Feb 28, 2006 at 09:13 AM , Last Updated ( Jul 15, 2010 at 09:36 PM )
Maxim Kozhevnikov, Member USISTD
Proceed to the Exam Forms & Applications section to download the Time, Cost, and Application Form for Professional Exams.
Professional Examinations are the true heart of the Imperial Society. The standards of the examination program are exacting and require months of preparation. The degrees are graduated relative to one's experience, and are designed to provide dance teachers with a logical and systematic language for explaining movement in words. They also provide a means for achieving the ability to give a high quality practical demonstration of the fundamental figures of each dance. Therefore, all examinations require both practical demonstrations, theory, and technical analysis.
Professional Examinations are given for Student Teacher, Associate, Licentiate, and Fellowship levels of membership in the Society for the various styles of dance.
Progression of levels for the Professional Examinations
Student Teacher
Minimum age: 16 years. Candidates gain no qualifications in the Society, may not vote, and may not advertise as a member, but are permitted to attend meetings and to receive member discounts and publications. This level is an excellent preparation for the student dancer who is interested in teaching dance someday. The candidate is tested on their knowledge of the Student Teacher figures.
Associate
Minimum age: 17 years. Candidates with many or less than two (2) years experience as a teacher of dancing in a responsible position may examine for the Associate degree. On passing the Associate exam, the candidate becomes a member of the USISTD, and ISTD if tested in either International Ballroom or Latin styles of dance. The Associate qualification is a provisional teaching qualification of the Society. The candidate is tested on their knowledge of the Student Teacher and Associate figures. The candidate must demonstrate good teaching abilities along with an understanding of the technique used in partnership dancing. This usually, is the first exam taken by an experienced dance instructor.
Licentiate
Adjudication
Minimum age: 21 years. Candidates for these examinations must have completed two (2) years experience as a teacher of dancing in a responsible position. The Licentiate qualification is a provisional adjudication qualification of the Society. The candidate is tested on their knowledge of the Student Teacher, Associate, and Licentiate figures. The candidate must also demonstrate excellent teaching abilities and a higher understanding of the techniques used in partnership dancing.
Fellowship
Candidates for these examinations must have held Licentiate status in the Branch concerned for at least three (3) years. The Fellowship degree is the highest standard of qualification for the teacher to achieve. The candidate is tested on all of the figures of the particular style in which the exam is taken. In addition, the candidate must also have a greater knowledge of dance principals and techniques used in partnership dancing.
Student Teacher, Associate, Licentiate, and Fellowship Exams are offered in each of the following styles of dance: International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm, Theater Arts, and Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll.
When preparing for examinations, candidates frequently train with an Examiner or a Society member who specializes in examination preparation, referred to as Trainers. All necessary manuals, support videos and books containing potential examination questions and their answers are available through the USISTD Publications Department.
The following documents would be helpful in your preparation:
Read what studio owners have said about the Examination Process and how it affected their teachers and students:
"Dear Peter Billett,
WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU WERE!
Thank you so much for visiting our studio and for certifying our instructors. Our experience with ISTD superceded our expectations. All of our staff, especially myself & my husband, were very much impressed with the knowledge and experience you shared with us. So much so we plan to hire you on a regular basis for Asoociates Training days.
The expertise and skill you shared with us was life changing for us as Dance Professionals and as Studio owners.
Thank you for going above & beyond what was expected of you as President and Examiner of ISTD and for breathing new life into our studio.
See you soon
Sincerely
Angel & Tulane Rivera Owners: A TIME TO DANCE"
Here's a letter from our newest Associate member of the USISTD. This is what she had to say about her Professional Exam with Lori Woods Gay:
"Dear Lori;
Thank you for my exam. That was great! I had a good time and learned a lot. I am looking forward to seeing you next time.
Ieva Pauksena
Some of my achievements. Am (partner Victor Fung) 2001 world finalist 2001 Blackpool finalist 2001 USA National champion
Professional (partner Giampiero Giannico) 2002-2005 2pl USA national championship 2002-2004 Blackpool Semifinalist 2003-2005 International semifinalist 2004 World finalist 2005 Blackpool finalist
If you need some more information,please let me know! Thank you!
Ieva Pauksena"
Let the USISTD do the same for your studio. We offer Medal Tests for Students and Professional Exams for all levels and styles.
Professional or Certification Exams 
