Doing a medal test is a great way to focus your dance education towards a specific goal. At the Kensington Dance Studio we offer you the opportunity to do medal tests with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), one of the oldest and most prestigious international dance societies.

Medal tests can be taken in the Latin American dances (Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive and/or Paso Doble), the Ballroom dances (Slow Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, Ballroom Tango and/or Viennese Waltz) and the "Club" dances (Argentine Tango, Salsa, Mambo and/or Lindy Hop).

There is a progressive programme of medal tests: Social Dance Test, Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Star, as well as various special award tests. For each level you will be expected to dance most of the steps specified in that level by the ISTD syllabus, and dance those steps with the quality of proficiency and technique expected at that level. A certain minimum number of dances is required for each different medal test. And the cost of doing a medal test varies from test to test.

For a medal test, you can dance either with a partner or with your teacher. During the test, you and your partner/teacher will be the only couple in the studio, with an examiner from the ISTD watching and taking notes. A few weeks after your test, you will receive a copy of the examiner's notes plus your certificate and medal.

The best way to prepare for a medal test is through individual lessons (on your own or with a partner). In this way our teachers can make sure that you are dancing the proper figures for each level, and with correct technique. If you are already attending the group classes or courses at the studio, you will able to use what you have learned in class and refine it through individual lessons. Exactly how many individual lessons are required varies from student to student - consulting with studio director Ralf Schiller and the studio's teachers will help clarify your own path to a medal test.

Medal tests are held twice a year, usually in May and November.

For more information on medal tests, or to start preparing for one, please contact Ralf Schiller on 020 7823 9949, or speak with him at the studio.