Cecchetti is a rigorous, balanced, and analyzed method of ballet training established by Maestro Enrico Cecchetti and continued through the work and dedication of his students. The method develops the qualities necessary for a well-rounded ballet dancer and artist and pays special attention to the laws of anatomy.
There are three Primary Certificate Levels, for kindergarten through 2nd/3rd grade. (For older beginners, Primary 3 is an excellent place to start.)
The Primary Levels build up to the more technically rigorous Grades (1-4) for ages 10 and up, and these, in turn, prepare students for the material in the highly demanding Professional Grades (Elementary Grade 5, Intermediate Grade 6, Advanced Grade 7, Diploma).
Grade examinations are designed to be more technically demanding with the possibility of leading to higher levels of study. The Grade-level exams address technique, style and musicality, and knowledge of theory.
What is “Grade I”?Why exams?
The Cecchetti syllabus is divided into different levels or grades. Grade I is the first level. In total, there are eight grades, four student (pre-professional) grades and four professional grades. The grade numbers do not correspond to any academic grade.
Who is Grade I for?
It is for committed students who are serious about their growth as dancers. It is recommended students be between ages 8-15, though there is no age cap (you can even be in your 30s). Students must have prior ballet experience if under age 10.
What is class like? The students learn the entire Grade I syllabus. They will memorize and perfect exercises that take them through an entire ballet class and movement: barre work, port de bras, center work, adage (adagio), pirouette, allegro, and across the floor movement.
Will I be presented for an exam?
The syllabus is valuable as training in itself; however, once dancers are ready, they can be presented for an examination. The teacher/sponsor will decide if a student is ready to take the exam.
Do I have to take the exam? No! You do not have to be presented for the exam to take the class. However, the exam process offers a way to measure your development as a dancer and artist by evaluation against a national standard. The Cecchetti Council of America issues a card and certificate of evaluation to students who pass exams.
Ballet exams are valuable for serious ballet students because they promote the development of strong technique, artistry, and quality of movement. It takes discipline to study theory and work hard in class to reach the technical requirements for each grade level.
How can you prepare?
Good classroom attendance is key to excellent ballet technique. Most dancers preparing for ballet exams take a minimum of two ballet classes per week. The number of weekly classes will increase as the dancer progresses through the levels. Due to the fact that the Cecchetti method builds from one level to the next, candidates may be asked theory questions from the previous grades. Nervousness is reduced when candidates are well prepared.
What to expect
Your ballet exam will be led by one or two examiners from the Cecchetti Council of America’s Board of Examiners. Most exams start center floor with a short introduction between examiners and the candidates. The examiners will first ask the theory questions before the candidates demonstrate the barre work, center work, adages, and enchaînements exercises.
Exams times vary depending on the grade level ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours or more. Please speak with your teacher for information on exam prices.
After your "reverence," say thank you to the examiners on your way out of the room!
Ballet Exam Day Check List
• Arrive one hour early
• Hair in classical style bun (make it flat!) No sock buns or accessories
• Packed extra pins, hairnets, hair spray etc (hair smooth with no flyaways and must not come loose)
• Solid black leotard (no shorts or skirts)
• Ballet pink tights with feet. No holes, runs or discolorations
• Extra pair of ballet pink tights with feet (things happen)
• Clean pink ballet slippers with elastics securely sewn on
• Appropriate style sports bra with straps not visible
• Warm-up clothing so exam clothes do not get dirty
• Nail polish removed
• No writing or tattoos anywhere please, including legs
• Terminology sheets or syllabus to review before exam
• Water (water bottles are left outside the exam room)
• No jewelry of any kind.
• If you use an inhaler, it may be brought into the exam to assure your comfort and safety.
- Male candidates should wear a fitted white t-shirt, dance belt, black tights and ballet slippers. Younger boys may wear fitted black shorts. Hair must be away from the face.
Upon Arrival
• Check in with your teacher & let them know you are there
• Have your exam # pinned on
• Warm-up
• Review exercises and terminology with partner(s)
• Go to restroom
(Please don’t wait until you are standing outside the exam door!)
After Your Exam
• Jump for joy!!!! (Quietly of course)
• Please RETURN YOUR EXAM # and pins!
• Tell your teacher how things went
• Enjoy the rest of your day!
Study Links
Preparing and studying for ballet exams create calm and confident candidates. Besides studying your syllabus we have vocabulary and theory flashcards here https://quizlet.com/sarah_easter/folders/cecchetti
Quizlet also allows you to make your own flashcards and play online games using the information in your Graded syllabus books. Ask your parents permission before registering for this website. Have fun learning and sharing your knowledge of the Cecchetti method with all your dancing friends!
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Chinese Proverb
