What should I focus on for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts?

Warm up thoroughly before the examination, paying special attention to feet and ankles to ensure clean articulation in allegro.

What should I focus on for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (2)

Focus on maintaining performance quality throughout, even during technical exercises; treat each exercise as a mini-performance.

What should I focus on for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (3)

Listen carefully to the music and count internally to ensure accurate timing, especially in adage where phrasing is crucial.

What should I focus on for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (4)

Use the mirror in practice to self-correct épaulement and port de bras, but in the exam project confidence and spatial awareness without relying on visual checks.

What should I focus on for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (5)

During centre practice, prioritize sustained turnout from the hips and a lifted spine to ensure adage balances are held without trembling; use the mirror practice to self-correct alignment before the exam day.

What are common mistakes in Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts?

Incorrect épaulement, such as presenting the wrong shoulder forward in Croisé derrière or failing to incline the head appropriately.

What are common mistakes in Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (2)

Insufficient turnout from the hips, leading to rolling of the feet and strain on the knees during pliés and adage.

What are common mistakes in Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts? (3)

Rushing through slow movements like développés and grands ronds de jambe, sacrificing control and line for tempo.

Dance & Performing Arts

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

Vocational

Specification: 501/0728/8

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Units

Learning Outcomes

557

Assessment Guidance

601

Key Skills

Ready to learn?

AI-powered learning tailored to your qualification

Start Practising

Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Qualification Units

12 units

ISTD Level 2 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Intermediate Foundation

This subtopic focuses on the foundational Cecchetti Classical Ballet technique at Intermediate Foundation level, requiring candidates to demonstrate precise execution of steps, correct body alignment, and use of épaulement. It integrates musical phrasing and performance artistry to communicate the style and quality of the Cecchetti method. Competence in this element is essential for progression to higher vocational grades and professional training.

Vocational Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Intermediate Foundation, Vocational Graded Examination in South Asian Dance: Kathak: Intermediate Foundation, Vocational Graded Examination in Classical Greek Dance: Intermediate Foundation +7 more

77 guidance points10 criteria

ISTD Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 6

ISTD Level 3 Grade 6 Cecchetti Classical Ballet demands a refined synthesis of advanced ballet vocabulary, precise épaulement, and seamless transitions between adage, allegro, and pirouette sequences. Candidates must demonstrate secure control in extended balances, articulate footwork in batterie and multiple turns, and an expressive musicality that dynamic phrasing to dance quality. This level consolidates technical mastery and artistic confidence, preparing dancers for pre-professional training and higher vocational assessments.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 6, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 6, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 6 +11 more

104 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 4 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Advanced 1

The Advanced 1 level in Cecchetti Classical Ballet represents a consolidation of pre-professional technique, demanding a comprehensive command of the syllabus's complex vocabulary, intricate enchaînements, and demanding pointe work. Candidates must exhibit a refined understanding of the Cecchetti method's distinctive épaulement, port de bras, and use of the body's 'centre', integrating these with mature artistry. Mastery at this stage prepares the dancer for the professional expectations of Advanced 2 and beyond, emphasizing stamina, expressive quality, and a deep musicality inherent to the Cecchetti style.

Vocational Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Advanced 1, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Ballroom Dance: Advanced 1, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Advanced 1 +12 more

125 guidance points15 criteria

ISTD Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 5

This component assesses the candidate's ability to execute the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Grade 5 syllabus with technical precision, musical sensitivity, and expressive performance quality. It involves demonstrating secure posture, clean footwork, controlled turns, and fluid transitions, while interpreting music with appropriate dynamics and artistic flair. Mastery of these elements reflects readiness for advanced study in Cecchetti ballet.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 5, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 5, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 5 +11 more

113 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Advanced 2

The ISTD Level 4 Diploma in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Advanced 2 in Cecchetti Classical Ballet represents the culmination of vocational training, demanding a synthesis of refined technical mastery, artistic maturity, and deep stylistic understanding. At this level, dancers must execute complex enchaînements with precision, demonstrating highly developed control in adagio, multiple turns, expansive grand allegro, and intricate batterie. The examination assesses not only the mechanical execution but also the ability to interpret music expressively, embody the Cecchetti principles of épaulement and line, and project a compelling performance quality suitable for professional contexts.

Vocational Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Advanced 2, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Advanced 2, Vocational Graded Examination in National Dance: Advanced 2 +11 more

121 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2

This subtopic focuses on performing simple movement sequences in Cecchetti Classical Ballet at Grade 2 level, emphasizing the development of foundational techniques such as correct posture, turnout, and precise footwork. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of musicality by synchronising movements with rhythmic patterns and phrasing, while also conveying expressive performance qualities appropriate to the style. Successful execution requires coordination of these elements to meet the examination criteria for this graded level.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 2, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 2, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 2 +11 more

117 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 3

This subtopic focuses on assessing candidates' ability to execute simple Cecchetti Classical Ballet movements and sequences at Grade 3 level, integrating fundamental technical skills, musical timing, and expressive performance. Candidates demonstrate correct alignment, épaulement, and use of turnout while responding to musical phrasing and conveying artistic intention appropriate to this graded stage.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 3, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 3, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 3 +11 more

113 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 1

This subtopic assesses the candidate's ability to execute fundamental Cecchetti Classical Ballet exercises and dances at Grade 1 standard, emphasising the development of correct posture, turnout, and basic arm and foot positions. It integrates technical precision with rudimentary musicality and performance quality, preparing students for more advanced work by establishing a secure foundation in this historically significant Italian method.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 1, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 1, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 1 +11 more

108 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 3 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Intermediate

This subtopic assesses the candidate's ability to execute the Intermediate Cecchetti Classical Ballet syllabus with technical precision, artistic expression, and musical sensitivity. It focuses on the integration of advanced barre and centre work, adage, allegro, and pointe work (for females), demanding a secure embodiment of the Cecchetti method's principles of épaulement, port de bras, and dynamic alignment. Successful performance demonstrates readiness for the Advanced level and a deep understanding of the stylistic nuances inherent to this classical tradition.

Vocational Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Intermediate, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Ballroom Dance: Intermediate, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Intermediate +12 more

132 guidance points15 criteria

ISTD Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 4

This subtopic assesses the candidate's ability to execute the set exercises and dances of the ISTD Grade 4 Cecchetti Classical Ballet syllabus with technical accuracy, musical sensitivity, and expressive artistry. It focuses on the integration of correct posture, placement, and line with rhythmic dynamics and performance quality, reflecting a developing understanding of ballet as a performing art. Candidates must demonstrate a secure grasp of the Grade 4 vocabulary, including turns, jumps, and adage movements, performed with style and confidence.

Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Grade 4, Graded Examination in Modern Theatre Dance: Grade 4, Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 4 +11 more

111 guidance points14 criteria

ISTD Level 4 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Advanced 1 Analysis

This element assesses the candidate's ability to accurately analyze and articulate the technical and artistic components of Cecchetti Classical Ballet at Advanced 1 level. Candidates must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of complex vocabulary, correct execution, musicality, and performance qualities through verbal explanation and physical demonstration. This ensures they can critically evaluate their own and others' work, reflecting the high standards expected in vocational training.

Vocational Graded Examination in Cecchetti Classical Ballet: Advanced 1 Analysis, Vocational Graded Examination in Imperial Classical Ballet: Advanced 1 Analysis, Vocational Graded Examination in Modern Theatre: Advanced 1 Analysis +1 more

28 guidance points4 criteria

ISTD Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Dance: Senior Certificate 1

The Senior Certificate 1 (Cecchetti Classical Ballet) consolidates fundamental ballet technique at an intermediate-advanced level, emphasising precision in the Cecchetti method's distinctive vocabulary, including refined port de bras, épaulement, and intricate allegro. This qualification assesses a dancer's ability to perform set exercises and variations with secure technical skill, expressive musicality, and performance artistry, preparing candidates for pre-professional training or advanced graded examinations.

Senior Certificate 1 (Cecchetti Classical Ballet)

9 guidance points

Ready to master Dance & Performing Arts?

Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Vocational specification.

Get Started Free