The Dalriada Scottish Dancers study the British Associations Teachers of Dance (B.A.T.D.) method under the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance (S.O.B.H.D.)guidelines. Medal testing is done yearly in order to assess the level of dancing each individual has achieved. This is positive feedback on technique and ability that the dancers can use to develop. This is also an excellent tool to track progress through each year of dancing.
An adjudicator is appointed by the B.A.T.D. to sit on the testing and assess each dancer, usually in groups of two or three. This is not a competition among dancers. This is more of a report card for each individual. As you will note below, for each medal there are requirements that must be met to move to the next level. Grading is given as Fail, Pass, Pass Plus, Commended and Highly Commended. If the dancer should complete these levels, he/she has the option to test for Associate (Assistant Teacher), Member (Teacher), and Judge or Fellow. It does take some time to receive the results as they must be registered in Scotland, and only at that time are the medals and certificates sent out to the teachers, who then distribute them to the dancers.
We like to encourage medal testing for dancers who have learned the appropriate steps and dances. The medals are a mark of accomplishment and do make nice souvenirs for a long year of dance. This is something that can only be achieved by the dancer.
Best of luck to those who test each year! |
