The True Value of Dance Exams

Like most dance teachers in Australia, I’m currently deep in preparations with my students for their upcoming exams. There are extra lessons, pages of notes, and a whole lot of hard work happening, and it’s easy to think that the mark they receive decides whether the experience has been worth it or not.

But the true value of exams isn’t found in a mark or certificate. It’s in the lessons students gain throughout the process: the discipline to show up, the resilience to keep going when it’s tough, and the understanding that consistent effort over time leads to growth. These are skills that will serve them for life, guiding them well beyond dance and into everything they do.

Dance exams — or any exam, really — give students a tangible goal to work towards, and in an age where it’s so easy to opt out of things, that in itself is valuable. Students learn what it means to commit, to show up consistently, and to keep chipping away even when it feels hard. These experiences remind them that growth doesn’t come from doing what’s easy — it comes from persistence and effort.

Preparing for an exam also teaches students how to sit with discomfort. Standing in front of an examiner, remembering exercises, and performing under pressure is never going to feel completely comfortable — and that’s the point. It’s in those moments that they discover they’re stronger than they thought, and capable of more than they believed.

I recently heard the quote, “Pressure is a privilege,” and it’s completely reframed how I think about doing hard things. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but diamonds are formed under pressure — and so are great dancers. Not every child will walk away with the top mark, but almost every child will leave their exam feeling more confident and capable than when they started.

It’s tempting to focus on the certificate they receive at the end, and of course it’s exciting to see a high mark, but that’s not the real measure of success. The true reward is the confidence that comes from setting a goal, putting in the work, and seeing it through. These experiences remind students that they can do hard things — and that perseverance is always worth it.

To every student preparing for an exam right now: what you’re doing is a gift to yourself. Learning how to work towards something over time is a skill that will serve you for life. Whether you walk out with the highest mark or not doesn’t matter — if you’ve shown up, put in the effort, and given it everything you can, you’ve already achieved something worth celebrating.

In a world where instant gratification is everywhere, there’s something truly special about slowly chipping away at a goal and seeing your progress unfold piece by piece. That’s the magic of this process. It’s not just about being a better dancer; it’s about becoming a stronger, more confident, and more determined version of yourself. That is the real success, and it’s something no score can measure.