Getting qualified in Intl. Latin Medals - should I do it?

[Twilight_Elena]

Have been thinking about this. Getting qualified in Bronze, Silver and Gold Intl. Latin would certainly be useful, no? Teaching is the first thing that comes to mind (you never know how things might turn out, it's good to have qualified skills, etc.). On the other hand, I'm not turning Pro any time soon.
On the other other hand, wouldn't it be incredibly useful if I actually knew the syllabus I'm competing in? True, collegiate competitions are basically Open after Bronze-Silver (I believe that from Intermediate and on it's not syllabus restricted any more)...
And if I should take them after all, how would I go about doing it? Find a school? Find a coach? Take group lessons? Up to a level (basically the whole Bronze and maybe some of the Silver) I'm technically adequate and therefore only need to learn steps and names. I don't even know how you get officially qualified here (London!). Have only taken my franchise qualifications before, and let's face it. Franchise. Oh, and do I need to do both lead and follow?
Thoughts! Help!

T_E

[danceronice]

Well, I downloaded the ISTD exam manual, and the medal tests are certainly less intimidating than the professional certification exams (which are downright terrifying). I am very tempted myself, though it'll be a while before I'm even ready to think about Bronze in any division. What I plan to do is talk to my pros--I figure they'd know how it works and what I'd need to prepare. If you don't have a teaching pro currently, I'd find one who's certified (ie has taken tests him- or herself), explain what you want to do, and ask how to go about it.

[Twilight_Elena]

I could ask the team coaches, they're a knowledgeable bunch and really awesome dancers and teachers. :D Where can I find the ISTD manual?

[tangotime]

maybe a bit of confusion-- medal tests are usually assoc. with student levels of achievment - there are proficiency tests for pro,s--- however-- I think you may mean Prof. exams as in Assoc. level ,etc.

Much of the work , you can do by your self ( thru Rev . techn. book ). This deals with the 3 levels of exams for Prof,s.
Essentially, a" memory " test , of mens and ladies steps , in the first level.

It also requires a " good " dance level, for exam purposes, in lead and follow.

Lastly, there are separate exams ,for Standard and Latin .You would have several choices of Soc. from which to choose . IDTA, UKA, ISTD, etc.for e.g.

[danceronice]

I got it from www.usistd.org (http://www.usistd.org)

ETA: ISTD offers both the medal tests and the professional certification (and tests that amateurs can take that parallel the pros, but doesn't require them to register as pros) so it's all in the same manual. I've been told that ISTD is in general the best one to use--ie most universaly recognized.

[tangotime]

I got it from www.usistd.org (http://www.usistd.org)



I've been told that ISTD is in general the best one to use--ie most universaly recognized.



Not entirely true-- the IDTA, has as much world wide participation, than most realise . Formed from the IDMA and the NATD .

The oldest UK Soc.--BADT incorp. in 1892 ( 12yrs before the ISTD )

The reason the Imperial gets the " press " , it got its foot in the American " door ", before any of the other Eng. soc.

All of the major English Soc. carry equal status.

( The preferences, also had a lot to do, with N. and S. rivalries in the UK )

[Twilight_Elena]

I see... I thought it worked like my franchise; you could get your lady qualifications (as an amateur) and then if you wanted to get the pro ones you would supplement it with the lead steps plus detailed knowledge of syllabus counting etc.

[tangotime]

Franchise qualif., do not have consideration ( other than in your franch. ) in the World marketplace .( the parent org. has representation, usually , as a member body , only )

[Twilight_Elena]

I know. Didn't expect them to be worth anything since they're "studio" syllabus. But I sort of thought I could get my professional qualifications just in case I need to teach at some point. I read the rules quickly and it seems I can only get the student teacher one without actually teaching. The others require actively teaching. Am I right?

[tangotime]

You may take the exams-- and never teach-- The word prof, has a double meaning in dance.
1-- To compete at prof. level ( not accepting any financial rewards ) Bank managers, used to fall into this category, should it arise .

2--- To qualify-- and receive income , from same.

There have been numerous Prof., who never gave a lesson in their lives . ( Quite common on the female side of partnerships ) .

[Twilight_Elena]

Huh. The ISTD site said otherwise: http://www.usistd.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=43

[tangotime]

Exams , as in medal proficiency .