Talk to me about ISTD Modern Theatre dance exam results.

MTPP,

My understanding - I will ask DD, but she is still at dance class - is that the MT grades have several different exercises in each one (so not just the set amalgamation and the dance, but also other set exercises).

I THINK, but am not sure, that the marks you mention will be determined by performance of all those different exercises (in the same way as e.g. port de bras is assessed in ballet across all exercises, not just a single 'port de bras' one). I THINK, but again am not sure, that the set amalgamation and the dance are given separate marks BUT how they are performed can contribute to other marks too (but only as one part of the whole impression gained from all the exercises).

DD - a fine ballerina but not a natural MT performer - gets high marks for line and precision, and also has good 'radar' so gets good marks for use of space (in her dance school, even for the higher grades she is now on, at least 2 children are examined at once so use of space also relates to how they maintain awareness of other performers).. However she gets lower marks for 'sense of performance' in MT than she does in the equivalent section in ballet because she is less 'at home' in the stye of music and 'sells' the dance less to the examiner as a result.

Sense of performance means how well they perform the piece. Therefore to get the high marks they need to really dance with enthusiasm and energy, rather than just walking through the steps and feel the music. It can also mean being aware of the audience, smiling etc.

Use of space means that if they are meant to skip round in a circle they use the whole room. Also they need to not run out of room!

Line and precision is to do with the shapes made and the lines of the arms and legs. If the legs and arms are in the right positions.

Hope that helps!