BTDA Dance Exams

BTDA Examinations – Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Rose Awards, and Musical Mime Awards

Only students who have received an Examination Notification Email should make payment.

The BTDA (British Theatre Dance Association) offers a range of examinations and awards designed to celebrate your child’s progress, build their confidence, and provide formal recognition for their achievements. Whether your child is just starting their dance journey or working towards advanced levels, BTDA examinations provide a structured and supportive way for students to grow their skills and gain valuable qualifications.

The examinations are regulated and accredited, ensuring they are recognised as a valuable benchmark of your child’s progress. Some exams are equivalent to GCSE and A-level standards, making them a meaningful addition to their educational achievements.

Graded Ballet, Tap, and Modern Jazz Exams
The graded exams in Ballet, Tap, and Modern Jazz focus on developing technical ability, musicality, and performance skills in a structured progression. Starting from Preparatory and working through Grades 1–5, these exams build a strong foundation in dance. 

BTDA Rose Awards
The Rose Awards are ideal for children aged 10 and under, providing a fun and encouraging introduction to the examination process. Children perform simple routines in a chosen dance discipline, with their teacher present in the room to offer support and guidance.

Every participant receives a certificate and a trophy (silver or gold, depending on the level), which serves as a proud reminder of their accomplishment. The Rose Awards are a wonderful way to boost confidence and nurture a love of dance in younger students.

BTDA Musical Mime Awards
Specifically designed for children aged 5 and under, the Musical Mime Awards focus on storytelling through movement and expression. Young dancers perform fun, imaginative mimes such as a fairy, soldier, cat, or rabbit, with two levels of awards available:

• Silver Mime Award: Perform 4 mimes
• Gold Mime Award: Perform 6 mimes

With their teacher present for encouragement and guidance, children can feel confident and supported as they explore their creativity. Each child receives a certificate and trophy, making these awards a joyful and memorable experience.

Instructions for Payment and Examination Guidelines

• Payment: Please ensure you select the correct exam(s) and levels as detailed in your notification email.
• Uniform: All candidates must wear the correct examination uniform. No jewellery or nail polish is permitted. Hair must be styled neatly in a secure bun with fringes gelled back.
• Closing Date: Candidates cannot be entered after the closing date, as specified in the notification email.
• Arrival Time: Candidates must arrive at least 45 minutes before their allocated exam slot.
• Refund Policy: Exam fees are non-refundable except with a valid doctor’s certificate.
• Exam Day: Exact exam times will be available approximately two weeks before the exam day. The examination schedule is set by BTDA and cannot be altered.

Exams will take place in Studio One at Basingstoke Sports Centre. Parents and candidates should wait in the squash courts until they are called. Please note that parents are not permitted to watch the exams.

Why Choose BTDA Examinations and Awards?
BTDA exams and awards provide so much more than certificates. They:

• Build confidence and resilience in a supportive environment
• Recognise and celebrate your child’s achievements with certificates and trophies
• Develop essential skills like discipline, focus, and performance ability
• Offer qualifications equivalent to GCSEs and A-levels at higher levels
• Inspire a lifelong love of dance and creativity

Whether your child is taking their first steps into the world of dance or working towards formal qualifications, BTDA examinations and awards are a rewarding way to celebrate their dedication, creativity, and progress.