So if you have been dancing for some time, you might be ready to take your dancing to the next level. You want a challenge but aren’t looking for the competition atmosphere. Have you ever heard of a Medal Test? This might be the right challenge for you. Your dancing progress gets critiqued by and independent source other than your teacher. The process assures the highest quality and maintains a standard that will be sure to make you a sort out partner in all environments.
The USISTD and the US Terpsichore Association are the leading organizations in the world that orchestrate the medal testing format. The medal test system enables you to have more fun, learn faster, and become a better dancer. By preparing for a Medal Test, you polish your skills and speed up your progress. You create and accomplish clear goals. Your lessons will take a laser sharp focus. USISTD
In order to begin, you must polish your presentation. The criteria used to score a Medal Test is similar to that used to judge a dance competition, but with an eye towards proper technique more than style and flash. You will be a better dancer having gone through the process than those that have not. USISTD
You will receive valuable feedback from an elite Examiners. Examiners are among the most highly credentialed dance professionals in the world. Their insights into your personal dance strengths and weaknesses will be invaluable when charting the course of your future lessons.
You will measure your progress against the universal standard all over the world. USISTD
The Medal Test program maintains the highest of standards for both amateurs and professionals and is respected worldwide. The Medal Test process assures that you are being taught in accordance with these objective criteria. You will improve your posture, lead and follow, footwork, knowledge of alignments as to maintain smooth transitions, as well as timing. Without these things, the dancing will lack comfortability to your dance partner. It will just not feel right. USISTD
There are no shortcuts in life, students quite often look at the beauty of ballroom dancing and want the glory of partnering someone well, but overlook the hard work involved. Challenging yourself like you would in any other type of sport, whether it be a testing system or game, is a terrific way to set the bar high for yourself. “Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.” Martha Graham “
This is a fun and rewarding experience for kids and adults. This is a good measure of where you are at in each dance and what you need to focus on. You are permitted to watch others take their dance tests, quietly. Nothing written is required. We put on music and show what we know!

Medal Tests & Exams

http://www.usterpsichore.org

Medal Tests are a great way for students to attain their goals and reach a level of achievement. Students perform their syllabus routines in front of an examiner who will score them appropriately and then each student who passes will receive a certificate of achievement and bronze silver or gold medals depending on the level of syllabus that they are demonstrating. If you would like to find out more information about scheduling a medal test for your studio please contact our Secretary Debbie Marolda at (973)276-1170.

USTA recognizes the following syllabus for examinations:

-International Style:
  • ISTD
  • Guy Howard
  • Walter Laird
-American Style:
  • DVIDA
  • ISTD

Dress Code for Your Examination

Make sure to dress professionally. USTA suggests a dress shirt, tie, and dark slacks for male candidates. Ladies should wear a dress or skirt and blouse. Dark dress slacks are also acceptable.

The Examination

The Examination will be divided into two sections.

Practical Demonstration/Dancing Segment
  • During the Practical Demonstration/Dancing Segment the candidate will present each dance with a partner to music. The candidate must be prepared to demonstrate the material as both Man and Lady. Please make sure to have someone available to play the music for this portion of your examination.
  • Along with the prepared material the Examiner may also ask you to demonstrate any amalgamation of figures for a particular dance with or without music.