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

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational elements of National Dance at Grade 2 level, where candidates develop basic technical skills, musical awareness,

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational elements of National Dance at Grade 2 level, where candidates develop basic technical skills, musical awareness, and performance quality across simple movement sequences. It introduces characteristic styles, rhythms, and footwork from selected national traditions, emphasizing clarity of action, rhythmic accuracy, and expressive engagement. Learners learn to embody the spirit of each dance while demonstrating control, coordination, and an emerging sense of presentation suitable for a graded examination.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in National Dance: Grade 2

    IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
    vocational

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational elements of National Dance at Grade 2 level, where candidates develop basic technical skills, musical awareness, and performance quality across simple movement sequences. It introduces characteristic styles, rhythms, and footwork from selected national traditions, emphasizing clarity of action, rhythmic accuracy, and expressive engagement. Learners learn to embody the spirit of each dance while demonstrating control, coordination, and an emerging sense of presentation suitable for a graded examination.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    4
    Assessment Guidance
    4
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    4
    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 system. This grade builds upon the skills learned in Grade 1, introducing more complex movements, increased coordination, and a deeper understanding of musicality and performance quality. The examination assesses candidates in ballet, tap, or modern theatre dance, depending on the chosen discipline, and is designed to develop technical proficiency, artistic expression, and confidence in young dancers.

    At Grade 2, students are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of basic dance principles, including posture, alignment, and turnout (in ballet), as well as rhythm and timing (in tap). The syllabus includes a set of exercises and a dance sequence that must be performed with accuracy and flair. This grade is crucial for building a solid foundation for higher levels, as it introduces key concepts such as weight transfer, coordination of arms and legs, and the ability to perform with dynamic contrast. Mastery of Grade 2 prepares students for the more demanding technical and artistic requirements of Grade 3 and beyond.

    The ISTD Graded Examinations are internationally recognised and provide a structured pathway for dance education. Grade 2 is often taken by students aged 7-9, but it is open to all ages. Success in this examination not only boosts a student's confidence but also contributes to their overall physical development, discipline, and appreciation of the performing arts. It is a stepping stone towards higher grades, vocational qualifications, and potential careers in dance.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Posture and Alignment: Maintaining a straight spine, engaged core, and correct placement of hips and shoulders is essential for all movements. In ballet, this includes proper turnout from the hips, not just the feet.
    • →Rhythm and Timing: Understanding and executing movements in time with the music, including recognising different time signatures (e.g., 4/4, 3/4) and accents. In tap, clear and consistent sound production is key.
    • →Coordination: Combining different body parts (e.g., arms and legs) in a controlled manner. Grade 2 introduces more complex patterns, such as skipping with arm movements or performing a simple enchaînement.
    • →Performance Quality: Expressing the mood and style of the dance through facial expressions, energy, and projection. Students should aim to engage an imaginary audience and show enjoyment in their performance.
    • →Turnout and Rotation: In ballet, maintaining a 90-degree turnout from the hips while executing steps like pliés, tendus, and glissades. This requires strength and flexibility in the hip rotators.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of basic techniques in National Dance, Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of musicality in National Dance, Be able to show an awareness of performance in National Dance

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating correct posture and alignment specific to the national style, including use of upper body and arms.
    • Credit accurate execution of basic steps and travel sequences with clear footwork, appropriate dynamics, and consistent rhythm.
    • Recognise evidence of musicality through precise timing, phrasing, and response to tempo and accent changes.
    • Acknowledge use of facial expression, eye focus, and projection to convey character and performance quality.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Listen carefully to the music before performing and identify the rhythm and its accent to guide your movement quality.
    • 💡Focus on clean, deliberate footwork and smooth transitions to show control and precision in every step.
    • 💡Breathe and maintain eye contact with the examiner as if engaging an audience, letting your personality shine through.
    • 💡Rehearse sequences until they are secure enough to allow you to perform with confidence and musical spontaneity.
    • 💡Focus on the details: Examiners look for correct hand and foot positions, especially in ballet. Ensure fingers are together and not splayed, and feet are pointed fully in the air. In tap, ensure each sound is distinct and not muddled.
    • 💡Use the space: When performing the dance sequence, make full use of the performance area. Avoid staying in one spot; travel with purpose and maintain spatial awareness to avoid collisions in group exams.
    • 💡Recover gracefully: If you make a mistake, do not stop or show frustration. Continue with the next step as smoothly as possible. Examiners appreciate resilience and the ability to keep going.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Losing balance or incorrect weight transfer during turns and travel steps due to poor core engagement.
    • Rushing ahead of the music or ignoring natural phrasing, leading to disconnected movement and timing errors.
    • Stiff or overly exaggerated arm carriage that lacks the relaxed yet precise style of the national dance form.
    • Flat or inattentive facial expression, diminishing the performance quality and characterisation expected in the genre.
    • Misconception: Turnout comes from the feet. Correction: Turnout should be initiated from the hips, with the knees and feet following. Forcing turnout from the feet can lead to knee and ankle injuries.
    • Misconception: Tap sounds are made by stomping. Correction: Tap sounds should be crisp and controlled, using the ball of the foot and toe taps, not heavy stomps. The ankle should be relaxed to allow the foot to articulate.
    • Misconception: Performance means smiling all the time. Correction: Performance should match the mood of the dance. While a bright smile suits a lively piece, a more serious expression may be appropriate for a lyrical or dramatic dance. Authenticity is key.

    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 such as pliés, tendus, and simple jumps in ballet, or basic tap steps like shuffles and flaps. A good understanding of rhythm and basic musicality is also expected.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of basic techniques in National Dance, Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of musicality in National Dance, Be able to show an awareness of performance in National Dance

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