The United Teachers of Dance (UTD) is a Validated Awarding Organisation with the Board of Dance Qualifications and Training, offering graded, vocational and diploma examinations in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.
I-PATH (International Performing Arts & Theatre) is one of the fastest growing Performing Arts examination boards internationally. It is accredited by RSL Awards and offers Ofqual regulated graded examinations and vocational examinations. I-PATH has schools throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, North America and Africa. They provide teachers with the training to deliver their syllabi and programmes of studies in many dance disciplines, singing, acting, musical theatre and public speaking.
The organisation is led by world leading practitioners, performers and teachers who have come together to create incredible syllabi, programmes of studies and teaching resources fit for the 21st Century performing arts students.
Achievement Awards
Celebrate progress without the pressure !
I-PATH Achievement Awards – are a fun, flexible way to recognise every student’s performance journey – whether in dance, drama, music, or beyond. With no strict syllabus, teachers can follow our suggested framework or create their own. Awards can be assessed in person, via live Zoom, or recorded video, and are perfect for annual shows, festivals, or everyday class performances. Every student receives a certificate, personalised report, and a meaningful award.
Graded Achievement Awards
A supportive step into syllabus work.
Designed for students not yet ready for full graded exams, I-PATH’s Graded Achievement Awards offer a gentle introduction to syllabus content. Students perform selected exercises as a group with teacher support. Flexible assessment options (F2F, LVE, or RVE) make these awards accessible for all learners – including those with additional needs or limited class time. Every participant receives a certificate, personalised report, and an award.
Medal Tests
Medal Tests are more informal performance assessments. Dancers usually perform solo, with one or two dances (sometimes with a partner or in a small group) to show what they’ve been learning. The focus is on presentation, confidence, and enjoyment, rather than strict technique. Every dancer receives a medal or certificate, and it’s a lovely way to build confidence and celebrate progress.
Ballet Exams
A formal Assessment
A ballet exam is a formal assessment of a dancer’s technical skill and artistic expression, evaluated by an external examiner against a specific syllabus. Exams are taken at various levels, from beginner grades to vocational levels for aspiring professionals, and assess a student’s progress in areas like technique, musicality, and performance. The format can range from group work for younger dancers to solo performances for advanced levels, with results providing feedback and a certificate upon completion.
Key aspects of a ballet exam:
- Syllabus-based: Dancers are tested on a curriculum that has been practiced for several months with their teacher.
- Assessment criteria: Exams evaluate technical precision, accuracy in following counts and choreography, musical interpretation, and artistic expression.
- Progression: Exams are tiered, starting with younger grades (e.g., Pre-Primary, Primary, Grades 1-8) and progressing to more difficult vocational exams for advanced students considering a professional career.
- Format:
- Lower grades: Often taken in groups of 3-4 dancers, sometimes with the teacher present for the youngest levels.
- Higher grades: May be performed in smaller groups or as a solo, depending on the exam type
Examinations/Medal Tests/Performance Awards give the opportunity to have a child’s progress evaluated by an independent governing body to ensure the highest standards of teaching are maintained.