Dance Students Celebrate Exam Success

Dance students at DDA Academy were presented with their certificates at a celebration party last Sunday for their ISTD tap and dance examinations.

All of the 31 dancers aged between 6-16 obtained a pass or a merit for the exam which they took in March at Henley YMCA.  It was the first time taking an exam for fourteen of the dancers and 27 of the children achieved a merit.

DDA Academy Principal, Steph Maxwell said, “I was very proud. We usually spend 2 or 3 terms learning all of the syllabus work leading up to an exam so the children put in a tremendous amount of effort and hard work.  The examiner was Mr Nick French who was very smiley and kind and encouraged the children to do their best on the day as he could tell that some were a little nervous.  This is the second time we have done the certificate presentation party with cupcakes, snacks, drinks & glitter tattoos.  I wanted to reward the children and put on something exciting for them (they all got dressed up in their party dresses) to recognise their fantastic achievement especially after a rough couple of years which has seen children lose confidence and become more anxious and worried during the pandemic.”