Ballet Exams - what to expect
Cecchetti Ballet Australia exams are held every year but not every student is ready. Each student is unique and developes at their own rate. If a student is interested in doing an exam then respect for the culture of classical ballet is expected in how one attends and performs in the exam.
A ballet exam is a moment when the student demonstrates to an examiner the Cecchetti work to the best of their ability. Students need to know the work before I will consider them for an exam. A ballet exam is unique in the fact that one exercise runs after the other in a particular order. No corrections are given. There is a theory component in the exam that the students are expected to know. Parent’s help in learning this is invaluable.
A student is expected to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the scheduled time of their exam. This allows for warming up or even terrible traffic conditions. The exam does not wait for late arrivals. You are not let into the exam once it has started.
The students hair should be slickly hairsprayed back into a classical bun in line with eyes. No braids. A hairnet used to keep wispy bits tidy in the bun. Fringes are to be pinned back. A classical bun should be as flat as possible against the head and should not look like a top knot.
Attire - The leotard should be clean and must be devoid of stains and dirt. The tights should be clean and must be devoid of dirt, holes or ladders. Not too big as to bag and wrinkle but neither too small. The shoes should be clean. If too much paint has come off them then consider repainting them 2 days prior so the paint can dry. If the shoes have ribbons, they should be clean. I myself use to clean mine with soap and a nail brush.
On the day, the students will be given a number to put on their leotard before entering the exam.
The students are expected to be on their best behaviour in the exam.
No, parents do not get to watch.
The teacher only goes in with Pre-Primary, Primary and Grade 1. Otherwise the students are in the exam with just the pianist and the examiner.
The student will receive a report after the exam session has finished. This report is divided into 8 sections, some relating to technique and some relating to presentation, musicality, theory and the dance. The grading is: Pass not Awarded, Pass, Credit, Commended, Highly Commended Distinction and High Distinction in the Grade exams (Honours in the Majors) . Then a few months later, the student will also receive a certificate from Cecchetti Ballet Australia.