Why we changed our dance assessments
From Medal Tests to Medal Checkpoints – this 2024 moment marks the end of one chapter and the start of something even better in 2025.
Just because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean we should keep doing it that way. Like all good things in life, we believe our approach to dance education should continue to evolve.
At Dance Habit, we know our young people live in a fast-paced and often overwhelming world. Dance is their outlet – their safe space. It’s a place for self-expression, connection, movement and joy. It’s not another thing they have to get right.
When dance assessments don’t feel right anymore
For over ten years, we’ve offered Medal Tests – internal, optional dance assessments for students in Prep and up. And for over ten years, they’ve been popular, with more than 90% of students participating. So why change it?
Because it no longer aligns with our values.
As a studio, we’ve made clear decisions about what we prioritise – including stepping away from competitions to protect the joy of dancing and shift focus to personal growth and progress. Our decision to replace Medal Tests (dance assessments) with Medal Checkpoints is another example of us leading with purpose.
Let’s be clear: we believe in recognising progress. We believe in the power of feedback. And we absolutely believe in teaching technique and fostering strong, capable dancers.
What we don’t believe in is adding unnecessary pressure to something that should add value to a young dancer’s life – not become their whole life.
We will continue to offer (optional) external ballet exams through the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD) for senior students because we believe the upper levels of ballet benefit from a national qualification. But for the remaining body of our studio, we move this year to Medal Checkpoints.
So, what’s different about Medal Checkpoints?
Medal Checkpoints offer students the chance to receive structured feedback and a meaningful result – but in a way that removes the performance anxiety that often accompanies traditional dance assessments.
Here’s how:
The assessment happens in class
Yes, that’s right, in class! In their regular environment, with their regular teacher. This also means no change to the schedule for busy caregivers.
No performance or costumes
Students wear their normal class uniform and don’t need to prepare anything extra at home (this remains the same as Medal Tests)
The experience is integrated into learning
The class is thoughtfully planned to cover our five key learning outcomes across each genre giving students the opportunity to demonstrate comprehension and execution.
Feedback includes more than steps
Students also receive input from their teacher on their effort, attitude, punctuality, grooming, and demonstration of our Studio Values.
It’s not a competition
Results aren’t shared unless students want to, and they are welcome to reflect privately or with their families. However, we still celebrate everyone’s success at a shared prizegiving, with special recognition of students who received the highest grade possible.
Our new system provides a clear picture of each dancer’s progress with a final result ranging from Developing Knowledge through to Exceptional. It recognises effort and attitude as well as technical skills, creating a more holistic and supportive experience.
Why it matters
We take dance education seriously, but that doesn’t mean we take the fun out of it. We’ve developed an internal syllabus with clear progression, intentional outcomes, and regular review. It’s rigorous but joyful. Structured but never rigid.
With Medal Checkpoints, we’re maintaining what mattered about Medal Tests – recognition, feedback, and growth – while removing what no longer fits: pressure, performance, and unnecessary stress.
Because dance should be about more than perfecting a routine or technique. It should be about building confidence, resilience and community. It should be a space where effort is celebrated and values matter.
It’s who we are!
Medal Checkpoints aren’t just an update to an old system — they’re a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.
They honour the work of our dancers while protecting the joy that keeps them coming back. And for us, that’s the kind of progress worth recognising!
If this sounds like your jam, we’d love for you to come and dance with us. Book a trial or learn more about our exceptional team of teachers or the variety of classes that we have available.