Medal Tests – the most fun you’ll have doing a test

The coffee and the hot chocolate flowed, and so did good feelings, last Saturday the 7th May. Finally, it was the much anticipated day of the Medal Tests. Jammie Hall was transformed by Bryce and his helpers for the Black & White Medal Tests social the night before. Everyone had adopted this spirit for the social and it felt like I had stepped into an old black and white movie when I walked into the hall.


From the very first warm-up dance, until the last couple left the floor, the day was filled with non-stop action. Everyone was eager and helpful and the day seemed to fly. The spectators spectated, the dancers danced and the examiners examined , and by the end of the day everyone had had a chance to show off their new or improved dancing skills and get a few useful pointers.


Whether you are Beginner or a Bronze, Silver or Gold medallist, Medal Tests is sure to have improved your technique and your confidence on the dance floor. Just in time for Intervarsity too! For those of you who didn’t, or couldn’t, make it this year, there’s just no way to describe it, you have to experience it for yourself....










Now that you have done your Medal Test, here are a few pointers for how to interpret your results and make the best of your comments:

- First and foremost you need to realise that you are marked according to your level. You don’t need to worry about looking as good as a Gold medallist if you are only a Beginner, you only need to show that you have mastered the level that you are dancing at.

- There are four possible marks you could have recieved for your Medal Test, Pass (65-74%), Commended (75-84%), Highly commended (85-89%) and Honours (90-100%). If you got Honours you can be rightly proud, they are not just handed out and require a lot of work and just a bit of luck. If your marks do not seem to add up (if you seem to be marked up), remember that the examiners can use their discretion. Anyone can make a mistake on the dance floor or have one bad dance, while at other times you can seem brilliant. The judges will look at the way you dance overall to determine your final mark.


- You will see that, along with your shiny certificate, came a comment sheet full of handy pointers; use this! If you have any trouble interpreting what they mean by something like “replace weight on the fall-away rock”, then simply ask one of the more advanced dancers or Iliana to help you interpret it. Beginners, this is especially handy for you; now is the perfect time to nip bad habits in the bud.









- If there is one thing that I have learned over the years of Medal Testing, it is to ENJOY YOURSELF! I know it’s difficult when you’re nervous and you want to do your best. But, if you show others that you are having fun, it makes them enjoy watching you. In this way you can be sure to get a better mark. Psychological trickery, perhaps, but it works.

- Best of all, there is a good chance there are photos or even a video of you dancing! Check out Facebook (some people will upload here), or speak to us. We have photos from some of the more prolific photographers(thanks Nicholas) and Iliana’s many, many videos. This is the absolute best way to see where you make mistakes and where you can improve. Not sure what Iliana meant by saying look up and keep your shoulders back? Take one look at a video or photo where your eyes are on the floor or your shoulders are slouched, and you will realise at once why it doesn’t look good at all.

Now you know you can do it, you’ve worked hard, you’ve conquered the butterflies, and you’ve danced your heart out on the floor. You can only get better and better…see you all at Intervarsity!
Bernie

*photos by Nicholas Heins.

Black and White, Baby

“But, If You're Thinkin' About My Baby, It Don't Matter If You're Black Or White, oooh oooh oooh ooh” Michael Jackson

Despite the fact that Medal Tests was an ominous presence in the room, and was scheduled for early the next day, the Social on Friday 6th May was one of the best we have had this year. The floor seemed to be overflowing with couples, getting their practice in before the terrifying tests the next day. It was certainly a good chance to practice your floor craft during those potentially lethal dances like the quickstep.

Just like all the socials before, everyone looked amazing; not just because of their cute cocktail dresses or smart ties, but also because there was an obvious excitement in the air – the dancers finally know how to dance. Everybody was showing off considerable moves, more than enough leg and some amazing hip action!



The beginners are looking great this year and are working exceptionally hard at all their dances. I am so pleased with their enthusiasm; it makes me wish that I was back there with them. The fact that we have so much positive energy in the room bodes well for the society and we hope to have some strong dancers coming up through the years.

I would like to encourage all the beginners to keep on working at their basics, coming to socials and getting involved in the society.



I would like to thank the committee for putting in so much effort to make the room look wonderful. Bryce, your socials always look amazing and I know that they are well appreciated.
Claire