Enjoy Scottish dancing, want to improve your dancing skills and receive something to show that you are developing? No problem! the RSCDS offers many ways to become a better dancer and gain certificates or badges to show your progression.
The Dancing Achievement Awards, open to anyone aged 12 and over, are offered at three increasingly challenging levels; Intermediate, Advanced and Very Advanced. DAA courses are regularly offered at the RSCDS Summer School, but also by an increasing number of Branches around the world. Course tutors give you personal critique and help you improve individual aspects of your dancing, before the assessment.
Young dancers are offered a wider range of accreditation opportunities. The Primary School Accreditation Programme encourages schools to get their pupils dancing. This can start small, perhaps with an after-school club, aiming for Bronze. Get more of the school community involved, learn more, and achieve Silver. Offer every pupil the chance to learn SCD and your school can go for Gold and every dancer gets a badge!
Dancing can form part of other youth award schemes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and badges offered by the Scouts and Guides. The RSCDS offer a Youth Leadership Award for dancers from age 12 and you can learn more by visiting the young dancers section.
For keen young dancers, the Medal Tests provide a chance to shine individually. Medal Tests are aimed mainly at dancers aged 7-16. Through the levels, you build up performance skills and knowledge of steps and formations; strathspey step is introduced in Grade 5.
Some schools, clubs and Branches organise demonstration teams. They may participate in dance festivals; some offer the chance to display team prowess; others are competitive, with trophies for the teams most highly rated for their perfect dancing or imaginative choreography.
Assessments require assessors and competitions need adjudicators. The RSCDS is keen to encourage experienced teachers to undertake these roles, periodically offering training courses, as well as helpful information.
