Jazz is one of the most popular forms of dance and the PAA Jazz Dance Syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to build a bespoke curriculum around their own teaching styles and existing program.
Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are industry-led qualifications to support you on your journey from beginner to Diploma.
Teachers and learners alike are supported with an abundance of helpful tools that are all FREE! That includes all PAA syllabuses plus supporting resources and examples of steps and syllabus content.
Your whole cohort could do their exam in the same staged performance. This can be as part of your show run, a dress rehearsal, or a completely separate performance the Examiner. Do a show, a soiree or cabaret, or something of your own invention - as long as the candidates demonstrate the syllabus requirements, your creativity is the only limitation.
The syllabus is designed to support students to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the industry. Exams can be performed either face-to-face or via video. You could be preparing a studio or school performance and use the exam as a test run. Plus, the examiner will come to you at a time that's convenient - all you need is a space for the performance, technical skills demonstration, and discussion.
Exams can offer a point of difference for your school. Students could be working towards a performance goal AND earning an internationally recognised qualification.
How does the Syllabus work?
The expectations of each Grade builds on the last, based on the principle of "progressive mastery", but you can enter at any point that suits your current abilities. Each step is built up incrementally to ensure safety of dancers, and provide achievable stretch goals, with the perspective that successful learning is characterised by a mastery of the fundamental skills.
At each Grade, there are set Technical Skills that must be prepared, but the teacher can choose the style and manner in which each are presented. The Technical Skills are well supported with descriptions and examples and lay the foundation for strong and healthy ongoing development.
Teachers have creative control over the group performance choreography, creating a truly unique experience for students which can be tailored to their abilities and interests.
What does an exam involve?
The Examiner comes to you so your students can do the exam in the comfort of your own studio.
There are two main elements to the exam. You'll start with the Technical Skills, to demonstrate the skills you're developing, and it starts with a warm up to reduce risk of injury. Teachers can even create their own technical skills demonstrations to suit the cohort of students, and other teaching priorities. The second exam component is the performance, which can be presented in groups of up to eight. There's complete freedom of creative concept here and teachers can choreograph any style or variation of Jazz Dance, as long as the minimum requirements are incorporated and the duration limits are met.
From Grade 4 onwards, the exam also contains an improvisation component where you get to demonstrate your own creativity and individual style. This involves interpreting some new music through any Jazz Dance style and moves that you like.
The Performance portion may include costumes and be presented in front of an audience - you could use a dress rehearsal for your end of year showcase as an exam!
Do I have to register as a teacher, or pay subs to access syllabuses or teach the material?
Nope. We love how accessible these syllabuses are and how easy it is for you and your students to get involved and earn qualifications. None of our syllabuses require teacher registration or annual subs. The only thing you'll pay is the exam fee for your students. The Jazz Dance Syllabus is free to download, as are the supporting resources.
What resources are available?
The UK Rockschool website (the parent behind the syllabuses) has lots of resources for all syllabuses and the majority are free to access. You can download your free syllabus and supporting audio there, as well as view examples of almost every step. You can also access grade-by-grade lists of example music tracks, plus practice tracks to develop improv skills.
Can I use a Jazz Dance exam toward an AMEB Award?
You certainly can! In fact, if you're like many people who love the performing arts, you're probably doing a lot toward achieving your next AMEB Award already! All AMEB exams from Grade 3 upwards - that includes PAA, Rockschool, Classical music, and Speech and Drama exams - could go towards an AMEB Award. Find out more about this brilliant program that rewards and recognises achievement in the performing arts here.
Can I get TCE bonus points for a PAA exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB exam, including all dance, drama, and music syllabuses. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
When can I do a PAA exam?
Any time! Convenience is at the heart of these exams. Regardless of whether you do a face-to-face or video (Recorded Digital) exam, they're available year-round. Head to SCORE to enrol today or contact our friendly team in the AMEB Federal Office to have a chat about scheduling your exam.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
