Specialisms can be completed in virtually any branch of Theatre Dance or other related Dance Movement and approved associated disciplines (such as Singing and Acting), for example:
- Ballet
- Tap
- Jazz
- Modern
- Musical Theatre
- Street
- Hip Hop
- Singing
- Acting
- Cheerleading
- Scottish Dance
- Irish Dance
- Acro
- Gymnastic Dance
- Pre-School Dance
- Contemporary
- Freestyle
- Creative Movement
If the technique you wish to specialise in is not listed please contact us to find out whether we can examine it.
The procedure for completing a specialism is as follows:
- Entry requirement: Teachers should be enrolled with the PMA as an Associate Member.
- Intention: Teachers should inform us of their intention to complete a Specialism (up to 2 can be taken at any one time). Notes and a sample layout will then be provided to the teacher.
- MODULE 1: Class Plans: Teachers should submit detailed class plans with accompanying notes for two age groups with at least 5 years age difference or experience between them (this doesn't apply to pre-school dance). 3 class plans for each age group should be submitted and should demonstrate either a progression between each plan OR a different focus for each plan (e.g. technique, presentation, musicality). The class plans should be accompanied by a £50 fee which covers the entire cost of assessing the specialism (if taking 2 specialisms £100 is required).
- After assessment the teacher will receive a mark (Referral, Pass, Merit, Distinction). Teachers with a referral will be given feedback and required to re-submit the class plans once any required changes have been made. No additional charge is made for the first referral, if subsequent referrals are required there is an additional charge of £10 per referral.
- MODULE 2: Theory: Once the class plans have been assessed with a successful mark the teacher will receive a terminology test (if applicable to the specialism) and a list of 5 actions/dance movements to discuss. Methods of teaching the 5 actions should be detailed along with a build up from basic level to the step itself. An example will be given for assistance. Once submitted this written work will be assessed and again the teacher will receive a mark for it.
- MODULE 3: Assessed Class: The is the final part of the specialism training. It can be assessed by a PMA Examiner in person (in which case a charge to cover costs will be levied) or via a DVD recording (which incurs no cost). The Teacher is required to teach two classes (differing in age or experience of 5 years) and give instruction/correction/praise etc throughout. The class should last at least 30 minutes and follow a pre-planned structure with suitable accompanying music. It is recommended that teachers choose children with varying strengths/weaknesses/difficulties so that a thorough assessment of the teaching can be carried out. The classes should each consist of at least 4 students who do not necessarily need prior experience in the specialism being taught.
- The teacher will again receive a mark for this assessment and, if successful in 2 specialisms, is then entitled to become a Licentiate Member of the PMA. The final mark for each specialism will be based upon the results of the 3 Modules.
General
At least 2 specialisms are required in order to become a Licentiate Member of the PMA, however, teachers may also enter students for exams in any other Specialism. Associate Teachers may remain as such and are not required to ever become a Licentiate Member if they do not wish to complete any Specialisms.
Although you may already have a clear specialism, for example you may have a degree in contemporary dance, it is still necessary to complete the specialism procedure as this relates more to teaching than actual performance.
Specialisms must be completed within 2 years (each) but can be completed in a much shorter timeframe.