balance and lack of safety in supported balances.
Ignoring musical phrasing, causing movements to be out of sync with the rhythm and dynamics of the accompaniment.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of basic technique in Acrobatic Dance, Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of musicality in Acrobatic Dance, Be able to show an awareness of performance in Acrobatic Dance

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

GQAL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Theatre Dance: Grade 1

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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Graded Examination in Acrobatic Dance: Grade 1