Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop: Grade 2 — National Association of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    This graded examination assesses a candidate's ability to perform basic street hip hop dance vocabulary with increasing technical accuracy, musicality, and

    Topic Synopsis

    This graded examination assesses a candidate's ability to perform basic street hip hop dance vocabulary with increasing technical accuracy, musicality, and performance quality. At Grade 2, learners move beyond mere replication to embody rhythm, expression, and responsiveness to music, laying the groundwork for more complex choreography and personal style development.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in Street Hip Hop: Grade 2

    NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
    vocational

    This graded examination assesses a candidate's ability to perform basic street hip hop dance vocabulary with increasing technical accuracy, musicality, and performance quality. At Grade 2, learners move beyond mere replication to embody rhythm, expression, and responsiveness to music, laying the groundwork for more complex choreography and personal style development.

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

    Assessment criteria

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

    Topic Overview

    The NATD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2 is a foundational qualification designed for students aged 7 and above who have completed Grade 1 or have equivalent experience. This examination assesses your ability to perform a set syllabus of dance movements with increasing technical precision, musicality, and performance quality. The syllabus typically includes exercises at the barre and in the centre, such as pliés, tendus, glissés, and simple jumps, as well as a short dance sequence that demonstrates coordination and expression. Mastery of Grade 2 is essential for progressing to higher grades, as it builds the core strength, flexibility, and discipline needed for more complex routines.

    This qualification is part of the NATD's graded examination system, which is widely recognised by dance schools and further education institutions across the UK. Grade 2 focuses on refining the basic techniques introduced in Grade 1, with an emphasis on turnout, alignment, and fluidity of movement. Students are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of rhythm and timing, as well as the ability to perform with confidence and stage presence. Success in this exam not only boosts your technical ability but also enhances your self-discipline and performance skills, which are valuable for any dance style or future career in the performing arts.

    Within the broader Dance & Performing Arts curriculum, Grade 2 serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced study. It prepares you for the increased demands of Grade 3, where you will encounter more complex combinations and faster tempos. The skills you develop here—such as maintaining correct posture, executing turns with control, and transitioning smoothly between steps—are transferable to other dance genres like ballet, jazz, or contemporary. By mastering Grade 2, you lay a solid foundation for lifelong dance enjoyment and potential vocational training.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Turnout: The outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints, essential for ballet technique. In Grade 2, you must maintain a consistent turnout during exercises like pliés and tendus, without forcing the knees or feet.
    • →Alignment: Correct posture with shoulders over hips, core engaged, and weight evenly distributed. This prevents injury and ensures clean lines in movements such as arabesques and développés.
    • →Musicality: The ability to move in time with the music, accenting beats and phrasing. Grade 2 requires you to perform exercises with a steady rhythm and respond to changes in tempo or dynamics.
    • →Coordination: Combining different body parts (e.g., arms, legs, head) in a fluid, controlled manner. For example, during a glissé, the arms should move in harmony with the legs.
    • →Performance Quality: Expressing emotion and storytelling through facial expressions and body language. Even simple exercises should be performed with confidence and artistry.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Execute basic street hip hop steps and short sequences with correct timing and coordination.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of musical structure by adapting movement to varying tempos and rhythms.
    • Convey the style and attitude of street hip hop through appropriate expression and presentation.
    • Show control and precision in isolated movements, such as pops, locks, and waves, as per syllabus.
    • Maintain consistent energy and performance focus throughout the examination routine.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurate placement of accents and dynamics in relation to the music.
    • Look for clean transitions between movements and sustained commitment to the performance.
    • Assess the candidate's ability to recover from errors without losing musicality or composure.
    • Reward clear understanding of the difference between danced rhythm and musical beat.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Familiarise yourself with the examination structure and required sequences to build confidence.
    • 💡Practice in front of a mirror to monitor posture, alignment, and expression.
    • 💡Listen to the music actively, counting beats and identifying phrases to enhance musicality.
    • 💡Focus on performance quality equally with technical accuracy; engage with your audience (the examiner).
    • 💡Tip 1: Practice with a mirror to check your alignment and turnout. Examiners notice when your supporting leg is turned in or your shoulders are hunched. Use the mirror to correct these details before the exam.
    • 💡Tip 2: Breathe! Many students hold their breath during difficult sequences, which tenses the muscles and affects performance. Practice breathing naturally throughout your routine to maintain relaxation and stamina.
    • 💡Tip 3: Engage your core in every exercise. A strong core stabilises your pelvis and helps with turns, balances, and jumps. Think of pulling your navel towards your spine, especially during relevés and sautés.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Pacing errors, such as anticipating the beat or lagging behind the music.
    • Lack of facial expression and performance projection, resulting in a flat presentation.
    • Overemphasis on force at the expense of control, leading to imprecise shapes.
    • Neglecting the stylistic nuances (e.g., bounce, groove) unique to street hip hop.
    • Misconception: 'Turnout comes from the feet.' Correction: Turnout originates from the hip joints, not the feet. Forcing the feet to turn out can cause knee and hip injuries. Always rotate from the hips while keeping knees aligned over toes.
    • Misconception: 'Arms are just for decoration.' Correction: Arms (port de bras) are integral to balance and expression. In Grade 2, arm positions must be precise (e.g., bras bas, first, second) and coordinated with leg movements to create a complete line.
    • Misconception: 'Faster is better.' Correction: Speed without control leads to sloppy technique. Grade 2 emphasises controlled, deliberate movements. Focus on accuracy and musicality rather than rushing through exercises.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •NATD Grade 1 or equivalent experience: You should be comfortable with basic ballet positions (first, second, fifth), simple pliés, tendus, and glissés, as well as a basic understanding of rhythm and counting.
    • •Basic flexibility and strength: Grade 2 requires a reasonable range of motion in the hips and ankles, and enough core strength to maintain balance during exercises like arabesque or retiré.
    • •Familiarity with exam format: Understanding how the exam is structured (e.g., barre work, centre practice, dance sequence) helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on performance.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Street dance foundations
    • Rhythmic accuracy
    • Performance dynamics
    • Musical responsiveness
    • Style and expression
    • Technical control

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