Class Placement Testing Week: March 16–18

This is our annual class placement testing week.

Please make sure your dancer:

  • Arrives a few minutes early
  • Wears a black leotard and tights
  • Does not wear baggy shirts or sweatshirts
  • Has hair secured in a bun

(Hip hop and acro dancers may wear their hair in a ponytail.)

Proper dress allows dancers to perform to the best of their ability and helps teachers clearly assess technique and alignment.

What Is Class Placement Testing?

Each class level follows a structured syllabus of skills and techniques appropriate for that age and level. During testing, teachers evaluate every required skill to determine each dancer’s progress and readiness for the next level.

Levels are designed with building blocks. Dancers must master foundational skills before progressing to more advanced variations. For example, a stag jump in Level 2 jazz may evolve into a turning stag jump in Level 3 and progress into more complex aerial variations in higher levels. Each level builds intentionally upon the one before it.

Generally, dancers remain in a level for 2–3 years to ensure they have thoroughly developed the necessary technique and strength. As levels increase, the syllabus becomes more challenging and expectations rise accordingly.

What Is Included in the Testing Charts?

Teachers complete detailed evaluation charts outlining:

  • Skills assessed
  • Notes and feedback
  • Placement/Levels for the following year

When Will Testing Forms Be Distributed?

Testing forms will be handed directly to a parent (not to students).

  • Testing forms will be handed out April 6-9, after we return from Holy Week break.

Please make sure a parent comes inside the building that week to pick up your dancer’s placement testing papers.

If you have any questions about testing, recital practice, or March events, please reply to this email. We are happy to help.

We are looking forward to a productive and exciting month!