Performance Awards – Frequently Asked Questions
What are Performance Awards?
Performance Awards are an annual performance opportunity for students working at Grade 1 and above in Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, and Tap, and Grade 2 and above in Acro, Lyrical, and Contemporary.
Each class performs a choreographed dance for a BTDA examiner and a small audience of family and friends. The dance is created and taught by their class teacher during regular lessons.
Your child’s teacher will decide if their class takes part as solos or as a troupe (group). The whole class will do the same format — either all solo or all troupe. Participation is entirely optional; it’s a fun way to build stage confidence and performance skills, but no one is ever required to take part.
How are they marked?
Performance Awards are not competitions.
Each class moves up a level together each year (e.g. Bronze → Silver → Gold, etc.). Even if a child skips a year, they simply rejoin their class at its current level.
As long as they get on stage and perform, they will receive their award.
They are graded as:
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Pass
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Commended
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Highly Commended
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Honours
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Honours Star (for exceptional performances that exceed the level expectations)
Results are not announced on the day. Children receive their medal/trophy on stage, and the full mark sheet, comments and certificate follow a few weeks later.
What do they wear?
Classical Ballet
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Girls: Classical ballet tutu*, ballet tights, ballet shoes, tiara or flower headdress, hair in a neat classical bun.
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Boys: Ballet leggings, classical shirt or leotard, belt or cummerbund, ballet socks and shoes, hair neatly groomed.
Modern Jazz and/or Tap
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Bright, sparkly dancewear is ideal (e.g. a leotard with skirt, hot pants or trousers).
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If taking both Modern and Tap, they must wear different costumes for each style.
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Hair must be up (ponytail or plaits are fine) — not loose.
Acro, Lyrical and Contemporary
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Dancewear in keeping with the style of dance.
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Hair should be up and away from the face (not down).
Tip: Research ideas online and check with your child’s teacher before buying. We’re happy to advise!
What is a Troupe Award?
A Troupe Award is where the class performs together as a group and receives one overall mark.
Each dancer still gets their own individual medal or trophy to take home. The decision to do a troupe or solo award rests with the teacher.
Can they take more than one award in a weekend?
Yes! If they are ready and their teacher agrees, they can take one award for each style they study over the course of the weekend.
What if my child doesn’t want to take part?
That’s absolutely fine. Performance Awards are completely optional.
They are a wonderful way to build confidence and stage presence, but if your child isn’t ready this year, they will still:
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learn the routine in class
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usually use the same routine for their next exam
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get the fun experience of learning with their friends
What if they skip a year and do it later?
No problem. They can join in at whatever level their class is on the following year — they don’t have to go back and repeat missed levels.
Any advice for choosing a classical tutu?
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Buy or hire from a dance shop or reputable dance retailer (online or in-store).
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Avoid budget “dress-up” tutus from places like eBay or Temu — these are usually too small and floppy.
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Order well in advance — tutus can take weeks to arrive. Star Dancewear on site at the studios can show you the range of tutus and colours available
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Colour tips:
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Avoid black or very dark colours for younger students
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Avoid fluorescent/neon colours
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Classical ballet costumes should be subtle or bold, but elegant
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Don’t forget: they will also need a tiara or flower garland headdress and hair in a neat classical bun (no fringe).
Do we need to be there all weekend?
No.
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All Classical Ballet awards are on the Saturday.
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All other styles may be on either Saturday or Sunday between 9:30am and 6:00pm.
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The exact timetable will be sent out 2–3 weeks before the event.
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Once your child’s group has danced and received their award, you are free to leave.
Can the audience come and go during the day?
Yes — but please do not enter or leave while a child is performing, as it can be very distracting for them.
Is it open to the public?
No. The venue is closed to the public all weekend, and only family and friends of the students may attend.
What costs are involved?
In addition to purchasing or hiring a costume, the entry fees are:
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From £24.00 for a Bronze Medal
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Up to £50.00 for a Performance Cup
(Prices correct as of September 2025)
Still have questions?
No problem!
Please email info@vickygrant.com with any further questions or queries — we’re happy to help.