Medal tests are an opportunity to have your dancing progress evaluated and critiqued by an independent source other than your teacher. You dance for an AIDA certified Examiner, allowing you to measure your progress against a universal and high-quality standard. These syllabi for each dance and level can be found on the AIDA website and in books, DVDs, CDs. These materials are available on the AIDA website. The tests are sequential, so in any given style of dance, you must pass a bronze test before progressing to silver, and so on. Each test is a milestone, which helps move you toward your goal of being a better dancer.
For the medal tests, what do the “levels” mean?
Each dance has a list of recognized figures associated with it, known as the syllabus. The syllabus for each dance is broken into three levels –bronze, silver, and gold figures. The level of difficulty generally increases with each level. At any level, the dancer is not expected to perform all of the figures at that level. In the syllabus, they may dance a few higher-level figures, with the understanding that it will not help their scores, and may hurt their scores if the figures are not well executed.
DA: Dance Achievement – A level available for beginners. A minimum of two basic figures should be danced in each dance.
B: Bronze – Dance primarily bronze figures.
S: Silver – Dance primarily silver figures.
G: Gold – Dance primarily gold figures.
G*1: Gold Star I; G*2: Gold Star 2; and G*3: Gold Star 3 - Once a candidate has completed their syllabus medal tests, they may move on to the Gold Star medal tests, which would include open figures. At all three levels, the first 12-16 bars of music should consist of syllabus figures. That should be followed by open (i.e. non-syllabus) figures. The expectation is that as a dancer advances from Gold Star 1 through Gold Star 3, the open figures would increase in difficulty, and the overall technique would improve. These levels are roughly equivalent to Novice, Pre-Champ, and Championship levels in competitions.
What dances can I choose to dance for the medal tests?
You may choose any dance(s) usually danced with a leader and follower. You may choose from one to eight dances. These will be danced sequentially. The only break will be if you would like to change shoes for different dance styles. In each dance, you must start with Pre-Bronze or Bronze, unless you have already passed those tests. Regardless of gender, you may choose to dance either as a leader or as a follower.
What criteria will I be evaluated on for a medal test?
The criteria used to score a medal test is similar to that used to judge a dance competition, but with an eye towards proper technique more than towards style and flash. Some objective areas which the examiner will consider include the following:
· Posture
· Dance Position
· Lead or Follow
· Footwork
· Musicality and Timing
· Knowledge and use of Syllabus Figures
· Techniques specific to each dance, such as Cuban Motion or Rise & Fall
How long does a dance last for a medal test?
You dance until you are stopped by the Examiner. Typically, this is about 1-2 minutes. However, do not be concerned if it is longer or shorter than that.
During a medal test, how many couples will be on the floor at once?
For medal tests, each couple dances for the Examiner with no one else on the floor.
In medal testing, what is Slow Rhythm dancing and who has to do it?
Good news! While this was formerly required for adults / seniors when completing any International Standard exams, it is no longer a requirement. What WAS it? Adults taking any Standard exam were required to show their ability to dance to 4/4 music in a crowded ballroom, with minimal movement and progression. No formal figures were required, and no attempt was made to adhere to the strict rules of alignment.
Do I need a partner for medal tests?
Yes, but there are several options:
You may dance with your own partner and be judged as a couple
You may dance with your own partner and be judged as an individual, with the Examiner watching and commenting only on your dancing.
Same-sex couples are allowed with one dancing as a leader and one as a follower
Note: There is no testing for solo dancers
Is medal testing only for couples dancing?
While medal testing is primarily for couples, there are opportunities for showcase dances and formation teams, but no solo dancers.
For medal tests, what is a showcase evaluation?
Evaluations are available for individual showcases, and group showcases that do not meet all Formation Team requirements. All pieces must have original choreography, which has been set to a selected piece of music. All participants will receive a report form and a certificate.
For medal tests, what is an evaluation for a Formation Team?
Tests for teams of four to eight couples, in any age division, may be taken from Bronze to Gold Star Levels. Full details of these tests can be found in a separate booklet entitled ‘Formation Dancing and Medal Tests’, which is available through the AIDA website (https://aida.dance.am.)
Will I know what song I will be dancing to for a medal test?
Since it is done in private, you are expected to choose the music for your dance(s). Youth dancers will arrange their music with their instructors in advance.
What do I receive after taking the medal tests, and when do I receive it?
After passing tests in Dance Achievement, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, you will receive an evaluation, a certificate, and a medal. Gold Star dancers also receive an engraved Lucite star. Evaluations are usually provided within days of the test, often at your next meeting with your regular instructor. Certificates, medals and stars must be processed through AIDA and take a bit longer.
What are professional exams?
Professional exams may be taken by advanced students at least 17 years old, particularly if they are interested in teaching. They are much longer and more intensive than medal tests. Candidates must dance figures as both the leader and follower, and answer a series of technical questions.
How should participants dress for the medal tests?
• Girls and women should wear skirts or dresses, being careful not to hide their feet and legs. Dressy pants are acceptable also.
• Boys and men should wear dark slacks, button-down shirt, and a tie. Men may also wear a jacket, or a vest or sweater vest in lieu of a jacket.
• For everyone, dance shoes should be worn. Hair and good grooming are a must.
Who may I contact if I have further questions?
email: AlbanyDanceCamps@gmail.com