BRITISH THEATRE DANCE ASSOCIATION GRADE 6 TAP EXPECTATIONS AND DIRECTIVES The Programme of study for this grade is seen as extension and exploration of tap vocabulary and artistic development. The delivery and presentation of the set work is developed and structured to a higher standard than expected in the graded programme of study already seen, taking into account modern trends and styling of commercial tap dance. The rich history of tap is explored and amalgamated into the programme of study in a creative way. This will enable students to experience additional styles of tap dance and add the understanding of this work into their working tap vocabulary. The requirements for flexibility, strength and speed in tap dance are explored and developed, because of the physical demands and speed in this style it will mean that the exercises presented will be mostly 8 bars in duration. The work is artistically and creatively designed to present it in a challenging way to the student. The use of different musical styles and tempos are explored. In the dance section at this grade, there are 2 set routines, and also a choice of suggested rhythmic styles for 3 artistic dance arrangements. This will enable the teacher to creatively develop the work studied in the programme of study into a solo performance where the student can explore and develop for themselves' the qualities expected for the presentation of a performance at this level.
Candidate Preparation for Level 3 Examinations - Tools for the teacher LEVEL 3 TECHNICAL CRITERIA: Examiners will expect LEVEL 3 candidates to demonstrate SOUND AND ESTABLISHED dance skills, understanding of the required technique and artistry in the performance as per the Assessment Criteria. There should be a clear development of individual dance quality, musicality and individual dance skills. TECHNICAL GUIDANCE The work is shown as detailed in the POS and the set timing is followed Arms lines are shown with correct alignment, showing breadth and feeling Sustained use of the instep and a loose ankle movement must be shown Relaxation and poise throughout the body is secure Secure and defined sounds must be demonstrated through the tap actions All work should be shown with control, flexibility and elevation Correct weight placement must be evident Work should have sustained presentation, rhythmicity and depth of expression in the delivery Unless otherwise stated, suitable arm movements may be used, to encourage individual style. Throughout this programme of study the accented beats that are requested to be shown are underlined. The use of these should enhance the quality and tone of the set work Students for BTDA examinations must be trained and proficient in all sections of the grade being performed. When training candidates for their examination please ensure that all steps from previous grades have been covered and candidates are conversant and confidant in delivering them. Teachers should also bring to the attention of the candidates that the examination assessment starts from the moment they enter the examination room. The way a candidate moves between exercises, their stance and knowledge of the work are as important as the technique in all grades DRESS CODE Smart presentation is important to all candidate s entering BTDA examinations; the following dress code should be applied for tap examinations: BTDA does not advocate colour or style of examination dress but it expects candidate s to have uniformity throughout the school. No jewellery is to be worn for the examination Female candidates Appropriate style of leotard for Tap Tights (coloured, skin tone or fishnet) Jazz shoe style tap shoes with toe and heel taps fitted (split sole) Stage Make up is allowed Male candidates Trousers or shorts Plain coloured shirt or T-shirt Jazz shoe style tap shoes with toe and heel taps fitted (split sole) Stage Make up is allowed
GRADE 6 TAP CONTENTS WARM UP BARRE EXERCISE 1. Hop, step & wing change exercise 2. Ripple exercise exercise 3. Crossed over wing exercise 4. Shuffle and Pick up exercise STAGECRAFT Progressive pauses and beats with use of sticks CENTRE EXERCISES 1. Open pick up timesteps 2. 3 beat shuffles 3. 4 beat open riffs 4. 3 & 4 beat paddles 5. Off a log & elevated heel clips 6. Turning steps with pick ups 7. Turning steps with wings SET STEPS 1. Stylised blues 2. Funky Jazz rhythm routine DANCE 1 DANCE 2 DANCE 3 BOW
WARM-UP Exercise to be taken forward in a circle around the room && a1 &2 Shuffle R, pickup change L to R, ball change L R && a3 & 4 Shuffle L, pickup change R to L, ball change R L &2 & 2& 3 & 4 Tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap, ball change R L && a1 &2 Shuffle R, pickup change L to R, ball change L R && a3 & 4 Shuffle L, pickup change R to L, ball change R L && a 4& & a2 & &a 3 Tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap, tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap &4 Ball change R L Repeat all above, but change clapping hands to slapping thighs && a1 &2 Shuffle R, pickup change L to R with ½ a turn to the R, ball change L R && a3 & 4 Shuffle L, pickup change R to L with ½ a turn to the R, ball change R L &2 & 2& 3 & 4 Tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap, ball change R L && a1 &2 Shuffle R, pickup change L to R, with ½ a turn to the R, ball change L R && a3 & 4 Shuffle L, pickup change R to L, with ½ a turn to the R, ball change R L && a 4& & a2 & &a 3 Tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap, tap step R, clap, tap step L, clap &4 Ball change R L Repeat all above, but change clapping hands to slapping thighs
BARRE EXERCISES 1. HOPSTEP AND WING CHANGE EXERCISE 1 & ( Pause 2) Hop on downstage foot, step upstage foot across and behind & 3 (Pause &4) Hop on upstage foot, step downstage foot to side, & 2 Hop on downstage foot, step upstage foot across and in front & 2 Hop on downstage foot, step to side on downstage foot, 3 4 Step closing upstage foot to downstage foot, stamp downstage (to side, no weight) 3 (Pause 2) Spring back onto downstage foot, lifting upstage foot in front with a bent leg 3 ( Pause 4) Over the top forwards, 4 (Pause 2) Over the top backwards 3&a4 4 beat wing change Commence facing the barre, travelling sideways towards the front Repeat this sequence travelling upstage along the barre Repeat whole sequence again 2. RIPPLE EXERCISE Commence facing the barre. &1 & 2 Tap step downstage foot forwards, pick up with upstage foot, heel beat with downstage foot (Ripple preparation) &3 & 4 Tap step upstage foot forwards, pick up with downstage foot, heel beat with upstage foot (Ripple preparation) &a2 &a2 &a3 &4 3x 3 beat Ripples, Single pick up downstage foot &3&2 &3&4 &a4&a2&a3&4 Repeat on the upstage foot &5 & 2 Tap step downstage foot forwards, pick up with upstage foot, heel beat with downstage foot (Ripple preparation) &3 & 4 Tap step upstage foot forwards, pick up with downstage foot, heel beat with upstage foot (Ripple preparation) &aa6 &aa2 &aa3 &4 3x 4 beat Ripples, Single pick up on downstage foot &7&2 &3&4 &aa8&aa2&aa3&4 Repeat on the upstage foot
3. PREPARATION FOR CROSSED OVER WING EXERCISE &1 &2 &3 Tap step sideways on downstage foot, ball change, shuffle upstage foot, &&a4 Crossed over wing in front &2 &2 &3 Tap step sideways on downstage foot, ball change, shuffle upstage, &&a4 Crossed over wing in front &3 &&a2 Shuffle downstage foot, crossed over wing in front &3 &&a2 Shuffle upstage foot, crossed over wing in front 4 2 Step downstage foot, step upstage foot (feet together) &&&&a3 (4 Pause) Split wing commencing on downstage foot Commence facing the barre, travelling sideways towards the front Repeat all travelling upstage along the barre
4. SHUFFLE AND PICK UP EXERCISE Commence facing the barre. &1&2 2 shuffles on the downstage foot (foot placed well behind body), &3 &a 4 Shuffle downstage foot, Pick up change upstage foot, toe tap upstage foot &2 &2 2 shuffles on the upstage foot (foot placed well behind the body), &3 &a 4 Shuffle upstage foot, Pick up change downstage foot, toe tap downstage foot &3 &a 2 Shuffle downstage foot, Pick up change upstage foot, toe tap upstage foot, &3 &a 4 Shuffle upstage foot, Pick up change downstage foot, toe tap downstage foot, &4 &2 2 shuffles on the downstage foot (foot placed well behind the body), &a 3 Pick up change upstage foot, toe tap upstage foot &a 4 Single Pick up downstage foot, toe tap upstage foot Repeat all, starting with Upstage foot Repeat all PLEASE NOTE THIS EXERCISE IS PERFORMED THROUGH OUT ON THE BALLS OF THE FEET
STAGECRAFT PROGRESSIVE PAUSES AND BEATS 1 st Set 1 2 3 4 Beat sticks together Walk with own style 2 2 3 4 Walk Beat sticks together Walk 3 2 3 4 Walk Beat sticks together Walk 4 2 3 4 Walk Beat sticks together Commence standing in the centre facing front Small sticks are to be used This exercise is to be set in pattern and direction by the teacher 2 nd Set 1 2 3 4 Pause Beat sticks together 2 2 3 4 Beat sticks together Pause Beat sticks together 3 2 3 4 Beat sticks together Pause Beat sticks together 4 2 3 4 Beat sticks together Pause 3 rd Set 4 bars Repeat 1 st Set, replacing beating sticks together with hitting stick on Tap of shoe 4 th Set &1 &2 &3 &4 Beat sticks together Beating feet &2 &2 &3 &4 Beating feet Beat sticks together Beating feet &3 &2 &3 &4 Beating feet Beat sticks together Beating feet &4 &2 &3 &4 Beating feet Beat sticks together
CENTRE EXERCISES 1. OPEN SINGLE PICK UP TIMESTEP Commence standing in the centre facing front Start with feet apart knees bent, weight on L leg & 1 2 &3 & 4 Pick up R, hop L, step R. Tap step L sideways to the L, step R, stamp L(diagonally in front) no weight &2 2 &3 &4, &3 2 &3 &4 Repeat twice more (L, R 3 times in all) & 4 2 & 3 4 Pick up L, hop R, toe tap L, hop R, step L., stamp no weight R &5 2 &3 &4, &6 2 &3 &4 Repeat 2 more single open time steps (R, L) & 7 & (2) & 3 &4 Pick up R, hop L, step R, Pause hop R, step L, ball change R L 8 2 & 3 4 Hop L, step R, hop R, step L, stamp R (out to side) with weight Single open time step Half break Full break travelling backwards Repeat all starting L
2. 3 BEAT SHUFFLES Commence standing in the centre facing front &a1 2 &a3 4 &a2 2 &a3 4 3 beat shuffle R, step R, repeat 3 more times (L,R,L) 3 & 2 Step R, heel beat R, toe tap L, 3 & a 4 & a step L back, pick up R, spring R, step back L, pick up R, spring R 4 2 3 4 4 walks round in own circle L to face front L,R,L,R &a1 2 &a3 4 &a2 2 &a3 4 3 beat shuffle L, step L, repeat 3 more times (R,L,R) 3 & 2 Step L, heel beat L, toe tap R, 3 & a 4 & a step R back, pick up L, spring L, step back R, pick up L, spring L 4 2 3 4 4 walks round in own circle L to face front R,L,R,L &a1 2 &a3 4 3 beat shuffle R, step R, 3 beat shuffle L, step L, &&a2 &&a2 &&a3 &&a4 4 x 3 beat shuffle changes (quick) R L R L &3&a2 Back Essence on the R &3&a4 Back Essence on the L &4 & a2 Tap step R, Forward tap L, open ball change L,R, & a3 Forward tap L, open ball change L,R & a4 Forward tap L, open ball change L,R &a1 2 &a3 4 3 beat shuffle L, step L, 3 beat shuffle R, step R, &&a2 &&a2 &&a3 &&a4 4 x 3 beat shuffle changes (quick) L R L R &3&a2 Back Essence on the L &3&a4 Back Essence on the R &4 & a2 Tap step L, Forward tap R, open ball change R,L, & a3 Forward tap R, open ball change R,L & a4 Forward tap R, open ball change R,L last bar turning to R last bar turning to L
3. 4 BEAT OPEN RIFFS & 1 & 2 4 beat open riff (Tap step R, heel beat R, heel beat L) outwards R foot & 3 & 4 Pick up R, ball dig R, heel beat L, heel beat R & 2 & 2 4 beat open riff (Tap step L, heel beat L, heel beat R) outwards L foot & 3 & 4 Pick up L, ball dig L, heel beat R, heel beat L & & a 3 4 beat open riff (Tap step R, heel beat R, heel beat L) outwards R foot & & a 2 Pick up R, ball dig R, heel beat L, heel beat R & & a 3 4 beat open riff (Tap step L, heel beat L, heel beat R) outwards L foot & & a 4 Pick up L, ball dig L, heel beat R, heel beat L (4 2 3 4) Pause &5 & 2 4 beat open riff to R side with R (Tap step R, heel beat R, heel beat L), & 3 & 4 4 beat open riff change forward with R (Tap step R, heel beat L, heel beat R) & 6 & 2 4 beat open riff change to L side with L (Tap step L, heel beat R, heel beatl) & 3 & 4 Pick up R, heel beat L, toe tap R, heel beat L && a 7 4 beat open riff to R side with R (Tap step R, heel beat R, heel beat L), & & a 2 4 beat open riff change forward with R (Tap step R, heel beat L, heel beat R) & & a 3 4 beat open riff change to L side with L (Tap step L, heel beat R, heel beatl) & & a 4 Pick up R, heel beat L, toe tap R, heel beat L Commence standing in the centre facing front 8 2 3 Pause 4 Optional transfer weight, no tapping Repeat all with L
4. 3 & 4 BEAT PADDLES 1&a 2&a 3&a 4 3 x 3 beat paddles (R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 2&a 2&a 3&a 4 3 x 3 beat paddles (L, R, L) stamp R (without weight) 3&a 2&a 3&a 4&a, 4&a 2&a 3&a 4 7 x 3 beat paddles (R, L, R, L, R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 5&a 2&a 3&a 4 3 x 3 beat paddles (L, R, L) stamp R (without weight) 6&a 2&a 3&a 4 3 x 3 beat paddles (R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 7&a 2&a 3&a 4&a, 8&a 2&a 3&a 4 7 x 3 beat paddles (L, R, L, R, L, R, L) stamp L (without weight) 1&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 3 x 4 beat paddles (R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 2&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 3 x 4 beat paddles (L, R, L) stamp R (without weight) 3&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4&&a, 4&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 7 x 4 beat paddles (R, L, R, L, R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 5&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 3 x 4 beat paddles (L, R, L) stamp R (without weight) 6&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 3 x 4 beat paddles (R, L, R) stamp L (without weight) 7&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4&&a, 8&&a 2&&a 3&&a 4 7 x 4 beat paddles (L, R, L, R, L, R, L) stamp L (without weight) Commence standing in the centre facing front This is taken without music Making 1 full turn on last 2 bars Making 1 full turn on last 2 bars
5. OFF A LOG AND ELEVATED HEEL CLIPS 4 &a Hop L, shuffle R to side 1 Spring onto R and extended L leg out in front, 2, Spring onto L and extended L leg out in front 3 4 Spring (R over L) turning a ¼ turn to L toe tap L & 2 (2) Heel clip (legs to L), land on ball R foot. Pause. & 3 Heel clip (legs to L), land on ball R foot Commence standing in the centre facing RDF Face LDF 4, &a3 2 3 4, 4 &4 2 &3 Repeat starting L 4 &a Hop L, shuffle R to side 5 Spring onto R and extended L leg out in front, 2, Spring onto L and extended L leg out in front 3 4 Spring (R over L) turning a ¼ turn to L toe tap L & a 6 Heel clip (legs to L), land on ball R foot, toe beat (L behind R) 2 & 3 Heel clip (legs to L), land on ball of R foot, toe beat (L behind R) Facing RDF Face LDF 4, &a7 2 3 4, &8 &2 &3 Repeat starting L Repeat all
6. TURNING STEP WITH PICK UPS &1 &2 &3 &a 4 Tap step R, ball change L,R, shuffle L, single pick up R, step L &2 &2 &3 &a 4 Tap step R, ball change L,R, shuffle L, single pick up R, step L &3 &2 &3 &a 4 Tap step R, ball change L,R, shuffle L, single pick up R, step L &4 &2 &a 3 4 Tap step R, shuffle L, Single pick up R, step L, stamp R Commence in LDB corner travelling to RDF Turning to R 1 complete turn Turning to R 1 complete turn Turning to R 1 complete turn Turning to R 1 complete turn Repeat all on opposite foot to LDF 7. TURNING STEP WITH WINGS &1 & 2&a Tap step R, sideways brush L to RDF, 3 beat wing R to face RDB 3 & 4 Step L, pick up R, heel beat L, &1 & 2&a Tap step R, sideways brush L to RDF, 3 beat wing R to face RDB 3 & 4 Step L, pick up R, heel beat L, &1 & 2&a Tap step R, sideways brush L to RDF, 3 beat wing R to face RDB 3 & 4 Step L, pick up R, heel beat L, &4 & a2 Tap step R, Forward tap L, open ball change L,R & a3 Forward tap L, open ball change L,R & a4 Forward tap L, open ball change L,R Commence in LDB corner travelling to RDF Turning to R 1 complete turn Turning to R 1 complete turn Turning to R 1 complete turn Last bar making 1 full turn to R
SET STEPS 1. STYALISED BLUES Commence standing in the centre facing front 4/4. Intro 3 bars (bars 2 & 3 to be choreographed using own movement and styling) &1&aa (2) &3&aa (4) 5 Beat riff R, pause, 5 Beat riffs L, pause &&a2 & a 2 & 4 beat cramp roll, Ball beat R, ball beat L, heel beat R, heel beat L a 3 & a Ball beat R, ball beat L, heel beat R, heel beat L 4 Step out to R with R, drag L inwards &3 & (2) Ball change L,R Step L to side and drag R inwards, Pause &3 & (4) Ball change R,L Step R to side and drag L inwards, Pause &4 2 3 Ball change L,R step onto L, toe tip spin, turning to L &4 Ball change R, L & Ball dig R (inverted knee), a heel dig R (out to side with transference of weight) 5 & 2 Step L, pick up R, step R behind &3 & (4) Tap step L to side, Step R across in front Pause & a 6 Forward tap L, heel scuff L, heel beat R & a 2 Step L, step R behind, scuff L to R side and carry L foot round to L side off the floor whilst performing 3 4 Heel beat R, heel beat R, 7 & a2 Step L, backward brush R and ball change R, L 3 4 Turn on R to R, ball dig L, feet together & a8 & a Hop R, shuffle L, step L, step R 2 && a Hop R, shuffle L, hop R 3& a 4 Tap step L, heel beat L, stamp R Travelling sideways to the R Repeat all on the L side.
2. FUNKY JAZZ Commence standing in the centre facing front Section 1 1 & a 2 & Clap, heel beat L, heel dig R, pick up R, step R 3 & 4 & Heel beat R, heel dig L, pick up L, step L 2&a2&3&4& 3&a2&3&4& Repeat above twice Break 4 &&a2 &&a3 Heel Beat L, 4 beat paddle R, 4 beat paddle L & 4 stamp (R- no weight), stamp (R with weight) Section 2 1 & a 2 Step back L to LDB, pick up R, step R, heel beat R & 3 &4 & Step back L to LDB, pick up R, ball change R, Heel beat L 2&a2&3&4& 3&a2&3&4& Repeat to RDB starting with R. Repeat to LDB starting with L Break 4 & & a Step back to RDB R, pick up L, step L, heel beat L 2 & & a Step R, pick up L, step L, heel beat L 3 & &a 4 Step R, pick up L, ball change L, heel beat R Section 3 1 &a2&3 4 & Heel beat R 5 beat riff L, Heel beat R, heel beat L with shunting action 2&a2&34& 3&a2&34& Repeat with R Repeat with L Break 4&&a 2&&a 3 &4 4 beat Paddle R, 4 beat Paddle L, heel dig R, ball change R,L Continued over page
FUNKY JAZZ ROUTINE cont d Section 4 1 &&a2 Ball dig R, 4 beat cramp roll &3 &4 & 2 ball beats R,L, travelling to R, 2 heel beats R,L travelling to R, ball beat R 1&&a2&3&4 & 1&&a2&3&4 Repeat to L Repeat to R Break 4 &&a2 & Ball dig R, 4 beat cramp roll, step R out to side (weight in middle) 3 & Jump and click heels together, step R, 4 Stamp L forward and across RF
DANCE SECTION Candidate to present three 1 minute routines that need to be chosen from the following lists, Dance Style No.1 Funky, Military or Jazz Waltz Dance Style No.2 Ragtime, Latin or Rock and Roll Dance Style No.3 Western/Hoe down, any style with use of a prop or any style but using tacit and stop timing. BOW Set by the teacher and to be of a theatrical style