Ballet Exam

Megan dances with a studio that teaches the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. It is a formal method that emphasizes technique. Megan has participated in the Grade 1 class throughout the year, knowing and dreading that spring meant the Grade 1 exam. Each grade level usually lasts for 2 years and each year expands upon the prior skills. The exam isn't a requirment and many girls don't take the exam, but if they think they may want to take exams as they get older and receive the certification then they must pass each level. Megan's teacher said she was ready and Megan is really interested in moving up to Grade 2, so she tenativly agreed to the exam.

Megan has a Grade 1 book that goes over Theory, consisting of the french terms and she had to learn their meanings and the movements that went with them. Jim took a look at the book but his highschool french wasn't much help. Her class has been working on this for months and had a practice day over spring break. I sat in on the class so I tried to remember the terms to help Meg review. The night before the exam, Megan was excited and scared and had a hard time falling asleep. Her exam wasn't until 3:00 so she had all day to think about it. She was nervous that the examiners would be stern and scary. We arrived at 2:00 to do her hair and so she could warm up. Megan's curly hair can be a challage in a bun. It goes up and stays up easily but she tends to get this soft halo of fuzz. Megan's teachers offered to put it up and we loaded it up with gel and hairspray. She was a very professional looking dancer. They pinned a little number one to her new black leotard. She went in with 2 other girls and they closed the door. 45 minutes later she emerged smiling, she said the examiners were very nice and she felt good about it.

We found out a few days later that she passed with a PASS PLUS (which equals a B+) and her teacher said she should be very proud. The examiners pointed out a few things to improve upon but she received "excellent" in Theory and Style. Megan beamed.  Her hard work and dedication paid off. We are all really proud of her but the best part is seeing her rightfully feel proud of herself.