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A fresh approach to learning and celebrating Tap dance

The ISTD is excited to offer Tap Class Examinations, designed to give learners more ways to develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Tap Class Examinations offer students much more than just a certificate - they open doors to personal growth, technical development, and performance excellence. 

Overview 

The Class Examinations have been designed by a dedicated team of ISTD teachers, examiners, and dance professionals to offer a fresh, flexible approach to Tap training. This syllabus supports students in developing their technique while celebrating individuality and musicality in a collaborative setting. 

The goal? To create a streamlined syllabus that helps students: 

  • Nuture artistry and individuality
  • Develop and refine Tap technique 
  • Foster creativity within a group setting 
  • Build confidence and positive social interactions 
  • Stay aligned with leading standards in the dance exam world 

 
 

Why choose Class Examinations? 


Class Examinations provide a flexible, complementary structure alongside traditional graded exams. They allow teachers to: 

  • Teach set exercises from the ISTD syllabus in a way that suits all students, regardless of whether they’re preparing for a class or graded exam 

  • Offer structured goals for after-school clubs or recreational dance classes, while still allowing room for creativity and choreography 

“The class exams provide structure and a clear goal for students, while also giving teachers the freedom to incorporate creative routines. It’s a great way to prepare dancers for the regulated exam world.”

Tap Class Examinations leaflet - An introduction for teachers 


Find out more about Tap Class Examinations and how they could benefit your students and school! 

Download here  

A supportive examination experience 

Class Examinations take place within the familiar class environment, with the teacher leading the session and an examiner observing either in person or remotely.  

Key information

 Duration: 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of candidates and their level

 Assessment Criteria:

  • Technical Skills: poise, posture and weight distribution, clarity of beating, precision of footwork, alignment of arms, timing and  rhythmic Interpretation  
  • Performance Skills: response, recall and engagement, musicality and atmosphere of music, commitment and confidence, expression and enjoyment

Recognition: Candidates receive a report and certificate with attainment levels of either Awarded with Commendation or Awarded.

 

The benefits of submitting students to Class Examinations 

1. Flexible, non-regulated structure

Class Examinations for Grades 1 to 6 provide an alternative to traditional graded exams, allowing students to participate in a non-regulated assessment within the comfort of their own studios.

2. Technical and artistic development

Class Exams help students build both technical and artistic skills, with a focus on safe dance practice. Each level prepares students with the foundational steps and techniques they’ll need to progress to higher levels.

3. Seamless integration with Graded Syllabus

Class Exams and graded syllabus work feature the same exercises, enabling teachers to deliver both in the same class. This allows Class Exams to function as a stand-alone training programme or as part of a broader pathway to regulated exams.

4. Supporting progression

Class Exams provide a structured yet flexible approach to training, offering students clear progression while maintaining the freedom to explore their creativity and build confidence.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about booking a Class Examination, the exam process, Tap dance Specification and how it can help your students Step Up to Success.

Login to QUEST  Read the Tap Dance Specification