Graded Examination in Imperial Classical Ballet: Grade 2 — Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    This subtopic assesses candidates' ability to demonstrate foundational Imperial Classical Ballet techniques through simple sequences. Emphasis is on correc

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic assesses candidates' ability to demonstrate foundational Imperial Classical Ballet techniques through simple sequences. Emphasis is on correct posture, alignment, and basic foot and arm positions, while integrating musical phrasing and expressive performance. Successful execution requires coordination of steps with rhythm and an emerging sense of artistry, preparing students for more advanced graded work.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in Imperial Classical Ballet: Grade 2

    IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
    vocational

    This subtopic assesses candidates' ability to demonstrate foundational Imperial Classical Ballet techniques through simple sequences. Emphasis is on correct posture, alignment, and basic foot and arm positions, while integrating musical phrasing and expressive performance. Successful execution requires coordination of steps with rhythm and an emerging sense of artistry, preparing students for more advanced graded work.

    7
    Learning Outcomes
    4
    Assessment Guidance
    5
    Key Skills
    6
    Key Terms
    6
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

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

    Topic Overview

    The ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2 is a foundational qualification in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Performing Arts Graded Examination series. This grade builds upon the skills developed in Grade 1, introducing more complex movement sequences, musicality, and performance quality. Students will study a structured syllabus that includes ballet, tap, or modern theatre dance, depending on their chosen discipline. The examination assesses technical proficiency, coordination, and the ability to interpret music through dance, preparing students for higher grades and potential vocational training.

    This qualification is important because it provides a nationally recognised benchmark for dance achievement in the UK, often used by schools and dance studios to track progress. It also develops essential life skills such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork. For students aiming to pursue dance professionally or as a serious hobby, Grade 2 is a critical step in building a strong technical foundation. The syllabus is designed to be age-appropriate, typically for children aged 7-9, but can be taken by older beginners as well.

    Within the wider subject of Performing Arts, Grade 2 dance sits alongside other graded examinations in music and drama, forming part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It is often a prerequisite for higher grades and can contribute to UCAS tariff points when taken at higher levels. Mastery of Grade 2 content ensures students are ready for the increased demands of Grade 3, where more intricate choreography and stylistic nuances are introduced.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Alignment and Posture: Maintaining correct body alignment (e.g., neutral spine, turned-out legs in ballet) is crucial for safety and technique. In Grade 2, students must demonstrate improved posture in all exercises.
    • →Rhythm and Musicality: Understanding time signatures (e.g., 4/4, 3/4) and being able to move in time with the music. Grade 2 introduces syncopation and accents.
    • →Coordination and Control: Combining different body parts in sequences (e.g., arms and legs together) with control. This includes basic turns, jumps, and directional changes.
    • →Performance Quality: Expressing emotion and storytelling through facial expressions and body language. Grade 2 requires students to show confidence and engagement with the audience.
    • →Syllabus Vocabulary: Knowing and correctly executing specific steps and positions as defined by the ISTD syllabus, such as plié, tendu, or shuffle (tap).

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate correct posture and alignment throughout basic barre and centre exercises.
    • Execute simple ballet steps with accurate technique, including pliés, tendus, and glissés.
    • Perform short sequences with an awareness of musical rhythm and phrasing.
    • Show an emerging sense of performance through expression, focus, and projection.
    • Apply safe dance practice, including appropriate warm-up and use of turnout.
    • Coordinate arms and legs in simple port de bras and travelling steps.
    • Display an understanding of basic ballet terminology through physical response.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for consistent turnout from the hips without rolling ankles.
    • Look for clean, stretched feet in tendus and pointed toes in jumps.
    • Assess the use of épaulement and eye line to enhance performance.
    • Evidence of rhythmic accuracy and response to tempo changes.
    • Smooth linking of steps into a continuous sequence.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of vocabulary by correct execution when terms are given.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Focus on breath and relaxation to avoid unnecessary tension that hinders movement.
    • 💡Practice with the exact music used in the exam to internalize cues and phrasing.
    • 💡Show confidence through clear eye contact and expressive facial animation, even if a mistake occurs.
    • 💡Remember that the examiner assesses the overall impression; prioritize flow and performance over perfection of each step.
    • 💡Focus on transitions: Examiners pay close attention to how you move between steps. Smooth, controlled transitions show mastery and are often where marks are gained or lost.
    • 💡Engage with the examiner: Make eye contact and smile. This demonstrates confidence and performance quality, which are key assessment criteria in Grade 2.
    • 💡Listen to the music: Practice dancing to different tempos and styles. In the exam, the music may be slightly faster or slower than in class; being adaptable shows strong musicality.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Cupping the fingers and thumb instead of a relaxed hand shape.
    • Tensing the shoulders or collapsing the chest during port de bras.
    • Rushing or lagging behind the music, losing synchronisation.
    • Forgetting to use demi-plié in jumps and turns, leading to heavy landings.
    • Misaligning hips in arabesque or devéloppé exercises.
    • Misconception: 'Grade 2 is just a repeat of Grade 1 with harder steps.' Correction: While it builds on Grade 1, Grade 2 introduces new concepts like musicality and performance quality, and requires greater precision and stamina.
    • Misconception: 'You don't need to practice at home; class time is enough.' Correction: Regular practice is essential to build muscle memory and confidence. Even 10-15 minutes daily can significantly improve technique.
    • Misconception: 'If you make a mistake in the exam, you fail.' Correction: Examiners look for overall performance. A small mistake is acceptable if you recover quickly and maintain composure. The focus is on demonstrating understanding and effort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •ISTD Grade 1 or equivalent foundational dance training: Students should be comfortable with basic steps, simple sequences, and have a basic understanding of rhythm.
    • •Basic physical fitness: Adequate flexibility, strength, and stamina to perform a 10-15 minute examination without fatigue.
    • •Familiarity with exam format: Understanding that the exam includes set exercises, a dance sequence, and possibly a free interpretation section.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Correct posture and alignment
    • Basic ballet vocabulary and technique
    • Musical rhythm and phrasing
    • Performance quality and expression
    • Coordination of movement sequences
    • Safe dance practice

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