Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop: Grade 1 — National Association of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    This Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop Grade 1 provides candidates with an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of street hip hop d

    Topic Synopsis

    This Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop Grade 1 provides candidates with an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of street hip hop dance. They learn to execute basic grooves, isolations, and simple combinations with correct timing, rhythm, and performance style. This qualification serves as a foundation for further technical development and stage presentation skills, encouraging creative expression within a structured assessment framework.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop: Grade 1

    NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
    vocational

    This Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop Grade 1 provides candidates with an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of street hip hop dance. They learn to execute basic grooves, isolations, and simple combinations with correct timing, rhythm, and performance style. This qualification serves as a foundation for further technical development and stage presentation skills, encouraging creative expression within a structured assessment framework.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

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

    Topic Overview

    The NATD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 1 is an introductory qualification designed for students aged 5 and above who are beginning their formal training in dance. This award focuses on building foundational skills in ballet, tap, and modern theatre dance, as specified by the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) syllabus. Students will learn basic technique, coordination, musicality, and performance quality through a structured series of exercises and short dances. The Grade 1 examination assesses the candidate's ability to execute simple steps with correct posture, timing, and expression, setting the stage for progression to higher grades.

    This qualification is part of the NATD Performing Arts Graded Examination suite, which is recognised by Ofqual and listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Achieving this award demonstrates that a student has acquired the essential physical and interpretive skills required for dance at a beginner level. It also contributes to the development of discipline, confidence, and creativity, which are valuable both within and beyond the performing arts. For students aiming to pursue dance further, Grade 1 provides a solid platform for more advanced technical and artistic demands in subsequent grades.

    In the wider context of dance education, Grade 1 serves as an accessible entry point that encourages young dancers to engage with multiple dance styles. The syllabus is carefully designed to be age-appropriate, ensuring that movements are safe and achievable while still challenging students to improve. By covering ballet, tap, and modern theatre, the award offers a well-rounded introduction to the performing arts, helping students discover their strengths and interests. Success in this examination can build confidence and motivate students to continue their dance journey, whether recreationally or with professional aspirations.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Posture and alignment: Maintaining a straight back, engaged core, and correct placement of feet and arms is essential for safe and effective dance technique across all three disciplines.
    • →Basic ballet positions: Students must know and demonstrate the five basic foot positions (first to fifth) and corresponding arm positions (bras bas, first, second, and fifth en avant) with accuracy.
    • →Rhythm and timing: Understanding how to count music (e.g., 4/4 time for tap, 3/4 for waltz) and execute steps in time with the beat is crucial for all sections of the exam.
    • →Coordination and isolation: In tap, students must coordinate footwork with upper body stillness; in modern, they learn to isolate body parts (e.g., head, shoulders, hips) for expressive movement.
    • →Performance quality: Even at Grade 1, examiners look for facial expression, focus, and energy that convey enjoyment and understanding of the dance style.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate three basic street hip hop steps (e.g., bounce, rock, two-step) with correct posture and rhythmic accuracy.
    • Execute a short choreographed sequence in unison with music, maintaining consistent tempo and groove.
    • Project appropriate energy and facial expression throughout the performance to engage the audience.
    • Demonstrate basic isolations (head, shoulders, ribcage, hips) with clarity and control.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for clear articulation of body isolations and grounded posture.
    • Assess the candidate's ability to maintain rhythm and synchronize with the music throughout the combination.
    • Look for consistent energy projection, including eye contact and confident body language.
    • Evaluate accuracy in reproducing choreographed steps and transitions without hesitation.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice with the official examination music to internalise tempo and rhythmic patterns.
    • 💡Film your practice sessions to review alignment, arm placements, and overall energy.
    • 💡Emphasize the contrast between sharp hits (popping) and smooth flows (grooves) to demonstrate dynamic range.
    • 💡Warm up thoroughly to prevent injury and achieve full range of motion in isolations.
    • 💡Focus on your posture from the moment you enter the room. Examiners notice first impressions, so stand tall with shoulders back and a smile. This sets a positive tone for the entire exam.
    • 💡In the free enchaînement (a short dance created by the teacher), make sure you know the sequence thoroughly. Practice it until it becomes automatic, so you can concentrate on performance quality rather than remembering the steps.
    • 💡Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions, especially for the 'unseen' or 'improvisation' section. If you're unsure, it's better to ask for clarification than to guess. Showing that you can follow direction is part of the assessment.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Stiff or elevated posture, lacking the relaxed, grounded quality typical of street hip hop.
    • Rushing through movements and losing synchronisation with the musical beat.
    • Focusing on steps at the expense of performance quality, resulting in a flat or unengaged presentation.
    • Confusing hip hop bounce with a vertical up-and-down motion, missing the relaxed knee action.
    • Misconception: 'Grade 1 is just about copying the teacher.' Correction: While imitation is part of learning, the exam requires students to remember sequences independently and perform them with personal expression and musicality.
    • Misconception: 'Ballet is the only important part.' Correction: All three disciplines (ballet, tap, modern) are equally weighted in the exam. Neglecting one can result in a lower overall mark.
    • Misconception: 'You don't need to practice at home.' Correction: Regular practice outside class is essential to build muscle memory, improve timing, and gain confidence in the set exercises and dances.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for Grade 1, but students should have attended regular dance classes (e.g., weekly for at least one term) to develop basic coordination and familiarity with class structure.
    • •A basic understanding of counting music (e.g., knowing what '4 beats in a bar' means) is helpful, though it will be taught during preparation for the exam.
    • •Students should be physically ready to participate in a 30-minute examination, including the ability to stand for extended periods and follow simple instructions.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Foundational hip hop vocabulary
    • Timing and musicality
    • Performance expression
    • Basic choreographic memory

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