Graded Examination in AcroDance: Grade 1
The Grade 1 AcroDance examination introduces foundational acrobatic skills within a dance context, focusing on essential techniques such as bridges, handstands, and basic movement sequences. Learners are assessed on their ability to combine these skills with performance qualities like confidence and poise, demonstrating early understanding of alignment, control, and coordination. This qualification serves as a stepping stone for developing the strength, flexibility, and artistic expression required for higher levels in acrobatic dance.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The RSL Level 1 Award in Acrobatic Dance (Acrobatic Arts) Grade 1 is a foundational performing arts qualification that introduces students to the core principles of acrobatic dance, combining dance technique with acrobatic skills. It covers basic flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, and is assessed through a practical exam that includes a set routine and improvisation tasks.
Topic Overview
The RSL Level 1 Award in Acrobatic Dance (Acrobatic Arts) Grade 1 is an introductory qualification that blends dance and acrobatics, designed for beginners. It focuses on developing fundamental skills such as flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, which are essential for more advanced acrobatic dance. The syllabus covers basic acrobatic movements like rolls, cartwheels, and bridges, integrated with dance steps to create a seamless performance.
This qualification is part of the RSL Awards Performing Arts Graded Examination suite, which provides a structured pathway for students to progress in dance and performing arts. Grade 1 lays the groundwork for future grades, emphasising safe practice, musicality, and performance quality. It is assessed through a practical exam that includes a set routine, technique exercises, and an improvisation task, allowing students to demonstrate their skills in a supportive environment.
Studying acrobatic dance at this level not only builds physical skills but also boosts confidence, creativity, and discipline. It encourages students to express themselves through movement and to understand the importance of practice and perseverance. The skills learned are transferable to other dance styles and performing arts disciplines, making it a valuable foundation for any aspiring performer.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Body alignment and posture: maintaining a straight spine and engaged core during all movements.
- →Flexibility and strength: developing the necessary range of motion and muscle control for acrobatic moves.
- →Coordination and balance: combining dance steps with acrobatic skills smoothly and safely.
- →Musicality: moving in time with the music and using rhythm to enhance performance.
- →Performance quality: expressing emotion and confidence through facial expressions and body language.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic acrobatic terminology• perform basic movement sequences showing an awareness of technique in AcroDance• demonstrate a basic understanding of placement, coordination, alignment, and control in thetechnical skills• demonstrate a bridge with weight centered between hands and feet• show handstands with a basic understanding of stacking and posture• demonstrate a basic awareness of performance, confidence, and poise
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurately naming and applying basic acrobatic terminology during the performance of skills or in verbal questioning.
- Expect clean execution of basic sequences with deliberate control over transitions, showing awareness of movement quality and dynamic phrasing.
- Look for a bridge with weight evenly distributed between hands and feet, hips lifted, and arms straight, demonstrating core engagement and spinal flexibility.
- Assess handstands for a clear attempt at vertical stacking: hands shoulder-width apart, active shoulders, tight core, and legs together in a controlled entry and exit.
- Credit the demonstration of performance confidence, including sustained eye contact, expressive facial engagement, and poised body line throughout the routine.
- Observe the coordination of simple acrobatic elements with dance steps, ensuring timing and spatial awareness are consistent with the accompanying music or counts.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Prioritise clean technique over difficulty: ensure each bridge, handstand, and roll is performed with correct alignment rather than attempting ill-prepared advanced variations.
- 💡Use mirrors or video feedback during practice to self-assess posture and lines, as a visual habit helps maintain poise under examination pressure.
- 💡Enter and exit acrobatic skills with grace, treating them as dance movements; avoid abrupt stops and maintain musicality throughout.
- 💡Memorise the correct terminology for each skill and be prepared to answer brief questions from the examiner, as this demonstrates complete understanding.
- 💡Always warm up thoroughly before any practice or exam to prevent injuries and improve performance.
- 💡Focus on the quality of movement, not just completing the skill. Examiners look for control, extension, and artistry.
- 💡Practice performing in front of others to build confidence and reduce nerves on exam day.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Collapsing the shoulders and allowing the head to protrude forward during a bridge, reducing spinal extension and risking strain.
- Placing hands too wide or too narrow in a handstand, leading to instability and poor alignment of the hips over the shoulders.
- Rushing through movement sequences without controlled landings or transitions, sacrificing technique for speed.
- Holding the breath during acrobatic efforts, causing tension and disrupting the flow and performance quality.
- Neglecting the dance component, appearing stiff or disconnected, rather than blending acrobatic skills smoothly with rhythmic movement.
- Acrobatic dance is the same as gymnastics. Correction: Acrobatic dance integrates dance technique and artistic expression, while gymnastics focuses on athletic precision and competition.
- You need to be naturally flexible to pass. Correction: Flexibility can be developed with regular stretching and practice; Grade 1 only requires basic flexibility.
- Safety is not a major concern at Grade 1. Correction: Safety is always a priority; learning correct technique prevents injuries and is part of the assessment.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on flexibility and strength exercises, such as daily stretching and core workouts. Practice basic acrobatic moves like forward rolls and bridges.
- 2Week 2: Learn the set routine from the syllabus, breaking it down into sections. Practice each section slowly, then gradually increase speed.
- 3Week 3: Work on improvisation skills by dancing to different music tracks, using a variety of movements. Record yourself to review and improve.
- 4Week 4: Do mock exams with a friend or family member, simulating the exam conditions. Review the syllabus and mark scheme to ensure you meet all requirements.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Practical demonstration of a set routine: You will perform a choreographed routine that includes acrobatic moves and dance steps. Practice until it is polished and confident.
- 📋Technique exercises: You may be asked to perform specific skills, such as a cartwheel or a bridge, to show your technique. Focus on correct form and control.
- 📋Improvisation: You will be given a piece of music and asked to improvise movements that include acrobatic elements. Keep moving and use a variety of levels and directions.
- 📋Viva voce (oral questions): The examiner may ask you questions about safety, technique, or the routine. Be prepared to explain your movements and safety considerations.
Command Word Expectations (RSL AWARDS LTD)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
You must physically perform the skill or routine, showing correct technique, control, and performance quality. The examiner will assess your accuracy and artistry.
You must explain in words the technique or process, using correct terminology. For example, describing how to perform a forward roll with safety points.
You must provide reasons or causes, showing understanding of why something is done in a certain way. For example, explaining why safety is important in acrobatic dance.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: Describe the correct technique for performing a forward roll in acrobatic dance, and explain how it differs from a gymnastic forward roll.
- 1.Step 1: Start in a squat position with feet hip-width apart, hands placed shoulder-width apart on the floor in front of you.
- 2.Step 2: Tuck your chin to your chest, push off with your feet, and roll forward over your rounded back, keeping your knees close to your chest.
- 3.Step 3: Finish in a standing position, with arms extended gracefully to the side, and maintain a dance posture with pointed toes.
- 4.Step 4: Contrast with gymnastics: in acrobatic dance, the roll is often performed with more fluidity, musicality, and a dance finish, whereas gymnastics focuses on speed and precision without artistic expression.
Question: Explain how you would safely perform a cartwheel, listing three key safety points.
- 1.Step 1: Start in a lunge position with your dominant foot forward, arms extended overhead.
- 2.Step 2: Place your hands on the floor one at a time, kicking your back leg up and over, keeping your body in a straight line.
- 3.Step 3: Land on the opposite foot, then bring the other foot down, finishing in a lunge with arms raised.
- 4.Step 4: Safety points: (1) Ensure a clear space with no obstacles, (2) Keep your arms straight and fingers pointed forward, (3) Engage your core to maintain control and avoid arching your back.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for RSL AWARDS LTD Graded Examination in AcroDance: Grade 1
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic dance experience, such as a beginner ballet or jazz class, is helpful but not required.
- •A basic level of physical fitness and coordination.
- •An understanding of simple dance terminology, such as plié and tendu, is beneficial.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic acrobatic terminology• perform basic movement sequences showing an awareness of technique in AcroDance• demonstrate a basic understanding of placement, coordination, alignment, and control in thetechnical skills• demonstrate a bridge with weight centered between hands and feet• show handstands with a basic understanding of stacking and posture• demonstrate a basic awareness of performance, confidence, and poise
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