Graded Examination in Tap Dance: Grade 6 — RSL Awards Ltd Vocationally-Related Qualification Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    The Grade 6 Graded Examination in Tap Dance assesses candidates on their ability to perform advanced, complex movement sequences with a secure command of t

    Topic Synopsis

    The Grade 6 Graded Examination in Tap Dance assesses candidates on their ability to perform advanced, complex movement sequences with a secure command of technique, precise musicality, and assured performance quality. This level demands mastery of intricate tap steps, syncopated rhythms, and stylistic expression, demonstrating readiness for professional or higher-level study.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in Tap Dance: Grade 6

    RSL AWARDS LTD
    vocational

    The Grade 6 Graded Examination in Tap Dance assesses candidates on their ability to perform advanced, complex movement sequences with a secure command of technique, precise musicality, and assured performance quality. This level demands mastery of intricate tap steps, syncopated rhythms, and stylistic expression, demonstrating readiness for professional or higher-level study.

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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

    RSL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Dance - Grade 6

    Topic Overview

    The RSL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Dance – Grade 6 is an advanced-level qualification designed for students who have already achieved a solid foundation in dance technique and performance. This grade focuses on refining technical precision, expressive quality, and stylistic versatility across multiple dance genres, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of physical control, musicality, and the ability to interpret choreography with artistic intent. The examination comprises a set technical syllabus, a free-choice performance piece, and a written or oral component that explores choreographic principles and dance analysis.

    This qualification is part of the RSL Awards Ltd Performing Arts Graded Examination suite, which is widely recognised by UCAS for tariff points and by dance schools and universities as evidence of advanced dance proficiency. Grade 6 serves as a stepping stone to higher-level study, such as Grade 7 and 8, or vocational training. It also develops transferable skills like discipline, creativity, and critical thinking, which are valuable in both dance and broader academic or professional contexts. Mastery of Grade 6 content demonstrates readiness for pre-professional training and can enhance a student's portfolio for further education or career pathways in the performing arts.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Technical precision: Executing movements with correct alignment, turnout, footwork, and control, particularly in complex sequences like pirouettes, grand jetés, and rapid footwork in tap.
    • →Musicality and phrasing: Dancing in sync with the music, accenting beats, and using dynamics to enhance performance. This includes understanding time signatures, syncopation, and how to interpret different musical styles.
    • →Performance quality: Conveying emotion, character, and narrative through facial expression, body language, and spatial awareness. This involves engaging the audience and maintaining focus throughout the piece.
    • →Choreographic devices: Using tools such as motif development, contrast, canon, and unison to create or interpret dance. Students must be able to analyse how these devices affect the overall piece.
    • →Safe dance practice: Applying principles like warm-up, cool-down, alignment, and injury prevention. This includes understanding the body's limitations and using proper technique to avoid strain.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to perform complex movement sequences showing an understanding, and secure use of technique in Tap Dance, Be able to perform complex movement sequences showing an understanding of musicality in Tap Dance, Be able to present an assured performance in Tap Dance

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating accurate and clean execution of complex step sequences (e.g., wings, double pullbacks, cramp rolls with turns, intricate time step variations) with distinct floor beats.
    • Credit the ability to maintain rhythmic integrity and precise timing while navigating syncopated patterns and tempo changes, showing a strong internal pulse.
    • Recognize expressive use of dynamics, phrasing, and tonal variation to interpret the music and convey musicality through the tap sounds.
    • Expect a confident stage presence, with appropriate use of gesture, facial expression, and body alignment to enhance the performance narrative and engage the audience.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice with a metronome to internalize complex rhythms, then rehearse with varied tempos to ensure flexibility and control.
    • 💡Record your practice to self-assess cleanliness of sound and technical precision; video analysis helps identify subtle flaws in footwork and alignment.
    • 💡Focus on character and storytelling—choose clear dynamic contrasts and facial expressions that match the music’s mood to elevate your performance.
    • 💡Ensure secure memorization of all sequences to allow full performance energy; any hesitation undermines the assured quality expected at this level.
    • 💡Focus on transitions: Many students nail the 'big' moves but lose marks during the transitions between steps. Practice linking movements smoothly, maintaining energy and intention even in simple walks or pauses. This shows maturity and control.
    • 💡Use your face and eyes: Performance quality is a key marking criterion. Make deliberate eye contact with the examiner (or an imaginary audience) and let your facial expressions reflect the mood of the piece. A blank face can make even the best technique seem flat.
    • 💡Know your music inside out: Count the music in different ways (e.g., by 8s, by phrases) and practice dancing to a recording without the teacher's cues. Being able to stay on time independently demonstrates strong musicality and preparation.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Students often sacrifice clarity of sound for speed, especially in fast combinations, resulting in muddy or indistinct beats.
    • A common error is incomplete articulation of steps such as brushes, flaps, or shuffles, leading to weak or missing sounds.
    • Misunderstanding the musical structure can cause rushed entries or delayed accents when performing off-beat or syncopated rhythms.
    • Lack of dynamic contrast makes the performance monotonous, failing to demonstrate sensitivity to musical phrasing and style.
    • Misconception: 'Grade 6 is just about learning harder steps.' Correction: While technical difficulty increases, the exam equally emphasises performance quality, musicality, and choreographic understanding. A technically perfect but emotionless performance will not achieve high marks.
    • Misconception: 'You don't need to know the theory behind the dance.' Correction: The written/oral component requires students to explain choreographic choices, analyse their own performance, and discuss stylistic influences. Ignoring this can lead to a lower overall grade.
    • Misconception: 'If you can do the moves, you'll pass easily.' Correction: Examiners look for consistency, control, and clarity. Rushing through sequences or sacrificing alignment for speed can result in deductions. Precision and attention to detail are critical.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Successful completion of RSL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Dance – Grade 5 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended, as Grade 6 builds on the technical and performance skills developed at that level.
    • •A solid understanding of basic dance terminology and anatomy (e.g., plié, tendu, turnout, core engagement) is assumed. Students should be comfortable with simple choreographic tasks and have experience performing in front of an audience.
    • •Familiarity with at least two dance genres (e.g., ballet and jazz) is beneficial, as Grade 6 often requires stylistic versatility and the ability to switch between genres within the same exam.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to perform complex movement sequences showing an understanding, and secure use of technique in Tap Dance, Be able to perform complex movement sequences showing an understanding of musicality in Tap Dance, Be able to present an assured performance in Tap Dance

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