StepUp's Jazz Programme ~ Training Plan For Every Student

07 Aug 2022
All About Dance
StepUp's Jazz Programme ~ Training Plan For Every Student

As every parent is dedicated to ensuring the best learning outcome when they send their child for enrichment classes, it is therefore important for us as a responsible service provider to share the different learning pathways available when a student enrols into our Jazz programme. 


In this article, besides taking a 'big picture' look at the journey ahead for every Jazz student here, we will also provide an overview on the undertaking required and learning outcomes for each of the different options available. Ultimately, depending on the expectations and aspirations of the student and parent, the choices available will appeal in distinct ways to every individual. Therefore, by sharing the possibilities going forward, we will be able to assist our students and parents in making the best informed decision in planning their child's Jazz journey ahead. 

 
As shared in our Jazz Programme flowchart above, for every student enrolled here, there are a a total of 3 main learning pathways available: 

1. Dance Performances 

2. Dance Exams 

3. Performing Group 

Let us now take a closer look at each of these 3 options available for our students and parents to take into consideration for their planning ahead. 

1. Dance Performances for every student: 

Termly Dance Showcases
 
 
Dance Recitals
 

In summary, Dance Performances provides students with: 

a. A consistent platform and opportunity for in-house dance studio and theatre performances for an audience. 

b. Provides a training objective during the weekly regular classes for the students to look forward to. 

c. Builds the student's stage exposure and confidence. 

d. Hones their performance value as staging for their advanced progress into our Performing Group. 

2. Dance Exams for the committed student who seeks validation and progression through the different grades: 


At StepUp, our Jazz classes are conducted in accordance to the Commonwealth Society Of Teachers Of Dancing (CSTD) Jazz Curriculum, which was established in 1933 in Australia. With an syllabus that is established in the Asia-Pacific region that trains students from the age of a pre-schooler to a young adult, the unique proposition of the CSTD Jazz Exam is that it judges every Exam student in the region by the same CSTD standards. 

Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Jazz Exam
 

In summary, the CSTD Jazz Exam provides students with: 

a. A locally and regionally recognised Jazz Certificate with individualised grading and assessment report. 

b. An accurate assessment of the performance of the student by a qualified and experienced overseas CSTD Examiner. 

c. Establishes the learning milestone for each Grade, and prepares the students for advancement into the next higher Grade. 

d. Only CSTD Exam candidates are eligible to participate in the CSTD Singapore and Asia-Pacific Dance Competitions. 

e. Provides a foundation for DSA-SEC submission and a career as a Jazz Instructor. 

Direct School Admission (DSA-SEC)

In summary, the requirements for DSA-SEC are as follows: 

a. Progressive achievements (Certificates) from the CSTD Jazz Exam through the years is required as supporting documents for DSA-SEC submissions at the MOE portal. 

b. A student entering into our DSA-SEC programme when they are in Primary 5 will need a minimum Grade 4 Jazz qualification. 
 
Jazz Teaching Assistant

To become a Jazz Teaching Assistant, please refer to the requirements below: 

a. A Jazz Teaching Assistant will require a minimum Grade 7 Jazz qualification. 

b. A Jazz Teaching Assistant will need to be aged 15 and above. 

c. A Jazz Teaching Assistant will be assessed and recommended by their Form Teacher/School Principal, with consideration to their Exam results, conduct in class through the years, passion and interest for Jazz, personality and character traits. 

d. Experience in Dance Competitions will be beneficial. 

CSTD Registered Jazz Teacher

To become a CSTD Registered Jazz Teacher, please refer to the requirements below: 

a. A TC candidate will require a minimum Grade 9 Jazz qualification. 

b. A TC candidate must have served at least 2 years as a teaching assistant. 

c. A TC candidate must engage a CSTD Mentor who will assist him/her through the course. 

d. A TC candidate should be ideally attached to a Dance School (usually their alma mater) during their TC training as they will be required to conduct a class independently as part of their assessment. Thus, this also means that they need to teach actively in order to do well in this assessment which can only be achieved when they are affiliated to a Dance School. 

3. Performing Group for the passionate student who seeks challenges outside their comfort zone and strives to redefine their own dance limits: 


 
For students who are serious in pursuing the limits of their own dance boundaries, we will recommend them to join our Performing Group which consists of these 2 main programmes: 

1. Dance Technique Class

2. Dance Competition Team

Dance Technique Class
 


In summary, our Dance Technique Class provides students with: 

a. Open to all students which starts from Level 1 Classes onwards. 

b. Advanced training that complements the CSTD Jazz Curriculum and Exam results.

c. Performance opportunities at events. 

d. Prerequisite for selection by our Instructor to join our Competition Team. 
 
Dance Competition Team
 


 
In summary, our Dance Competition Team requirements are as follows: 

a. Only eligible for dancers who achieve Honours Plus from the CSTD Jazz Exam and shows good performance from the Dance Technique Class.  

b. New dancers will be placed into Group Competition Teams first before further selection as a Soloist. 

c. New dancer's parents will be required to attend the Performing Group meeting and to sign the Performing Group Agreement.  

d. Portfolio of dance achievements from Competitions is advantageous for DSA-SEC submission. 

We trust the sharing above will provide a comprehensive study of the different learning pathway that are available for every Jazz student enrolled into our classes, regardless of their ability and interest. As every student and parent has different aspiration and motivation for learning Jazz, the eventual learning track that a student undertakes is a very personal choice unique to their needs. We are therefore confident that our Jazz Programme provides quality training outcomes from a new student who just wants to explore what Jazz is, to a serious student who strives for excellence at Dance Competitions. 

Thanks for your attention to this article and please feel free to contact us at [email protected] for further assistance. In the meantime, stay safe and keep on dancing! 

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