Bringing structure and accreditation to the hit dance style, Hip Hop. Learn to pop, lock, and 'bot with this cutting edge syllabus.
Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are industry-led qualifications to support you on your journey from beginner to Diploma.
The Street Dance Syllabus provides a structured learning approach to the authentic style of Hip Hop.
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.
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 showcase, or something of your own invention - as long as the candidates demonstrate the syllabus requirements, your creativity is the only limitation.
Exams can offer a point of difference for your school. With contemporary artforms, such as Street Dance, parents can hold the perception that the rigour and "seriousness" of more classical artforms is lacking. Not so! This Syllabus has been developed by experts in the industry, with best-practice learning techniques in mind. It's a fabulous pathway into the industry, and the qualifications available are world-recognised.
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, the teacher can choose the style of Street Dance for each students to focus on, then learn all the related technical moves to a point that they're confident in demonstrating each. 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 elements to the exam: the first component covers Technical Skills; and the other is the Performance. Usually taken in groups (although not essential), each Candidate can focus on different Street Dance styles to demonstrate for the Technical Skills. From Grade 4 onwards, the exam also contains a Freestyle section, where Candidates interpret the music (selected by the Examiner) through any Street Dance style of their choice to demonstrate the syllabus requirements. 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 your 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 Street 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 there as well as view examples of almost every step. You can also access grade-by-grade lists of example music tracks that may be chosen by the Examiner for the improvisation section of the exam (for Grades 4-8).
Can I use a Street 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.
