Accreditation Program
Learn to Dance at Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels in Firefly’s Dance Accreditation (Medal) Program
Firefly Dance Club is about social partner dance, fun and fitness – not competition. However, just because we focus on social dance does not mean we ignore technique and skill, or the challenge that comes from gaining successive levels – quite the reverse!!
Firefly’s curriculum and teaching methodology are very well designed and really come into their own in the Accreditation Program. This is where our Medal Program meshes with our structured curriculum to provide our graded Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of dancing. Firefly’s American Social Dance Curriculum has been extensively researched to ensure our Medal program is rigorous and ranks amongst the best. In addition, all our procedures are designed around demonstrating that you are meeting your goals. Our aim is to help you be the very best dancer you can be.
In each of the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, there are four sub-levels in which students can be reviewed and examined to recognise achievement and allow progression to the next level. It does not matter whether you are taking private lessons (although you will progress more quickly this way) or group classes, our expert teachers will explain what is involved and advise when you are ready to start on the medal program.
Why should I Join the Accreditation Program at Firefly?
Because:
- Building your ability in technique, dance skills, musicality, and partnership improves your ability to enjoy social dance and make sure your partner has the best time.
- We know that many of the people who dance at Firefly like a challenge and like to know they are progressing through recognized levels.
- It can be a great and challenging hobby.
- Assessments bring a sense of achievement and official recognition of the level at which you can dance.
- You can begin to dance with a greater sense of grace, ease and poise.
- The accreditation program provides a logical progression from the earlier Firefly beginner programs and ensures you do not miss out on any important aspects of your dancing.
- At each level, really useful variations are offered that give you a way to vary your practice of essential patterns and increase your skill in social settings.
- While there is not complete agreement between different Studios, it gives some sense of how you are going in the wider world of social dancing.
- Assessments provide a tangible record of progress at a higher level.
How do I join the Accreditation Program at Firefly?
Prior to joining the Bronze level of the Program, students will need to have completed the Partner Dancing for Beginners Level II Group class or the equivalent through private lessons. Your Firefly teacher will invite you to join the Bronze Program when he or she determines you are ready. If you have danced elsewhere and are not sure where you “fit” at Firefly, a complimentary assessment can be arranged – just call Firefly on 1300 725 977.
What Constitutes the Accreditation Program?
Currently, Firefly only offers the Bronze program but this will change as more of our students reach the Silver Level.
Most of the classes associated with the Bronze program are drop in classes as their structure allows this to happen and to accommodate those who cannot attend each week. However, this does not mean the classes are casual in approach: the rigor of the program is not lost at any time. Our expert teachers make this both fun and challenging!
Bronze I, II, III focus on the technique for pattens the student should already have learned in private lessons and introduces a number of variations at each level to make dancing really fun and varied. See the Casual Class Timetable for days and times of the following classes which constitute the Bronze Program:
Click on these classes for more information.
The Accreditation Program involves assessments at each level to ensure you have reached the required level of dancing, technique and skills before progressing. As you become ready for an assessment, Firefly will arrange a review to identify any gaps you may still have. Once we are sure you meet the requirements, a formal assessment is arranged and you can choose whether you dance the core patterns and some of the variations or whether you also dance the patterns solo, demonstrating the correct level of technique and skill on your own!
Certificates are awarded to acknowledge each successful stage and a medal is awarded at Full Bronze, Full Silver and Full Gold. The next Firefly Friday Dance Night or event will see you featured demonstrating your prowess on the Dance Floor to publicly recognise your achievement.
