REQUIREMENTS

FOR

CERTIFICATION
 REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

TEACHER PERMIT EXAM

WALTZ, TANGO, FOXTROT, CHA – CHA, RUMBA EAST COAST SWING

The Teacher Permit exam will be given within one Month of start of employment and may be given by
the studio owner, Manager or Dance Director. Teachers need to have a basic knowledge of the
Beginners & Social Foundation Figures. (No Free Style required)

SOCIAL FOUNDATION EXAM

WALTZ
TANGO
FOXTROT
CHA - CHA
RUMBA
E.C. SWING

The Social Foundation Exam will be the first major Exam for new teachers and must be taken within
six Months of start of employment. Teachers will be required to have a complete technical knowledge
of the Beginners and Social Foundation Material. This exam is given by a National Examiner.
Steps 1- 5 in 6 dances - 1 hour & 30 minutes

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures

Teachers will be expected to describe and/or demonstrate the following dance or teaching techniques
And teaching methods.

a) Correct Posture, Carriage and Poise.

b) The American Style Dance Position Holds.
c) The 13 Dance Positions in the American Style.
Teachers will be asked to name & possibly describe all of the 13 Dance
Positions.
d) The Five Basic Positions of the Feet.
e) A detailed description of a Forward and/or Backward Walk
(Including the differences between a Smooth Walk and a Tango Walk)
f) C.B.M. - Sway - Astaire Styling.
g) Rise and Fall in Foxtrot and Waltz. Explain in detail Rise & Fall Based
on a Left Box Turn and the Foxtrot Basic.
h) Latin Hip Movement - Cuban Motion in Latin Dances.
i) Principles of Leading and Following.
j) Alignment and The Line Of Dance.
k) Origins and Characteristics of the Dances.
SOCIAL BRONZE TEACHER CERTIFICATE EXAM
WALTZ
TANGO
FOXTROT
VIENNESE WALTZ
CHA - CHA
RUMBA
E.C. SWING
BOLERO
MAMBO

Steps 1 – 5 in all 9 dances - 2 HOURS

Steps 6 – 10 in 9 dances - 2 HOURS
or
Smooth - Steps 1 – 10 (4 dances) - 2 HOURS
Rhythm – Steps 1 – 10 (5 dances) - 2 HOURS

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

**********
Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures

Teachers will be expected to describe and/or demonstrate the following dance or teaching techniques
And teaching methods.

a) Correct Posture, Carriage and Poise.

b) The American Style Dance Position Holds.
c) The 13 Dance Positions in the American Style.
Teachers will be asked to name & possibly describe all of the 13 Dance
Positions.
d) The Five Basic Positions of the Feet.
e) The Forward and Backward Walks. - in detail.
(the differences between a Smooth Walk & a Tango Walk)
f) C.B.M. - Sway - Astaire Styling.
g) Rise and Fall in Foxtrot and Waltz. Explain in detail Rise & Fall Based
on a Left Box Turn & a Foxtrot Basic,
h) Latin Hip Movement - Cuban Motion in Latin Dances.
i) Principles of Leading and Following.
j) Description and Use of The Student Course Plan.
k) Description of Student Award Classifications: Explain what each
represents.
l) Alignment and The Line Of Dance.
m) Origins and Characteristics of the Dances.
 SOCIAL BRONZE
ALTERNATE DANCES FOR CERTIFICATION

ARGENTINE TANGO
SALSA
SAMBA
WEST COAST SWING
MERENGUE
PASO DOBLE
HUSTLE

All dances will be examined at one time.

7 dances - all steps - 2 hours.

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

Teachers will be expected to describe and/or demonstrate the following dance or teaching techniques
And teaching methods.

Latin Hip Movement - Cuban Motion in Merengue & Salsa.

Pulse Action and Pendulum Motion in Samba.
Origins and Characteristics of the Dances.

ALTERNATE DANCES MUST BE EXAMINED BEFORE

MOVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
ADVANCED BRONZE TEACHER CERTIFICATE EXAM
SMOOTH RHYTHM
WALTZ CHA - CHA
TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO
The original DANCESPORT steps for Viennese Waltz & Bolero
(steps 6 – 10 are now part of Advanced Bronze giving those dances 10 steps for Certification).

EXAMS MAY BE TAKEN IN TWO WAYS:

1 – 5 in all dances - 2 .5 HOURS

6 – 10 in all dances - 2 .5 HOURS
or
1 – 10 in Smooth dances - 2 .5 HOURS
1 – 10 in Rhythm dances - 2 .5 HOURS

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

**********
Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.
Most Theory questions will have been asked in the Social Bronze Exam and will not be repeated in the
Advanced Bronze Exam unless prompted by the Freestyle performance.

ADVANCED BRONZE
ALTERNATE DANCES FOR CERTIFICATION

SAMBA
WEST COAST SWING
MERENGUE
PASO DOBLE The original DANCESPORT steps for Paso Doble (steps 6 – 10 are now part of
Advanced Bronze giving Paso Doble 10 steps for Certification.

All dances will be examined at one time.

4 dances - steps 1 – 10 - 1.5 hours maximum

ALTERNATE DANCES MUST BE EXAMINED BEFORE

MOVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
SILVER TEACHER CERTIFICATE EXAM

SMOOTH RHYTHM

WALTZ CHA - CHA

TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO

Commencing in March 2011 the original DANCESPORT steps for Viennese Waltz & Bolero
(steps 6 – 10 will become part of Silver giving those dances 10 steps for Certification.

EXAMS MAY BE TAKEN IN TWO WAYS:

1 – 5 in all dances - 2 .5 HOURS

6 – 10 in all dances - 2 .5 HOURS
or
1 – 10 in Smooth dances - 2 .5 HOURS
1 – 10 in Rhythm dances - 2 .5 HOURS
**********
MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

The techniques and teaching methods listed for the Bronze Teacher Certificate may be asked for, as
well as:

a) Variations of the Five Positions of the Feet.

b) Terms Used in Footwork.
c) Measuring the Amount of Turn in Turning Figures.
d) Use of the Body in Ballroom Dancing - The Torso; Arms and Hands; Legs and
Feet; and The Head.
e) Description of Lesson Planning - Private Lesson, Group Lesson and General
Sequence.
f) Definition of Basic Studio Terminology - these will be at the choice of the
Examiner.
g) Definition of Technical Terms Used in Teaching -these will be at the choice of
the Examiner.
h) Definition of Musical Terms Used in Teaching -these will be at the choice of the
Examiner.
i) Metered Timings of the Ballroom Dances.
j) Continuity Styling in Foxtrot and Waltz.
k) Other Leg and Foot Movements.
1) Other Tuning Actions.
 SILVER
ALTERNATE DANCES FOR CERTIFICATION

ARGENTINE TANGO
SALSA
SAMBA
WEST COAST SWING
MERENGUE
PASO DOBLE

All dances will be examined at one time.

7 dances - steps 1 – 10 - 2 hours

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

ALTERNATE DANCES MUST BE EXAMINED BEFORE

MOVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
GOLD TEACHER CERTIFICATE EXAM
SMOOTH RHYTHM

WALTZ CHA - CHA

TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO

EXAMS MAY BE TAKEN IN TWO WAYS:

1 – 5 in all dances - 2.5 HOURS

6 – 10 in all dances - 2.5 HOURS

or

1 – 10 in Smooth dances - 2 .5 HOURS

1 – 10 in Rhythm dances - 2 .5 HOURS
************

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

CANDIDATES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING A PARTNER CAPABLE OF LEADING OR

FOLLOWING THE GOLD MATERIAL.

The techniques and teaching methods listed for the Silver Teacher Certificate may be asked for, as
well as:

a) Required Tempi for Examinations and Competitions, and Description of

Measures per Minute.
b) Rhythmical Accents and the Melodic Line of the Music.
c) Music in Relation to Choreography.
d) Dancing Solo to Music - Candidates will be expected to dance one or two
figures of the Examiner's choice in each dance, to music, either as Gentleman or
Lady.
e) Starting a Class to Music - The choice of dances is that of the Examiner.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to start a class confidently,
on the correct foot, at the correct moment and in time to the music.
 GOLD
ALTERNATE DANCES FOR CERTIFICATION

SAMBA
WEST COAST SWING
MERENGUE
PASO DOBLE

All dances will be examined at one time.

5 dances - steps 1 – 10 - 1.5 hours.

MAXIMUM OF 4 (FOUR) CANDIDATES CAN BE EXAMINED AT ONE TIME.

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.
ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA (SOCIAL BRONZE)
SMOOTH RHYTHM

WALTZ CHA - CHA

TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO

The Associate Diploma Exam will include SOCIAL FOUNDATION material in the SOLO
Portion of the Exam.

DIPLOMA exams are taken as two separate exams AND ONLY ONE CANDIDATE AT A
TIME FOR THE SOLO PORTION OF THE EXAM.

Smooth – 4 dances – steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Rhythm – 5 dances - steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

At the choice of the Examiner, candidates will be asked to describe one or more of the following areas
of Theory and Technique on any figures:
1. MEASURES, NUMBER OF STEPS, TIMING and RHYTHM.
2. GENTLEMAN'S or LADY'S FOOT MOVEMENTS.
3. ALIGNMENT where applicable.
4. AMOUNT OF TURN.
5. DANCE POSITIONS.
6. FOOTWORK
7. C.B.M. and SWAY where applicable.
8. RISE AND FALL (Body) where applicable.
9. LEAD or FOLLOW where applicable.
10. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES - Amalgamation.
11. CHARACTERISTIC STYLE OF THE DANCES.
Teaching Techniques and Teaching Methods, as for the American Style
BRONZE TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination, will be required in this portion of the
examination. Please refer to the BRONZE TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination for these specific
requirements.
ASSOCIATE MAJOR DIPLOMA (SILVER)

SMOOTH RHYTHM

WALTZ CHA - CHA

TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO

DIPLOMA exams are taken as two separate exams AND ONLY ONE CANDIDATE AT A
TIME FOR THE SOLO PORTION OF THE EXAM.

Smooth – 4 dances – steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Rhythm – 5 dances - steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.
At the choice of the Examiner, candidates will be asked to describe one or more of the following areas
of Theory and Technique on any figures:
1. MEASURES, NUMBER OF STEPS, TIMING and RHYTHM.
2. GENTLEMAN'S or LADY'S FOOT MOVEMENTS.
3. ALIGNMENT where applicable.
4. AMOUNT OF TURN.
5. DANCE POSITIONS.
6. FOOTWORK
7. C.B.M. and SWAY where applicable.
8. RISE AND FALL (Body) where applicable.
9. LEAD or FOLLOW where applicable.
10. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES - Amalgamation.

Teaching Techniques and Teaching Methods, as for the American Style

SILVER TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination, will be required in this portion of the examination.
Please refer to the SILVER TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination for these specific requirements.
MEMBER DIPLOMA (GOLD)
SMOOTH RHYTHM

WALTZ CHA - CHA

TANGO RUMBA
FOXTROT E.C. SWING
VIENNESE WALTZ BOLERO
MAMBO

DIPLOMA exams are taken as two separate exams AND ONLY ONE CANDIDATE AT A
TIME FOR THE SOLO PORTION OF THE EXAM.

Smooth – 4 dances – steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Rhythm – 5 dances - steps 1 - 10 - 3 hours

Free style with a partner in all dances. Solo demonstration of all figures.

At the choice of the Examiner, candidates will be asked to describe one or more of the following areas
of Theory and Technique on any figures:
1. MEASURES, NUMBER OF STEPS, TIMING and RHYTHM.
2. GENTLEMAN'S or LADY'S FOOT MOVEMENTS.
3. ALIGNMENT where applicable.
4. AMOUNT OF TURN.
5. DANCE POSITIONS.
6. FOOTWORK
7. C.B.M. and SWAY where applicable.
8. RISE AND FALL (Body) where applicable.
9. LEAD or FOLLOW where applicable.
10. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES - Amalgamation.

Teaching Techniques and Teaching Methods, as for the American Style GOLD
TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination, will be required in this portion of the examination. Please
refer to the GOLD TEACHER CERTIFICATE Examination for these specific requirements.
 TIMELINE FOR EXAMINATIONS

SEQUENCE American Style Professional Time Period

Examination
1st. Examination Teaching Permit Within one (1) Month from
(Required) start of employment
2nd. Examination Social Foundation Certificate Within Six (6) Months from
(Required) start of employment
3rd Examination Intermediate Social Bronze Certificate Within 12 Months from
(Required) start of employment
4th Examination Final Social Bronze Certificate Within 18 Months from
(Required) (Alternate Dances within same timeline) start of employment
5th Examination Intermediate Advanced Bronze Certificate Within 24 Months from
(Required) start of employment
6th Examination Final Advanced Bronze Certificate Within 30 Months from
(Required) (Alternate Dances within same timeline) start of employment
7th Examination Intermediate Silver Certificate Within 36 Months from
(Required) start of employment
8th Examination Final Silver Certificate Within 42 Months from
(Required) (Alternate Dances within same timeline) start of employment
9th Examination Intermediate Gold Certificate Within 48 Months from
(Required) start of employment
10th Examination Final Gold Certificate Within 54 Months from
(Alternate Dances within same timeline) start of employment
(Not Required) Associate Diploma (Bronze) No Time Limit
(Not Required) Associate Major Diploma (Silver) No Time Limit
(Not Required) Member Diploma (Gold) No Time Limit