Want a High Distinction in Your Ballet Exam? Here's How!

I'm excited to share with you my secret to achieving your best ballet exam mark yet! It's not just about talent; it's about dedication, preparation, and mindset.

For the record, I feel as though I am qualified to talk about this topic. I never received lower than a High Distinction and my final ballet exam (before going to The Australian Ballet School) was my Advanced Foundation in 2005 (I would have been 15) and I received 95/100 marks. 

Can you believe I analysed every mark lost and wasn't that thrilled because I wanted a mark of 100/100? When I received my mark and saw that it was 95/100 I instantly started searching for where I lost marks and how I could improve...

Healthy? Perhaps not... I am a little more balanced these days in my approach, but people often ask me the secret sauce and I guess that's the kind of mindset that is going to bring results!

I have six key strategies for absolutely nailing your exam and not only walking out confident, but also with a fabulous mark. If you do EVERYTHING that I mention, you will pull off a fabulous mark. Yes talent is nice, but talent will only get you so far - it's always the hardest worker in the room that lands on top. But you can't do just a couple of these things, you need to do it all in order for this to work.

Let's dive in...

Focus and Support from Peers 

Firstly, let's talk about the importance of focus and support from peers. I always focused on myself during class, but I positioned myself behind other students who motivated or pushed me to do my absolute best. Having supportive peers can make a significant difference in your journey. They can inspire you to push your limits and strive for excellence. There were times when I felt tired or demotivated, but seeing my peers working hard beside me encouraged me to keep going. So, surround yourself with positive influences and embrace the support of your fellow dancers.

Journaling Corrections 

After every class, I would diligently write down my corrections in a journal. This practice helped me to remember and reflect on what I needed to work on. As a child, I was fanatical about this, and it paid off in my progress and performance. Each correction was like a valuable nugget of wisdom that I could refer back to and focus on improving. It wasn't just about writing them down; it was about internalizing them and actively working to address them in my practice sessions. So, grab yourself a notebook and start jotting down those corrections. You'll be amazed at how much it can accelerate your progress.

Consistent Attendance and Preparation 

Consistency is key in ballet training. I very rarely missed class and always showed up on time and prepared. This meant having a clean uniform and ensuring my hair was off my face to avoid distractions. Every small detail counts towards your success. It's not just about being physically present; it's about being mentally present as well. By consistently attending class and giving it my all, I was able to build a strong foundation of technique and discipline. Even on days when I didn't feel like going to class, I reminded myself of my goals and the importance of showing up. So, make attendance and preparation a priority in your ballet journey. It will set you apart from the rest and pave the way for success.

Practice at Home 

I took my preparation seriously by asking my teacher for a copy of the ballet exam music so I could practice at home. Yes, I remember the sound of rewinding the tape as I repeated exercises over and over again. Consistent practice outside of class is essential for mastery. It's not enough to rely solely on your class time to improve. You need to put in the extra effort at home to refine your skills and build strength. Find a quiet space where you can focus, and dedicate time each day to practice. Whether it's working on specific exercises, reviewing choreography, or stretching, every bit of practice counts towards your progress. And don't forget to pay attention to the details. Focus on refining your technique, musicality, and expression with each repetition. By practicing at home, you'll not only improve your performance but also build confidence in your abilities.

Treating Every Class as a Performance 

Every class was a chance to showcase my best work. I treated my teacher like the examiner, ensuring I gave my all to receive constructive feedback. This mindset helped me stay focused and motivated throughout my training. It's easy to slack off in class, especially when you're tired or not feeling your best. But I always reminded myself that every class was an opportunity to improve and impress. By treating each class as a performance, I pushed myself to work harder and strive for excellence. I made sure to arrive early, warm up properly, and mentally prepare myself to give my best effort. And when it came time to perform, I approached each exercise with intention and artistry. Even if I made mistakes, I used them as learning opportunities to grow and improve. So, next time you step into the studio, think of it as a stage and give it your all. You never know who might be watching or what you might achieve.

Analysing Results and Seeking Improvement 

Upon receiving my results, I would analyze every mark I missed out on, looking for areas of improvement. This self-reflection allowed me to identify weaknesses and work on them for future exams. It's easy to be disappointed by a less-than-perfect score, but I saw it as a chance to learn and grow. I carefully reviewed each section of the exam, noting where I did well and where I could do better. Did I struggle with certain steps or combinations? Did I lose focus at any point? By asking myself these questions, I was able to pinpoint areas that needed improvement and create a plan to address them. Whether it was practicing specific exercises, strengthening weak areas, or improving my performance quality, I was always striving to be better. And the results spoke for themselves. With each exam, I saw improvement and progress, not just in my scores but in my overall dancing ability. So, don't be afraid to critique yourself honestly. Embrace feedback as a tool for growth and use it to become the best dancer you can be.

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In conclusion, achieving high distinctions in ballet exams requires dedication, consistency, and a proactive mindset. It's not something that happens overnight; it takes months of preparation and hard work.

Start implementing these actions now, not just a few weeks before your exam. Be the student who is willing to put in the effort, and watch how quickly you'll improve.

Remember, it's not just about the marks; it's about the journey of self-improvement and growth.