FAQs
Exam classes
Are the exams compulsory?
While not compulsory, students enrolled in an Urban Ignition class are encouraged to sit the exam. All extension class exams are compulsory. They are a great opportunity to gain a qualification while improving technical and performance abilities, and much of the material taught is in preparation for these exams. There is no reason why a student attending classes each week and practicing at home should not do well in their exams.
Can I move up a level if I don’t sit the exam?
Most classes allow a student to progress without sitting the exam. For some of the advanced levels and extension classes, passing the exam is a prerequisite for going up a class level.
Are there additional costs for sitting an exam?
Yes. These go directly to the examining organisation and we add a small administration fee to cover the extra costs of providing the examination opportunities to our students. Fees are set by the examining organisation and we are informed each year. The organisations do not offer refunds unless presented with a medical certificate. Late entries (examination enrolments completed and paid for after the date given by Rasa) incur a late fee set by the examining organisation.
Who are the examiners?
APDA examiners come from all over NZ and Australia. NZAMD and RBM examiners come from all around NZ. The examiners are highly qualified teachers, trained in the syllabus they are examining. We do not get to choose our examiners.
What is the correct exam etiquette?
Children are expected to arrive on time, in clean and tidy clothing suitable for the exam they are sitting (this will be discussed when exam notices are generated). It is a fairly formal situation so students should be polite and respectful. The exam is a performance, showcasing knowledge and style of the material taught.
What if something comes up and I can’t sit the exam after I’ve paid and enrolled?
The examination organisations have set dates all around the country to examine hundreds of dance schools so we are unable to change the schedule. Students sitting an exam are expected to make sure they are available to attend on the examination date.
What is the difference between NZAMD, Urban Ignition (UI) and RBM?
They are all slightly different styles offered by three different examining organisations. All require students to show competency, skill, and performance ability in the exam although UI marks more technically. Some students choose to do all 3 styles, for instance, older students can opt for extension classes, this is after discussion with the principal). Choose a class on a day and time that suits you the best. All our syllabus' are great!
New enrolments
Please read our Terms & Conditions for additional information regarding enrolments.
Can I come and watch a class?
Having extra people in the class can be distracting, so we don't allow observers. We open up the last class of terms 1and 2 for the last 10 minutes at the end to show parents what the students have been learning that term. Our end of year show at the Regent Theatre also gives friends, family, and prospective students the opportunity to see what our dancers have been working on throughout the year.
Can I try a class before I commit to the term?
We do not offer trial classes, preferring our students to commit to the school terms (8-10 weeks).Over the past 21 years we've noticed that it usually takes more than one class for new students to settle in, gain confidence, and get used to being a part of a dance class. Many of our classes have waiting lists, which makes it difficult to prioritise a student who just wants to 'check it out' over those who would like to commit for a term. Our experienced teachers understand that taking a dance class might be well outside the comfort zone of some students, and they are trained to help new students develop their confidence in a supportive environment.
Do parents watch classes?
With the exception of the preschool classes, where parents are permitted in the room but must participate with their child if they do so, we do not allow parents to be in the classroom. For the first lesson a parent may wait a few minutes until a child is settled but we have a waiting area with seating in our Rasa hallway and parents/caregivers are asked to wait there. After gaining many years of experience we have found children respond well without the distraction of a parent in the room and this allows them to develop confidence and independence in new situations, it also means others in the classroom are not distracted. If a child is at school we hope they are able to transfer the ability to be left by mum, dad or a caregiver to the dance room.
Do you offer a family discount?
Yes, we offer discounts for families or individuals taking three or more one hour classes per term. The discount only applies if fees are paid in full by the invoice due date and is not applicable to those with a payment plan.
