What Exams Are Really About at OKD
There’s a special kind of magic when a child realises, “I can do it.”
That’s what dance exams are really about at Olive Kane Dance.
Each year, some of our students are invited to take ballet, tap and jazz exams with The Dance School Company (TDSC) when they’re ready.
Not because of pressure.
Not because of comparison.
But because of progress.
Exams as a Celebration of Growth
At OKD in East London, dance exams are about:
Working towards a clear goal
Building focus over time
Learning to manage nerves
Receiving professional feedback
Yes, exams can feel daunting - and that’s part of what makes them valuable.
Children learn to trust their preparation.
To walk into the studio with belief in themselves.
To channel nerves into concentration.
On exam day, an external TDSC examiner assesses their dancing and each child receives a report sheet, certificate and medal.
But the real reward isn’t the medal.
It’s the pride.
That steady, earned confidence that comes from sustained effort.
And that’s something they carry far beyond dance.
If you’re curious about how dance exams work at OKD, or when children are invited to take part, you can read more about our exam pathway here.