Solos & Pupil Skills

Types of Solos

Solo competitions are divided into two catagories

Calisthenic Solo / Duo – this section requires pupils to present a greater diversity in their routine. They display elements of free exercise, aesthetic, dance and flexibility. Pupils can start to compete in this section from eight years of age.

Graceful Solo ‐ in this section, pupils from eleven years and over present a combination of aesthetic and dance movements.

Levels

Pupil levels required for solos / duos are based on your age as at 31st December of the previous year. The required Pupil Skill Level must be passed before the end of previous year. As an example to compete in 2009 your age is calculated as at 31st December and you must have passed the appropriate skills test during 2008.

Test 1 8 years
Test 2 9 years
Test 3 10 years
Grade 1 11 and 12 years
Grade 2 13 and 14 years
Grade 3 14- 16 years
Grade 4 17 years and over (with a pass of 80% or more in the dance and aesthetic sections of the exam for a Graceful Solo)

Remember, to compete in solos/duos during 2010, you must pass the required skill level in 2009.

The information below is current as at 26th February 2008:

General information for coaches and candidates

Click here to download the 12-page booklet ofr information which contains exam guidelines for coaches and candidates.

Exam entry costs

Test 1 and 2 $21.50 per candidate

Test 3

 $31.00 per candidate

Grade 1, Standard Grade 1 

$31.50 per candidate 

Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Standards 2, 3, 4 $39.00 per candidate
Bronze and Silver Medals $59.50 per candidate
Gold Medals $93.50 per candidate (a further charge will apply for Gold Medal Honours Stage Presentation $32.50)

Syllabus

The current version in use for Skills Exams - Test 1, 2 & 3; Standard Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4; Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4 - is the version revised as at JANUARY 2005. Medal syllabi available upon entry to these exam levels. The syllabus can be downloaded from the ACF Website - click here.

This link also includes order details for the Syllabus package or components.

A brief outline of the divisions

Tests 1, 2 & 3

The three Tests are designed to introduce younger students to the procedure of exams, to emphasise the importance of developing correct technique, and to encourage confidence. No impromptu combinations of movements will be requested by the examiner.

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4

By progressing steadily through the Grades, the student builds a comprehensive vocabulary of terminology and a firm understanding of the requirements of basic calisthenics. It also allows the student to develop at their own pace and within their capabilities. Throughout the Grades, combinations of movements are introduced to reinforce the terminology learnt. Exercises have been choreographed to develop co-ordination, artistry and musicality. The examiner can request unrehearsed combinations in Grade 2,3 and 4.             

Standard Grades 1-4

Standard 1 & 2 is not on the video, however is based on Grade 1 & 2 and the music is as for Grade 1 & 2. Please ensure you use the correct written syllabus for Standard 1 & 2. These Grades do not qualify for solo entry. The recent introduction of these Grades was made to cater for students who are not focusing on the elements of classical dance as part of their team curriculum. The syllabus also makes allowances for those who are slightly restricted in natural flexibility by offering optional versions of several movements. The aesthetic section has a smaller progression in difficulty from the lower Grades, and the dance section in Standard 3 and 4 begins with jazz exercises, moving on to basic steps for a jazz routine. No impromptu combinations of movements will be requested by the examiner.

Medals

Candidates must achieve Grade 4 before commencing Medals.

Minimum ages to apply to Grade 4 and Medals.

The Medals have been created with the more mature student in mind and whilst they draw on the technique established in the Grades, they are designed to develop performing skills, quality of movement, musicality and a sense of floor pattern and space. Advanced movements in all facets of calisthenics must be mastered to a high standard with a separate mark being allocated for each movement which must reach the required standard to pass the overall exam.

Self-choreographed routines introduce the student to the art of choreography and, working with the coach, the student can explore creativity in designing routines to enhance their own capabilities.

Candidates in the GOLD MEDAL exam who achieve a pass of 90% or higher may strive for the ultimate distinction of GOLD MEDAL HONOURS which is for elite performers only. To qualify to present for GOLD MEDAL HONOURS a candidate must achieve 90% or higher in the combined Parts 1 and 2. A candidate will not receive Honours for Gold Medal unless they successfully complete the Stage Performance (Part 3) with consists of three routines performed before an audience and the examiner, and achieves a combined Parts 1, 2 and 3 total of 90% or more.

Presentation for Gold Medal Honours must be within the same calendar year as the Technical exam Parts 1 and 2.

Medal candidates cannot re sit for 12 months as time is needed to improve the technical recommendations on the assessment paper.