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Pro-active and works to be ahead of the trend in syllabus content.

Theatrical and Performing Arts, Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballroom

Jayson Smart
Examiner for CSTD
How do you wish junior students approach their exams?
With joy and excitement! I hope that they enjoy their chance to shine and perform in front of a special guest. Remember to take extra care with grooming and relish in the preparation of the day.

Does this change for senior students?
I hope that they approach the whole process with a great sense of achievement and pride, striving to conquer new skills and working towards a goal. Candidates should have the mindset that they are not demonstrating anything new in the exam room. Unrehearsed and unset sections are being performed for someone new who is there to encourage and support them. Nerves are to be expected especially when they hear the “dreaded” bell but this is a reminder of how important this exam is to them.

What is a common issue you see junior students struggle with?
Not being able to stand still and sometimes being a little too excited!

What is a common issue you see senior students struggle with?
1. Theory and unrehearsed/unset sections
2. Musicality
3. Being scared of the examiner. This is sometimes promoted unintentionally by teachers using phrases such as, “The examiner won’t like that”, “I hope you’re not going to do it like that in front of the examiner,” “This examiner is tough so you better try really hard.”
4. Being disappointed with the grade/credit they have been awarded. It is always helpful to ensure students are aware of the examining criteria and how they are being graded. I also ask my students what grade/credit they think they will be given which can be quite revealing!

Are you able to share with us an experience from your own exam years?
I enjoyed exams, which is probably why I did so many! I remember being asked by an examiner why I was doing a particular exam. I was a mature student and started exams late in life. I responded that I wanted to be like her and desired to be an examiner. The examiner’s response, “Well you’ve got a fair way to go yet!”

The CSTD continues to offer inspiring, creative and engaging syllabi. After 84 years of unparalleled dance training we not only offer contemporary and challenging work but also allow for teachers and students to work in a creative environment.
All the CSTD syllabi work on the philosophy of Education, Enjoyment, Encouragement and Expression. CSTD offer exam syllabi in Theatrical and Performing Arts, Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary & Ballroom.
The Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing is pro-active and works to be ahead of the trend in syllabus content. All levels of our popular Modern Jazz syllabus have been updated and include work from renowned performers and choreographers, Marko Panzic and Amy Campbell.
CSTD is known throughout the country as innovative and progressive and the new Theatrical and Performing Arts syllabus is a fine example. It is a huge success and is helping to develop the triple threat performers of tomorrow.
In 2017 we have launched an inspiring new tap syllabus, which also contains select choreography from leading Australian talent.
The CSTD now has a complete suite of music for the Classical Ballet syllabus from Pre Ballet to Advanced created especially for our work by Michael Brett. Teachers and students have said it helps to develop the soul in the dance.
To compliment all of this, CSTD can offer Vocational and Educational Certification that recognises the CSTD syllabus work. CSTD is a dynamic and engaging Society and along with being one of the world’s great International Dance Societies, is a leader in dance in the 21st Century.