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Introduction
Freestyle is alive and well in South Africa with many qualified studios offering the SADTA Freestyle Medal Test syllabus. Foundation is introduced as early as Tiny Tots 1 with the addition of having to complete a character dance of the teachers choice. The introduction of Freestyle is seen from Pre Badge, Rock ‘n’ Roll from Badge 2 and Slowdance from Badge 3. Foundation is concluded at a Golden Scroll level whereby students will only have to complete Slowdance, Freestyle and Rock ‘n’ Roll from Blue Riband till Annual Award.
Introduced to the SADTA Syllabus in 2019, Foundation is a style of dance that draws its inspiration from other genres of dance such as Ballet, Modern Dance, Jazz and many other classical performing arts. The style, which closely resembles that of a contemporary dancer, incorporates the strong and controlled legwork of ballet with stress on the torso as seen in modern dance. Foundation employs contract-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation similar to the characteristics as is commonly seen in modern dance and in Freestyle.
Slowdance and Freestyle remain popular dance forms in South Africa. Both can be considered high energy and involve the careful sequencing of runs, spins, kicks, jumps and leaps as well as many other rhythmically diverse steps and movements inclusive of arm and hand action. Despite one style being slower than the other, both employ contract-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction. Most Importantly, both styles allow the dancer individual freedom of expression to enhance their own individual style.
Slowdance and Freestyle remain popular dance forms in South Africa. Both can be considered high energy and involve the careful sequencing of runs, spins, kicks, jumps and leaps as well as many other rhythmically diverse steps and movements inclusive of arm and hand action. Despite one style being slower than the other, both employ contract-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction. Most Importantly, both styles allow the dancer individual freedom of expression to enhance their own individual style.
A 1959 dance book describes Rock n’ Roll as performed without undue tension, the body and legs being flexible so that there may be a physical rhythmic expression of co-ordination with the beats of music. A dance that leaves much scope for personal expression and interpretation in style, movement, rhythm, and even in the manner in which the figures are constructed. Requires a level of dedication and understanding in order to sucessfull execute routines with good technique and style.
Medal Test Syllabus Development Chart
Examinations to be taken in the following, strict sequential order:
Levels | Recommended Age Groups |
One Dance Tests | Optional – all ages |
One Dance Test (Levels) | Optional – all ages |
Tiny Tots 1st Star Test | 4-7 years old |
Tiny Tots 2nd Star Test | 4-7 years old |
Tiny Tots 3rd Star Test | 4-7 years old |
Tiny Tots 4th Star Test | 4-7 years old |
Pre-Badge | Juveniles 12 years and under only |
Badge 1 | Juveniles 12 years and under only |
Badge 2 | Juveniles 12 years and under only |
Badge 3 | Juveniles 12 years and under only |
Pre-Bronze Diploma | |
Bronze Bar Diploma | |
Bronze Medal Diploma | |
Silver Bar Diploma | |
Silver Medal Diploma | |
Gold Bar Diploma | |
Gold Diploma | |
Golden Scroll | Adults 15 years and over only |
Blue Ribband Diploma | Adults 16 years and over only |
Emerald Star Diploma | Adults 17 years and over only |
Annual Award | Adults 17 years and over only |
Competitive
Images captured by Robert Harris and TEAM OPTICS / Optical Noise Photography
Dancer wishing to compete can enter into any of the following categories but must start from Beginner in Solo sections and Novice for Pairs sections.
Freestyle Solo
- Age Groups
- Jely Tots (4&U) | Tiny Tots (5-6) | 7&U | 8-9 | 10-11 | 12-13 | 14-15 | 16-17 | 18&19 | 20&O
- Levels
- Medal Syllabus (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Non-Registered (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Beginner (Optional at a Championship Competition)
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Rising Star (Championship Competitions Only)
- Championship
- Premier Championship
Slowdance Solo
- Age Groups
- Jely Tots (4&U) | Tiny Tots (5-6) | 7&U | 8-9 | 10-11 | 12-13 | 14-15 | 16-17 | 18&19 | 20&O
- Levels
- Medal Syllabus (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Non-Registered (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Beginner (Optional at a Championship Competition)
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Rising Star (Championship Competitions Only)
- Championship
- Premier Championship
Freestyle Pairs
- Age Groups
- 11&U | 12/15 | 16&O
- Levels
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Rising Star (Championship Competitions Only)
- Championship
Rock ‘n’ Roll Pairs
- Age Groups
- 11&U | 12/15 | 16&O
- Levels
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Rising Star (Championship Competitions Only)
- Championship
Freestyle Small Groups
- Age Groups
- 12&U | 13&O
- Levels
- Syllabus (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Championship (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
Freestyle Formation Teams
- Age Groups
- 12&U | 13&O
- Levels
- Syllabus (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
- Championship (at select SADTA and Private Promoter Competitions)
Registration forms for competitions can be found by clicking on the following link: