Student Medals Training
Ballroom Dance Medals at DanceWell PDX
Ballroom dance medals are a fun way to set goals, learn faster and show off your progress! You can train in private lessons or in a group, at our studios in Portland and Aloha/Beaverton.
What is a Medals Program?
A Medals Program is a fun and exciting way to become an excellent dancer. You can train two ways, or mix both:
Private lessons: you and your teacher plan a series of goals just for you. You decide how fast to go and which dances to focus on.
Student Medals routine classes: learn a complete routine to music in a small group, using the figures from your medal level. It’s relaxed and fun, with no pressure. Finish the routine and you earn a certificate! (Right now we’re dancing a Silver routine.)
Either way, you’ll be amazed at how your dancing, poise and confidence improve. Experts agree a structured medal program is one of the best ways to become an extraordinary dancer.
Want to go further? You can also take a formal medal exam.
Once or twice each year we will schedule formal Medal exams. You will perform your routines with your instructor or partner. The examiner will grade your dancing and give you written feedback on the routines.
Exams are a real opportunity for you! Students can work for months and months, with little public recognition of their progress. During Medal exams, you can invite your friend and family to watch you dance, to give you moral support and to cheer you on.
Best of all, you’ll have the confidence to dance at a new skill level with anyone on the dance floor!
American Style Smooth and Rhythm Training
SMOOTH: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
RHYTHM: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing
The Bronze I Test
At least 2 dances and up to 6 dances
Students may choose from any of the 12 dances listed above. Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing /Rhythm, Footwork and Continuity **
The Bronze II Test
At least 4 dances and up to 8 dances.
Students may choose from any of the 12 dances listed above and may dance a combination of Rhythm and Smooth. Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, Continuity, and Lead/Follow.
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level
The Bronze III and Full Bronze Tests; Silver I, II, III and Full Silver Tests; Intermediate and Full Gold Tests
dances (one style, either Smooth or Rhythm).
Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from the level being tested with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, continuity, Lead/Follow, Characteristic Style and the essential elements (poise, balance, control and body contact).
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous levels**
International Standard & Latin Training
STANDARD: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep
LATIN: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive
The Preliminary Bronze 1 Test
(Standard Only) at least 2 dances and up to 5 dances.
Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork and Continuity. **
The Intermediate Bronze Test
At least 4 dances and up to 8 dances. May be taken from either Standard or Latin.
Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from this level with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, Continuity, and Lead/Follow.
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level **
The Bronze III and Full Bronze Tests; Silver I, II, III and Full Silver Tests; Intermediate and Full Gold Tests
At least 4 dances (one style, either Smooth or Rhythm).
Students should be able to perform in partnership with their dance instructor, to the satisfaction of the examiner, the figures from the level being tested with the appropriate Timing/Rhythm, Footwork, continuity, Lead/Follow, Characteristic Style and the essential elements (poise, balance, control and body contact).
The expectancy at this level will be higher than the previous level **
FAQs
Your dance instructor will help you decide which level you should start with. An excellent goal would be to take your exams in all the dances. This program has great flexibility so you can take the exams at your own pace, deciding how many dances you would like to test in at one time.
Also, you may take as many exams as you would like within a level to either (a) cover all the dances, or (b) improve your scores.
You will receive a Certificate of Achievement listing the dances you were tested in by a Nationally Accredited Ballroom Dance Institution.
Each candidate’s preparation time will be different. It will depend on your experience, your dance instructor/coach, how quickly you are able to master the steps and how much time you are able to dedicate to practice.
Candidates should be well-groomed and wearing appropriate clothing (your dance instructor will advise you). You should wear clean and well-fitting ballroom dance shoes.
Ladies may wear slacks. If you choose to wear a skirt or dress, please be certain the length is such that the examiner may clearly see your legs and feet. A good general rule is no longer than a few inches below the knee.
“The Student Medal Exam Program” is designed for you to dance with your dance instructor, so that your have the best chance of performing well on your exam. It is permissible, however, for you to dance with another student if you feel confident that they will support you in dancing your best.
See your studio director for pricing information.
Are you worried that you don’t have a partner to practice with? You can dance with your instructor. Then, get ready to handle all those phone calls from would-be partners as they watch you Improve.
