Examinations

We believe if something is worth doing it is worth doing properly. Our structured courses incorporate recognised syllabi and the option of entering examinations. Although examinations are not compulsory we believe that most children find exams rewarding and an enjoyable challenge.

Examinations offer the following benefits. They ensure:-

• Training in each genre is thorough, logical, safe and gradually progressive, as decided by leading experts in the field.

• Parents, students and teachers can measure how the student stands in the whole field of dance training.

If hoping to enter a professional dance career gaining Major exams, they:-

• Certify you have gained a technical standard of dancing that, dependant on physical features, increases your potential to do well at auditions for leading professional dance colleges where the practical element is the main focus.

• Offer the possibility in the future of pursuing dance teaching exams to make you versatile and secure of work in the field of dance.

Hannah (Above right) 'I have been at Counterpoint for 9 years and have loved every minute of it and made some amazing friends! I have just gained Distinction for Intermediate ballet and now in addition to my own classes I help as an assistant teacher with the pre school and reception groups. The training I have received is excellent and the balance between show rehearsals and exams is very well organised. '

Jenny (Above left) ' My name is Jennie, I'm 16 years old and a vocational student at Counterpoint. Counterpoint has trained me in all aspects of dance and has helped me realise I want to dance for a living. Miss Sheila encouraged me to audition for the Royal Ballets part time scheme and I got in! I have now just graduated from 2 years as a mid associate from The Royal Ballet School and am studying Advanced ballet at Counterpoint.'

Careers in Dance

There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about the dance world and careers in dance. A career in dance is not for everyone but education about the field and its requirements and opportunities can ensure that students and parents can make an informed decision about whether to dance or not to dance, with an understanding and awareness that will help prevent disapointment. Performing can be perceived an unstable career or alternatively an exciting and varied lifestyle doing something that you love.

Many of our ex students are travelling the world or performing in the UK and having a great experience.

To succeed not only requires the physical and/or academic ability but also the necessary dedication, determination and character. Like all professions, dance in it's practical form has become highly competitive - but even more than that - endless auditions, pressure of maintaining fitness and appearance, being self employed with no steady work, having to travel and long periods 'resting' make dancing more precarious than most. So often students enter dance college thinking only about a 3 year training, an extension of their time at local dance schools. Seldom at this age are they thinking of the lifestyle they will have to lead when leaving college. A motto for a dancer's survival would be 'be prepared!'.

In addition to dance training dancers would be wise to consider other interests or outlets for study or work that can exist and support them in their quest as a performer and keep them financially and mentally stable in periods out of work. Unless focusing on Ballet or Contemporary, the latter of which has limited work opportunities, dancers should be encouraged to be versatile and be able to sing or act. West End dancers for example are usually accomplished singers and actresses in their own right. However, cruise ships, commercial trade shows, revue shows, the world of pop music, hotels and resorts can offer varied, challenging and quality work for dancers.

Last but by no means least a dance student must be able to perform and display a talent that makes you drawn to watch him or her, or at least show sparks of the potential performer they might become.

There are two models of dance training and it is important that students and parents understand the difference between the two so as not to be misled.

The professional dance model Vs. the educational model.

Specialised dance colleges offering a 3 year professional dance course.

So the professional dance model aims at developing the skilled performer, and trains the body like an athlete for his sport. Full time professional ballet colleges, dance colleges or stage schools come into this category. The students dance 9-5 every day and the course structure incorporates dance exams, these exams are a continuation of the exam training structure offered at Counterpoint. Dancers for these types of college must possess a physique that can be trained to the finest degree of coordination, flexibility, endurance, and great strength from head to toe. At audition a panel of dance experts and a physiotherapist will scrutinize the students body for it's anatomical suitability for such training and the ideal physique is often only recognisable to the trained eye. Apart from a lean ,well proportioned body, leg shape, size of head, length of toes, foot structure, length of neck etc are just some of the features that will be analysed. Contemporary colleges will often by their nature accept those with varying physiques, challenging dance fashion. A ballet assessment is the most stringent with the measure of degree of 'turnout' being the most important feature.

The fact remains that those who have studied dance in school or tertiary college alone will rarely gain places at professional dance schools. Boys stand a better chance since fewer enter the field. The majority of successful students will have attended dance for at least 3 hours a week outside school education at a technical part time vocational school. The body is the dancers instrument and it needs to be finely tuned through hours of technical dance training. By the age of sixteen the foundations of technique should have been laid and good training will already have affected the development of the body. Dedicated students are often achieving advanced qualifications prior to auditioning for full time schools with the aid of proficient teachers , pushing the standards even higher. Scholarships are offered from the Institutions to fund dancers training and dancers will be recalled to compete for the awards. Now the confidence and strength of character needed from the dancer can be appreciated! Although harsh and often soul destroying body analysis exposes any structural or muscular weakness that could inhibit the dancers future growth as dancer and performer. Despite the emphasis on 'dancing' at these colleges most now offer an accredited qualification and incorporate wider studies such as drama, singing, anatomy, dance history, choreography etc. Certain dance colleges have a good reputation for producing musical theatre performers capable of dancing, singing and acting to a high standard. These colleges might ask the candidate for a solo song at audition.

University dance degrees.

Those wishing to take the educational route will usually have studied dance at GCSE or A level or equivalent course and since the emphasis is on dance theory, dance appreciation, dance creation and subjective expression through dance, there aren't strict physical requirements but students should be injury free, have an aptitude for creativity, general movement skills, general dance experience and interest in dance. Gaining an 'A' at A level, in itself, is not an indication that you posess what is needed for a career as a dancer. Those training to be professional dancers in this competitive era will normally have been attending intensive classes at part time vocational schools like Counterpoint since a child. However within educational dance , through the exploration of movement principles and natural movement, innovative choreography can emerge that is far removed from stylistically formed dance movements . Movements can be specifically created to reflect or interpret the meaning to be conveyed and so the meaning becomes the directive force . It can be seen that stylised technique could be thought to hinder such dance creation. Contrastingly, one might argue that a technical dance background widens the knowledge of movement possibilities that are available and these might be personalised or developed by the choreographer. Additionally dancers trained in stylised techniques can refine movements to create difference adding extra extension, projecton ,focus, style, and polish of co-ordination.

Asides from teaching within schools dance degrees offer the opportunity for studying differing aspects of the diverse field of dance such as dance culture, dance administration, dance history, dance in the community, dance notation, dance criticism etc. Students can also progress to post graduate courses such as dance therapy.

Specialised dance colleges offering a professional course with dance degree.

Within the last 10 years we have seen a shift towards combined professional and educational courses. Like all subjects dance has become increasingly academic and it was thought that dancers should receive a diverse dance education to enrich the practical and enable the dancers themselves not historians, to communicate about their art form and so make dance history. Dancers are encouraged to be reflective practitioners and no longer have brains just in their feet. Nevertheless, many dancers just want to dance and will dance primarily; many dance artists are concerned that where written work is necessitated, valuable time for practical training is often lost. Proving them wrong however, students are emerging from some colleges with degrees and a high standard of dance that enables them to succeed in gaining performing contracts. Below we look at the factors which may influence a student's choice of further training.

Amelia Cunliffe pictured with Yuri, our School Patron, in the ballet 'Giselle'

Options available-

Professional dance colleges-

Highly competitive

Extensive dance training needed

Entry at 16 after GCSE'S

Audition for entry

3 year courses offering National Diploma or Colleges own certificate

Mainly practical incorporating stylistically defined techniques such as jazz, ballet, tap and modern. Additional classes in contemporary. Supported with drama and singing.

The incorporation of vocational exams such as I.S.T.D.

Although many courses are accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training and some offer places funded by the new Dance and Drama Awards scheme, fees and equipment costs can be high.

Professional dance colleges offering a degree course-

Highly competitive

Extensive technical dance training and good academic results

Entry at 18 after A levels or equivilant /BTEC

Audition for entry

3 year course incorporating degree

Theory and Large content of practical incorporating stylistically defined techniques such as jazz, ballet, tap and modern, and additional classes in contemporary. Supported with drama and singing.

The incorporation of vocational exams such as I.S.T.D.

University fees paid by government.

University degree courses in dance-

Entry at 18 or above

Audition entry

Good general dance ability and good A level or equivilant results

Large theory element

Often have a contemporary focus, dance studies may vary.

University fees paid by government.

NB - The content of all courses and their emphasis differs, for example some colleges specialise in contemporary with no vocational exam structure. It is wise to chat to ex-students and lecturers at the college in addition to your dance teachers.

Questions and Answers

'What age should I go away?'

A dancers career is short but there is no 'right' or 'wrong' or 'better' or 'worse' for pursuing dance training at 16 or 18. The decision has to be right for the individual afterall 16 is a young age for some to leave home. However academic studies and vocational training will have to be carefully managed so as not to get behind. Since ballet is highly competitive it would be very difficult to leave professional training till 18, however with the right physique talent and training, not impossible. Students who have trained at both 16 and 18 have gone on to have great careers in dance.

'I want to go away to full time stage school at 12, will this be beneficial?'

If you love the performing arts, don't get too homesick and money isn't an issue, it will probably be an experience that you will enjoy. However on the whole students who have trained at local schools like ours and gone away to train professionally at 16 will tell you that there doesn't seem any difference in standard between them and those who went away earlier. Waiting till 16 or even 18 to study theatre dance , providing you are receiving a technical training, will not slow down your progression. You also have the advantage of keeping your options open and maintaining a diverse range of friends with varying interests to keep your feet on the ground! Your career ideas may change as you get older, additionally your physique and abilities as performer may alter during this time. Girls and boys with the talent and physique to get into top ballet schools, for example The Royal Ballet, would certainly would benefit from early training. However these childrens practical and physical development is assessed annually for their suitability to continue training for a ballet career.

'So should I pursue a degree or combined degree and professional course?'

Again this depends on the individual. Some students might find it too stressful to have so much written work to do in conjunction with the exhausting practical content. These students might pursue academic study at a later date. Others will thrive off the challenge and manage the workload well.

'Should I do A levels or a BTEC course?'

Some students have their sites set on a degree in dance or performing Arts and a BTEC in their chosen field is a very career specific way of achieving the academic qualifications. Courses with a vocational or practical element are often easier for some people. When auditioning for further education courses it also demonstrates an early comittment and focus to pursue your choice of study. Others might study A levels choosing different subjects, preferring to leave studies wide open should they want a career change later on. These students would be wise to incorporate A level dance or be studying intensively at vocational colleges at Counterpoint to show dedication to a performing career.

'If I do a degree in dance at University how much dance will I do?'

The hours of practical dance study varies from course to course so you must speak to the lecturers. It will be less than a professional dancers course with less emphasis on your own technique and no dance syllabi. Styles of dance that are favoured at each institution will also differ but there might be a dance club or society to provide extra-curricula classes. There are some universities where there are a good provision of dance classes and standards of dance are higher. Any previous experience of dance styles will be beneficial and increase your standard, chances at audition and versatility in the field .

'If I choose to go to professional dance college at 16 are my GCSE'S important?'

 Yes, gaining your GCSE's are important, you need to do your best as dance schools want intelligent and conscientious students who respond well and show they are capable of learning. Educational qualifications are also important should you wish to pursue a different career at a later date.

'But will my results matter?'

 It depends. Some people find exams or academic study hard but will excel in practical or creative fields.

'I have had a re-ocurring knee injury will this affect my chances?'

Yes, it more than probably will affect you chances, any injury is looked upon unfavourably and particularly one that reoccurs. In some schools you will dance 9-5 every day for 3 years and this puts tremendous strain on the joints before you leave to seek work. It might be more realistic to apply for courses with a lesser dance content or consider alternative dance related careers. Anyone with back problems would definitely be wise to reconsider.

'How my much money can I earn as a dancer?'

Impossible to say, some dancers find they are never out of work whilst others have long periods resting . There is no specific career structure or definite pay scale. A dancer is classed as self employed , work isn't always regular and contracts vary in length. Some jobs will pay very well but others won't,

However some people would rather pursue something they are passionate about regardless of the uncertainties. Dance companies can sometimes provide more job security than most.

Conclusion

There are no certainties in a dancing career- but one thing you can ensure is that you understand the options available, and how best goals can be achieved to avoid raised hopes and destroyed dreams. Whilst it would seem ridiculous to practice the art of dance with an ignorance for dance theory, culture or history, it also seems nonsensical to study or write about dance or research it without having experienced it through performance. Whatever the preference or path chosen, students should continue to learn, be aware and accepting of dance in all its forms to develop as well rounded, knowledgeable individuals in the field. Both practical and academic approaches compliment each other, have value and will appeal to different people. It must be appreciated and remembered that dance forms can only be understood in the context of the culture in which they were made. Whilst most students at Counterpoint just love to dance, a knowledge of dance theory and the tradition behind the dance form being danced can serve to enrich and add meaning to their dancing. When spending hours practicing steps in a mirrored dance studio, the expressive nature of the art of dancing is often forgotten, for the sake of technique. Margot Fonteyn wrote

'The function of ballet, or modern dance, is to tell a story or relay a mood or a feeling. It stands to reason that dramatic ability is very nearly as important to the dancer as the ability to negotiate difficult steps.'

 

We have ascertained a dancer is not an athlete but an artist. Accordingly, drama and singing classes can help develop the dancers musicality and dramatic ability and the skills essential for the dancer entering the world of 'musical theatre'. In addition to 'talent', 'luck' and timing can play a major part in helping a performer's career, not just on the day a students attends audition for dance college or university but throughout their career. However, if dancers are open minded, multiskilled, dedicated and flexible in their approach to work, extensive dance experience can only improve opportunities. It is advisable to seek guidance from your dance teachers as to which route might be most appropriate - but ultimately the decision is yours. The dance field offers many roles and you may just dance into one!

Dance or theatre related careers you might wish to explore-

Dance Teacher, Artistic Director, Choreographer, Rehearsal Director, Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, Make-up Artist, Wig/Hairstylist, Dance Therapist, Physical Therapist, Masseuse/Masseur, (for dance companies- Dance Administrator, Fund Raiser, Researcher, Public Relations, Photographer, Dance Notator) Critic, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Stage Hands.

Helen Link in her role as Stage Manager