Words of wisdom on ISTD exams?

[pygmalion]

Hi folks.

I'm getting ready for my first-ever ISTD exam next week
(full bronze student-level), and I would appreciate input
from any of you that have been through the process.

Any words of wisdom on how/what I should do to prepare?
At the moment, I'm practicing footwork drills for smooth,
spin and turn drills, and specific choreography. Am I missing
anything important?

Thanks for the help. :)

[DanceMentor]

Be ready to expalin:
Time Signature, Hold; Counting in Rhythm; Counting in Beats; Counting in Beats and Bars; Positions of Feet; Alignment and Direction; Amount of Turn; Rise and Fall; Footwork; Sway; C.B.M.; Description of Forward and Backward Walks; give descriptions of the Heel Pulls and a Heel Turn.

For a given figure, be ready to explain the above.

For a given figure, be ready to give at least 2 precedes and 2 follows.

Hope this helps. :)

[SDsalsaguy]

Ummm...unless I'm wrong, at the full bronze student level, no such explanations are required – that sounds more like the instructors examination. Best I know a demonstration of syllabus patterns is all that's required in a student exam.

As far as the exam itself make sure your crystal clear on alignments, directions, amount of rotation, etc., (as DanceMentor notes) – precision and technique are the name of the game.

[pygmalion]

Thanks for the input, guys. The way I see it, regardless of the outcome, this is a great way for me to get some input and feedback on the level of my dancing. Of course, I'm going to study and practice like crazy til next week.

And from the sound of things, it looks like I can be ready by then.

Wish me luck.

[SDsalsaguy]

Good Luck!

[Vince A]

Be ready to expalin:
Time Signature, Hold; Counting in Rhythm; Counting in Beats; Counting in Beats and Bars; Positions of Feet; Alignment and Direction; Amount of Turn; Rise and Fall; Footwork; Sway; C.B.M.; Description of Forward and Backward Walks; give descriptions of the Heel Pulls and a Heel Turn.

For a given figure, be ready to explain the above.

For a given figure, be ready to give at least 2 precedes and 2 follows.

Hope this helps. :)
DanceMentor,
Why not do a weekly or bi-weekly article on going over the ones you mentioned . . . one-by-one???

I know and do most of these, but may not be able to clearly expalin them.

Do a poll . . . find out who/how many are interested???

[MissAlyssa]

Good Luck!

DITTO!!!

[pygmalion]

JUst finished my ISTD exam. What a blast. I had heard that the examiner is really tough, and I'm sure she didn't miss a trick, but overall, everything went very well.

I'm quite confident that I, and the other couple girls from my studio, passed the exam.

I took two exams -- American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Basically, it's just like a studio freestyle exam -- the student dances most of the figures from the syllabus at whatever level they're taking the test, and gets an overall score based on the demonstration of technique. Then, after the exam, if you pass, you get a certificate, a medal, and a written critique.

Wow! What a great feeling. I highly recommend it.

I'm going to go drink a bottle of champagne. :lol:

Check ya later.

[Holiday]

how does one obtain a copy of this dance move list/ syllabus?

[SDsalsaguy]

how does one obtain a copy of this dance move list/ syllabus?

You can find them at www.usistd.org

[pygmalion]

By the way, for those who are interested in maybe taking these exams, here's a little more information. Bear in mind that I was in a nervous fog the day of the exam, so there may be a few holes in my memory.

I took American Style Smooth and Rhythm, but you can also take International Style Standard and Latin. Each of these exams requires that you demonstrate two dances.

You can also take a single dance test, if you wish.

The levels are dance achievement ,pre-bronze, bronze, silver, gold, gold star, and I think there's a higher category, but I don't remember what it's called.

The student exams require only dancing the figures. From what I understand, the professional teachers' exam has a pretty stringent theory requirement, as well. Check out DanceMentor's post earlier in this thread for an idea, if you're interested in the pro exam.

[MissAlyssa]

Yea, us teachers have to do EVERYTHING lol. I'm practicing to get "bronzed".

[pygmalion]

Good luck with your exam, MissAlyssa.

I've heard from my coach that the teachers exam is definitely a test to take seriously. I don't know how much detail is required, but my coach can quote the dance manuals verbatim -- ( e.g. next step taken with the right foot -- side and slightly back) for every pattern, both male and female parts. It's amazing.

[MissAlyssa]

wow...does she have any other hobbies...? :lol: just kidding. 8)

[pygmalion]

Actually my coach is a very well-rounded person with lots of interests. He's just obsessed with excellence, which is a good thing for a coach. And while verbatim probably isn't required, it does look like you have to have some really in-depth knowledge of the syllabus to have any hope of passing the test.

And man, oh man, the examiner knew what she was looking at. Brutal.

[MissAlyssa]

I wish I could remember the steps verbatim.. :?

[pygmalion]

I'm sure you'll do great! :D

[pygmalion]

Get this, MissAlyssa.

I asked my coach about this today. He had some teacher exams administered at his studio last Saturday. The exams lasted two hours each! Aaarrgh! :shock:

[SDsalsaguy]

Just for clarification: ISTD exams can be taken in single dances, paired dances, or a style (i.e. five dances for Latin, Rhythm, or Ballroom, and four dances for Smooth). Also, unless I miss my guess, MissAlyssa will be taking the FADS exam, not the ISTD exam.

[pygmalion]

Got my results for ISTD student exams. Commended in smooth, and honors in rhythm. And some very good feedback. Exactly what I wanted and expected. :D

BTW, after asking a few questions, I found out that the FADS exam, while good, is considerably less challenging than ISTD. The bronze exam demands a demonstration of all the figures, lead and follow part, for ten dances, plus some (not too in-depth) technique.

The FADS dance diploma is much more in-depth (a four-hour exam), and the dance director exam is a written, in-depth theory exam.

[pygmalion]

Honestly. This is my last "exams" post. Until next year, when I go for silver . :lol:

From what I've heard about FADS exams, a lot depends on the examiner, who can make it difficult or not for you. It pays to find out in advance who your examiner is going to be.


Jenn

[yoyao]

I am sorry, what is ISTD stand for. u sure it is not STD? :? just kidding

[SDsalsaguy]

I am sorry, what is ISTD stand for.
ISTD = Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance

[yoyao]

so if you pass the test, you are allowed to be a teacher?

[SDsalsaguy]

Depends on if you take the teachers test or the student test...

[pygmalion]

Just a note. Certification isn't required to become a teacher. A lot of people start teaching, and get certified much later.

It looks like a lot of the teachers here go after certifications when they decide to open a business as an independent instructor. It gives them a more effective dance "resume", which can attract students. If you want credibility as a teacher, though, the teacher exam is the only way to go.

[SDsalsaguy]

Just a note. Certification isn't required to become a teacher. A lot of people start teaching, and get certified much later.
Yep...and that's a BIG problem! People get "counted" as Pros because they're being paid -- not because they have information about dance or know how to teach dancing. :shock: :x :cry:

[MissAlyssa]

Just a note. Certification isn't required to become a teacher. A lot of people start teaching, and get certified much later.
Yep...and that's a BIG problem! People get "counted" as Pros because they're being paid -- not because they have information about dance or know how to teach dancing. :shock: :x :cry:

Well I don't know about being counted as a 'pro' if they are getting paid...but I know you are considered a professional dancer if you have competed. FYI, (I can't speak for any other studio besides FADS) instructors ARE required to pass a basic exam consisting of 3-4 elements in 5-6 of the commonly asked for dances to even BEGIN to teach. We aren't required to pass out of bronze to become a teacher but we do have to 'check out' of what is called the 'social foundation program'.

[MissAlyssa]

Oh yea I forgot to post what I came here to post LOL.

I just found out today that there will be 1-5 bronze checkout in two weeks. I know who the person giving the test is. Miss Linda Dean (some of you may know who she is "living legend"). I started practicing today and boy THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN. We have to check out of 5 patterns, men and women's parts, with counts in 13 dances. EC, WCS, Merenge, Mambo, Bolero, Paso Double, Tango, Fox Trot, Waltz, Vienesse Waltz, Samba, Rumba, and Cha Cha. Whew! :shock:

[SDsalsaguy]

Well I don't know about being counted as a 'pro' if they are getting paid...but I know you are considered a professional dancer if you have competed. FYI, (I can't speak for any other studio besides FADS) instructors ARE required to pass a basic exam consisting of 3-4 elements in 5-6 of the commonly asked for dances to even BEGIN to teach. We aren't required to pass out of bronze to become a teacher but we do have to 'check out' of what is called the 'social foundation program'.
FYI, according to the NDCA (National Dance Council of America) anyone who teaches for money is no longer an amateur.

The only exceptions to this are the top six couples in the International styles at the NDCA sponsored National Championships. These competitors are granted "World Competitor" status and are allowed to teach, under supervision, in order to be more competitive with other world competitors who are able to teach for money (except for in the U.K.).

[pygmalion]

Hey Alyssa,

I'll ask around and see if I can get the scoop on Linda Dean. My coach got coaching from her in the past. From what I hear, Rufus Dustin is the toughest. :D

Jenn

[pygmalion]

This should be coming up for you pretty soon. How's the prep going? :D

[pygmalion]

Okay, so it wasn't my last post, not by a long shot! :lol:

ISTD actually publishes quite a good question and answer page (http://www.usistd.org/exams/questions_and_answers/index.cfm) on exams: how to prepare, how they're administered, costs, what to do if you fail. The whole nine yards.

[MissAlyssa]

cool thanks! I don't think I am going to be prepared for this next exam. I have been too busy to practice for it and almost my whole studio is going to be out of town next week (leaving me and 2 other instructors to teach all the lessons) so I won't have the time :(

[pygmalion]

It probably is best to make sure you wait and take the test when you're fully prepared. Good luck for next time, then, Missalyssa. :D

[pygmalion]

I just discovered this today, while reading through the ISTD exam FAQ sheet. You have several options for taking ISTD exams -- the students exam, the professional exam, the student exam as the oppostie gender, and the amateur proficiency exam.

The student exam requires demonstrating figures in two dances from bronze, three dances for silver and above, and all you have to do is dance the steps with your teacher.

The professional exam and amateur proficiency exam are the same test, and require demonstration of both lead and follow for all figures, knowing alignments, proceeds and follows, etc. The only difference is that, if you take the amateur proficiency exam, you don't have to change your designation from am to pro. Oh yeah, and it's a fairly expensive exam from what I hear. The professional exams are about two hours each, and you have to know your stuff.

The student exams are a few minutes only, and they're very inexpensive.

Hmm. The goal setting side of my brain is actively engaged. :lol: 8)

[tiadancer]

Where I am from, what you just took is called a Medals Exam. If you score above a certain number you get a medal (a little pin you can put on your shoe bag or something). The professional exams are extremely in-depth. I took two semesters (one for latin and one for standard) on the theory books that are used in those exams. They are very in depth, but it was amazing how it helped me dance my part when I knew exactly what and why my partner was supposed to be doing. I highly recommend getting a hold of these books and using them for study.

[pygmalion]

Yep. Got the pins on my favorite shoe bag. 8)

[tiadancer]

Because I was a Dance Major in college, my school bag was just a huge shoe bag (with lots of clothes in it) and I always had my medals pins on it. :) Cute huh?

[pygmalion]

Yeah. Cool. :D Did you go for the student member exams -- the ones that are in-depth like the pro exams, but leave you classified as a amateur? If so, how ere they? What I've heard is that they're hideously gruelling, if you're not well-prepared. But, if you're prepared, they're okay.

That's a long term goal of mine. 8)

[tiadancer]

I took all of my medals exams for latin, standard and american from Bronze to Gold, but didn't take my professional exam. I thought about it a lot and studied the books a lot but after talking to the President of NDCA (he was my instructor in the classes) he explained that more and more professionals are choosing not to take them and let their rankings speak for themselves. It was interesting to think that it is so true, someone can know the books inside and out and still be a crappy dancer. I don't ever plan to be a professional judge or to even compete professionally, I just teach children ballroom dance now, so I am classified as a professional. He told me of the current #2 ranked professional standard couple who have not taken their exams, but know the books so well it is insane. I still think about taking them each time I see them on my bookshelf, but who knows.

[pygmalion]

Hmm. I started to say, why not take them if you're already prepared? That way you wouldn't have to cram all that info back into your head later, if you change your mind.

But then I remembered, the professional exams are pretty expensive, especially when you add in travel costs, aren't they? :?

Eh. I guess it's like you said. It depends on what you plan to use the test results for. :?

[tiadancer]

Well, in my area there is a lot of interest. There is one professional where I attended college that will train a group (no larger than five people) for six months in preparation for the exam. Then rather than paying for all five of you to fly to a location to take the exam, you all pay for the examiner to come to you, that way it is one airfare, one hotel stay, etc. She said it works out really nicely. But, from what I understand, the cost isn't that great to take the exam, but more in the cost of paying the professional to train you for six months prior.

[pygmalion]

Ah. 8) Good luck, whatever you decide. :D

I'll have to start another thread someday soon about teaching ballroom to kiddies. I find that intriguing, especially since you're in the US, where it's not as common as overseas. Pretty cool. 8)