Gradings & Assessments

Salsa Latina stands at the forefront of the Street style Latin dance industry in New Zealand. As pioneers in the country, we have introduced Grading classes or 'Group gradings' to facilitate student progression to higher levels. The implementation of Gradings has proven to enhance the overall quality of dancers and yield numerous benefits, which are listed below. Presently, only one other school in NZ has adopted a similar grading system. Since its inception in 2020, this approach has remarkably improved the classes, elevating the standard and providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience for dancers. We hope to inspire other dance schools to follow suit, contributing to the overall advancement of dance standards throughout New Zealand.

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Gradings Required for Progressing 

Advancing from beginners to higher levels in Salsa & Bachata, requires either a group grading or a private grading. Access to higher levels is dependent on completing the grading process. Alternatively, if you have previous dance experience from another school, you may undergo an assessment. For further details, please see below.

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Grading Benefits;

-• Ensuring dancers are at the right level
-• Get Direct objective Feedback from a teacher
-• Progress better & more efficiently 

-• Find weaknesses & strengths for improvement
-• Ensuring the higher levels keep a higher standard

-• Access to Platinum Cards with 2 for 1 classes 

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Group Gradings & Revision - Week#8

At the end of the 8 week course for Salsa & Bachata beginners, gradings take place during week #8. The grading session serves as a revision class, combining fun and ease while focusing on reviewing the moves learned at this level. This is an excellent opportunity for Salsa Latina Teachers to provide you with direct and objective feedback on your dancing progress. To pass the grading, a score of 60% or above is required to progress, however the grading itself is entirely optional, you may join in for reviewing the level and practice for fun.
ou can find the specific gradings dates listed on the timetable.  see the timetable >

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You can join week#8 if you are not Grading

We strongly urge beginner students to participate in this class, regardless of whether you plan to advance further. Engaging in the grading process is entirely optional. Feel free to join the class for its dual purpose as a review and practice session. Whether you've experienced grading in the past or are simply looking to have fun while revisiting previous lessons, we welcome you to join us for Week #8 Grading & review class.

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When you Pass your Beginner Grading

You'll pass when you get a 60% grade, which comes with a free certificate.
When you pass the grading you can join the next level:
- Salsa Beginners 101 > Can then Join Any Salsa Imp/Int 201-208 Courses

- Bachata Beginners 101 > Can then Join Any Bachata Imp/Int 201-208 Courses

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If you Don't Pass the Grading

Scoring below 60% in the grading indicates that you haven't passed and you cannot go up a level, but there's no need to worry because our beginner 101 levels are designed to be repeated as needed. Our classes are structured in a way that allows you to repeat the level or specific parts of it if necessary. Additionally, taking private lessons can be beneficial for improving your dancing skills and working towards achieving a graded pass in the future. We believe that with perseverance, anyone can pass a grading, even if it takes multiple attempts. Your background and the amount of time you dedicate to practice play a significant role in the outcome.

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To enhance your dancing skills, we highly recommend engaging in social dancing and regular practice. Our online dance training videos can also be a valuable resource for improving your technique. Whether you have passed the grading or not, repeating levels can offer a deeper understanding of the basics. Rushing into higher levels without mastering the fundamentals can hinder the learning process for everyone in the next level. Our priority is to ensure that all students have a solid foundation before progressing further, creating a better learning environment for everyone involved.

 

What happens during a group grading?

Grading classes provide an stress-free environment. To participate in a group grading, simply arrive like a normal class and we will ask you during class if you are doing the grading. The structure of the grading class will resemble a regular class, starting with the usual warm-up routine. During the session, the teachers will review and assess four moves that were taught earlier in the course, which will form the basis of the grading process. 

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Throughout the course, the teachers may also observe and evaluate your performance - they are always watching the level of their students. On the day of the grading, they will assess various aspects, including footwork, partnering, timing, technique, connection, and four partnered fundamentals. During the dance practice phase, each student who is grading will have a quick 5-minute dance with the teachers (while some students may be practicing without grading). The feedback will be provided privately, on a one-on-one basis between you and the teacher. You will be informed immediately about your eligibility to progress to the next level.

If you pass the grading, you will receive full results along with a certificate, which will be emailed to you. This process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your progress, providing valuable feedback and recognition for your achievements.

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Platinum Level & Concession Cards

If your make is 74% or higher
- Once you gain a platinum level grade you then gain access to buy Platinum Concession cards.
- These are a supercharged gold cards but gives you a 2 for 1 class deal, its a FREE lower level class with your current class.

- Platinums for our highest grading imp-int allows up to 3 for 1 classes

- However all concessions must be used on the same day, they cannot be stored up for future dates.

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Examples with a Platinum Level & Platinum Concession Card:
- Salsa Platinum 101 - 2 for 1 with Beginners & Imp/Int Classes on Tuesdays
- Salsa Platinum 201+ - 3 for 1 with Imp/Int & Int/Adv Classes on Tuesdays
- Bachata Platinum 101 - 2 for 1 with Beginners & Imp/Int Classes on Wednesdays

- Salsa Platinum 101 - 2 for 1 with Beginners & Imp/Int Classes on Thursdays
- Salsa Platinum 201+ - 3 for 1 with Imp/Int & Int/Adv Performance Classes on Thursdays

 

Platinum Program

Our aim with the platinum program, is to provide free access to enhance your dancing and practice at the fundamental level. This opportunity is available to dancers classified as improver-intermediate, and above, who have achieved high marks of 74% or above in their gradings. Eligible participants will receive a special card that grants access to lower levels, allowing them to boost their training and practice.

Once you have completed a grading, we will promptly notify you if you qualify for these special cards, and this achievement will also be mentioned on your certificate. For those who didn't receive a platinum level grade, rest assured that you will receive valuable feedback highlighting areas that may need improvement, thus helping you work towards attaining the desired level in the future. We are committed to supporting your dance journey and ensuring that you have the resources to progress and excel in your skills.
..  More about these cards here >
 

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Int-Adv Progression:

You are no longer required to undergo an Improver-Intermediate grading to enter the Int-Advanced Salsa or Bachata levels.

However, certain requirements must be met as outlined below:

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#1 - If you have successfully completed all of the Improver-Intermediate modules (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 & 208) and feel confident in your understanding of the material, along with the ability to perform a double spin on your own, then you are likely ready to take on the Int/Advanced Levels. It's a significant step up, so we recommend joining week#1 of the Int/Adv course when it starts. We also advise having a chat with one of our teachers beforehand. The only other exception is if you have been attending our highest level classes for over a year prior to the introduction of this new level.

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#2 - Private gradings for Imp-Int  are conducted in individual sessions, not in group settings, and are a 30 minute session. Private gradings are highly beneficial as they offer direct and personalised feedback. To pass, you will generally need a 60% pass rate. You can schedule a private grading via the form provided. Opting for a private grading provides more comprehensive feedback and the chance to achieve a platinum level if your score is 74% or above, which includes the added perk of free lower level classes including access up to 3 for 1 classes. See Platinum level information above for more details.

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#3 - If you are a student from outside of Salsa Latina and have not done our beginner course, we would need to do an in-class free assessment. see below for assessments.

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In-Class Assessments

If you're a student who has learned various levels from outside Salsa Latina, we highly recommend that you engage with our grading system. However, if you consider yourself an Intermediate to Advanced dancer, with several years of dedicated experience and have not taken our beginner course, an in-class assessment would be necessary before you can join levels beyond the beginners' stage.

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Wondering how this process functions? Initially, you would need to get in touch with us to share details about your dance background and proficiency. Based on this information, we might provide suggestions, such as starting with a class at a lower level to gauge your comfort with that particular stage. If you find it manageable and suitable, we might approve your participation in the higher levels.

Cost? The assessment is free, no extra cost beyond doing the class itself.

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Private Gradings

If you miss a grading or want to advance faster you might need a private grading. Please book a 15min private grading with a teacher. Use the form below to book your private grading session.  You can purchase a 15min Private grading in the website or buy on the day.
Pricing:

- Private Beginner Grading#1 - 1 or 2 Students w/ Robyn, Marcela or Amy) = $25 (per 15mins)
- Private Beginner Grading#2 - 1 or 2 Students w/ Reuben = $30 (per 15mins)
- Private Imp-Int Grading#1 - 1 or 2 Students w/ Robyn, Marcela or Amy) = $50 (per 30mins)

- Private Imp-Int Grading#2 - 1 or 2 Students w/ Reuben = $60 (per 30mins)

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Bookings:

Step#1 -  To book a private grading use the booking form below
Step#2 -  Pay on the day or pay prior via our online store here >