Most professional ballroom studios teach using the Medal System. This is an organized way of keeping track of your progress. At the By Your Side Dance Studio, we use the DIVIDA Medal System produced by Dance Vision, a world-renowned dance organization.
The Medal System is broken into three major categories:
Bronze Level
Silver Level
and
Gold Level
Your instructor keeps a personal folder for you which contains the dances you have chosen and a step list for each of those dances. You and your instructor will keep track of your progress by checking off what you have learned as you progress. Areas that are monitored are foot positions, footwork, timing, lead/follow and styling. You always know where you stand with your dancing skills!
WHAT WILL EACH LEVEL DO FOR YOU?
Bronze Program
The Bronze Program is a full social dancing program. You choose the dances you wish to excel in and your instructor teaches you the patterns, timing and techniques in those particular dances. You will also strengthen your leading and following skills which leaves you feeling comfortable and capable on the dance floor.
Each level is broken down into four sections. Here is an example of the Bronze breakdown:
Bronze I You learn the first few patterns of a dance.
Bronze II You continue to add to your repetoire. You are introduced to styling at this level and continue to perfect your footwork.
Bronze III starts to get a little more advanced and you will find yourself becoming a sought after dance partner.
Bronze IV is known as the full Social Standard. This is the time when you become an advanced social dancer. This is where the true fun begins!
Some students prefer to learn only one dance, which is fine, but remember you will end up only being able to dance when a particular style of song is played. If you follow the Medal System level by level and choose a variety of dances, you will become a well-rounded social dancer able to dance to anything that is played. Many of the same patterns are/can be used in a variety of dances, which makes learning several dances easier.
The most popular dances chosen by students learning via the Medal System are Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Rumba, Swing and Cha Cha although any combination is fine. Salsa and West Coast Swing are popular choices as well.
Silver Program
Silver is the dance standard with a high degree of styling and elaborate movements. The Silver dancer will stand out, have more style and begin to look more professional on the dance floor. Continuity of movements makes a couple glide across the dance floor with many natural directional changes. Styling, technique, balance and control are a focus in this level. Again, this level is broken down into smaller sections for easier learning: Silver I, Silver II, Silver III and Silver IV
Gold Program
The Gold Level is for the hobby dancer interested in performances, exhibitions or competitions. You will not typically see this level danced on the social dance floor. Both partners must be advanced dancers in order to execute the intricate patterns. Choreography, styling, technique and showmanship are a must in this standard. This level requires dedication and many hours of lessons and practice time, but you will truly be regarded as an outstanding dancer.
Getting started is easy. The first step is to schedule an introductory lesson with one of our instructors. We will sit down with you before the lesson and determine what your short and long-term dancing goals are. Once this is established, we can provide a plan that will help you reach your goals. Call us today at 310-391-0400 or email us at bysdance@gmail.com
