15 October 2026
Class Examinations are helping more students experience the benefits of assessment in a supportive, familiar environment. Offering flexibility for teachers and dance schools, they provide an accessible pathway for students of all ages and abilities to develop confidence, performance skills and a sense of achievement.
For Samantha Murphy, head of Slaneyside School of Dancing in Ireland, Class Examinations were the ideal solution for her Grade 1 Tap students. With a long summer break ahead, she wanted to provide students with an opportunity to progress before the end of the academic year.
"We didn't want the students to lose momentum with the work," Samantha explains. "They weren't quite ready for the full exam so this gave a fantastic alternative, allowing them to progress still. Instead they now start the new academic year a Grade up!"
At Vikki Flynn's Vitality Dance Academy, also in Ireland, students recently took Class Examinations across Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance. For many of the younger students, it was their first dance examination and, in some cases, their first formal assessment of any kind. Meanwhile, older students who had started dancing later in life were able to access a dance qualification without the additional pressure of graded examinations.
Some of Vikki Flynn's Modern Theatre students practicing for their Class Exam
A positive goal
Both teachers found that preparing for the examinations gave students a clear focus and sense of purpose.
Samantha's students enjoyed working towards the assessment and appreciated the opportunity to come together with dancers from different branches of the school. Meanwhile, Vikki noticed confidence growing week by week as students prepared for their examinations. Parents were invited to observe practice sessions, helping them support their children at home and become invested in the process.
"When it came to the exam day the students were all very excited," says Vikki. "Our Primary Modern students asked if it was the real exam day yet and afterwards said, 'That was so much fun, when is our next exam?''
Developing skills and self-belief
One of the most significant benefits both teachers observed was an increase in confidence and performance skills.
Samantha found that the Class Examination format gave students the opportunity to perform their work in front of an examiner, helping them develop presentation and performance skills in a supportive setting.
"Participating in the Class Exam really helped my students to develop their performance skills," she says. "They loved having the opportunity to perform their work in front of someone."
The flexibility of the format also allows students to be assessed as part of a group, creating opportunities to perform existing routines and celebrate achievements together.
For Vikki, the benefits extended beyond performance. She has seen students gain self-esteem, improve technically and become even more engaged in their dance training. Some have gone on to take graded examinations, while others have expanded their dance experience by taking additional genres.
"Our students who take dance exams gain an incredible amount of confidence and self-esteem. Their joy of dance increases, while their technical ability develops as they gain a better understanding of how to practise and improve."
The value of a familiar environment
A key feature of Class Examinations is that students are assessed in their usual class setting, with their teacher present throughout.
For Samantha's Grade 1 Tap students, many of whom were taking their first dance examination, this familiar environment played an important role in helping them feel confident and relaxed. Vikki told us:
"Having me in the room with them helped put them at ease and they danced with confidence and self-assurance, and their marks reflected this!"
Samantha Murphy's students receieving their certificates
Vikki has found the same approach especially beneficial for younger dancers and students who may not yet feel ready to perform alone. Class Examinations create opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable or unwilling to participate in a traditional examination setting.
The feedback from parents and students reinforces this positive experience.
One parent described the examinations as "a great opportunity for the children to work towards a goal in a structured way", adding that having the teacher accompany students helped ease nerves and build confidence. Another parent praised the supportive environment, saying their daughter came away from the experience feeling proud and confident.
Student Alex, who began ballet at age 14, admitted feeling nervous before taking a Level 4 Imperial Classical Ballet Class Examination. However, completing the assessment alongside classmates transformed the experience:
"Doing the exam in a group made it easier for me. I really enjoyed doing the exam in the end. It made me realise exams are not as scary as they are made out to be."
Flexibility for dance schools
Both teachers highlighted the flexibility that Class Examinations offer within a busy dance school calendar.
Samantha found that because the Grade 1 Tap Class Examination syllabus is a shorter version of the full examination, the transition was straightforward and students quickly adapted to the format.
Similarly, Vikki sees value in offering Class Examinations across multiple genres, giving students opportunities to discover the styles that suit them best while providing clear goals in each discipline.
Vikki's ICB student's on the day of their Class Exam
An accessible pathway for more students
For Samantha, one of the greatest strengths of Class Examinations is their accessibility.
"I think the Class Examinations are a fantastic alternative to the traditional exams offered by the ISTD. They allow flexibility within your school's calendar, can help work around shows and competitions, and offer a great alternative for students who may need additional support."
Vikki agrees, noting that Class Examinations have helped address a long-standing challenge for older students who may not be ready for graded work but still want to experience the rewards of working towards an assessment. They can now follow a different pathway within the same class and continue progressing alongside their peers.
By combining flexibility, accessibility and a supportive assessment environment, Class Examinations are helping more students build confidence, celebrate achievement and develop a lifelong love of dance.
