COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING (CSTD)
The C.S.T.D. is one of the great International Dance Societies proudly serving Dance for over 82 years providing examinations in all major dance disciplines from Tinies to Teacher qualifications throughout Australia & the Asian Pacific region. The Society had its beginnings in 1933 with the formation of the National Examination System and the Victorian Society of Dancing. Established in 1931 and 1933 respectively, the two organisations were founded to establish Examination Standards and to raise the standard of dance in Australia. The later amalgamation of the two societies into the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing consolidated the work of the two organisations into one democratic society which today occupies a unique position amongst the dance societies of the world, catering for all major forms of dance. Examinations are held throughout Australia and the Asian Pacific Region in the various syllabi. The national operations of the Society are managed by an Executive Committee elected annually by the membership.
PROGRESSIVE GRADES:
(i) PROGRESSIVE PRE BALLET - PRIMARY
PRE BALLET (AGE 5) & PRIMARY (AGE 6)
These courses are for beginning students of ballet and form an introduction to basic technique and to different rhythms in music, which will later develop into musicality and enjoyment in their dancing. They learn coordination of the various body parts and how to mime, which promotes self-expression and confidence.
(ii) PROGRESSIVE GRADES 1-3
GRADE 1 (AGE 7) GRADE 2 (AGE 8) & GRADE 3 (AGE 9)
Here the teaching of true ballet technique commences, along with increased emphasis on correct posture, placement and line. Flexibility and strength building are also necessary components. A variety of steps are introduced and students learn both the vocabulary and how to join these together in different ways, and importantly to show enjoyment in what they are doing. Elevation, presentation and dance quality are developed throughout.
(iii) PROGRESSIVE GRADES 4-6
GRADE 4 (AGE 10), GRADE 5 & GRADE 6 (AGE 11).
Movements become increasingly complex and varied and students learn to develop quick responses through the use of unrehearsed work. Turning steps, beaten steps and demi-pointe exercises are practiced and developed, so greater strength and control is required. An increased sense of performance, awareness of space and dynamics and development of choreography are emphasised. National dance is introduced from Grade 5 and the choice of style is flexible. Grade 6 lays the foundation for Major work which follows.
THE MAJOR CLASSICAL SYLLABUS:
Caters for candidates from 12 years and onwards. Sub Elementary, Elementary.
(i) SUB ELEMENTARY (AGE 12)
Students need a sound knowledge of vocabulary and an understanding of technique in order to commence Major work. Unset work is increased. Strength, flexibility and stamina are further built up for the demands of Elementary work and beyond. Pointe work is introduced at this stage. The course is completed with a performance-length dance which requires a range of interpretation and expression.
(ii) ELEMENTARY (AGE 13)
Students by now will have increased awareness of the use of the body in both stationary and travelling movements. Balances are sustained, requiring core stability and technical accuracy. Use of phrasing, dynamics and response to music are key components. The ability to project to an audience should be demonstrated, especially in the performance dance. This examination is the qualifying stage for preparation of the Teachers’ Certificate.
PROGRAM OF CLASSICAL BALLET (RAD) :
Pre-Ballet
Primary
Grades 1
Grades 2
Grades 3
Grades
Grades 5
Grades 6
Grades 7
Sub Elementary
Elementary
