TASC Dance exam-day guide
TASC Dance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered with. Acceptable ID types and name-change documentation vary by site, so confirm the exact list with the provider before test day.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Carry a printed or downloaded copy of your appointment confirmation with the test time, address, and any candidate number. Confirm with the provider whether printed copies are required or digital copies are accepted.
Dance attire you have rehearsed in
Wear or pack practice clothes and footwear you have already danced in for full combinations. Avoid brand-new shoes or garments that can cause blisters, slipping, or restricted movement.
Warm-up layers and a change of clothes
Bring removable layers for cold studios and a dry change of clothes for after the practical portion. Confirm with the provider whether changing facilities are available.
Water and a light snack
Pack water and a quick snack that fits within any site rules. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted in the waiting area or studio.
Any required music or accompaniment materials
If your exam includes a solo or prepared phrase, confirm with the provider the accepted audio format, how it is submitted, and whether you must bring a backup copy. Do not assume personal devices can be connected to site equipment.
Hair ties and securing accessories
Bring spares of whatever keeps your hair and costume secure during turns, jumps, and floor work. Loose hair and jewelry can be a safety or scoring concern, so confirm any restrictions with the provider.
Review the exam format and scoring criteria
Re-read the official candidate handbook for the sections, time limits, and what assessors score. Confirm with the provider which technique, performance, and choreography elements carry the most weight.
Plan and rehearse your warm-up routine
Write a 10-15 minute warm-up you can do in a small space and practice it before test day so you arrive ready to move without wasting energy.
Confirm travel, parking, and arrival time
Check the route and building entrance in advance and plan to arrive earlier than the stated check-in time. Confirm with the provider the exact arrival window and late-arrival policy.
Prepare for the waiting period
Expect downtime between check-in, warm-up, and your turn. Bring only what site rules allow, and confirm with the provider whether study notes or phones are permitted in the holding area.
Backup transportation and contact plan
Arrange a backup ride and save the provider's contact number in case of delay. Confirm with the provider whom to call if you are running late or cannot attend.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, address, ID requirements, and what you may bring into the studio with the provider. Lay out attire, footwear, and any music materials, and check that everything fits and works.
Run one full simulated exam at performance intensity, then stop technical practice. Spend remaining sessions on marking combinations, musicality, and your warm-up rather than learning new material.
Protect your body: keep training volume moderate, prioritize sleep, hydrate, and avoid new physical challenges that could cause soreness or injury.
Pack your bag from the checklist, charge devices, print or download your confirmation, and set out travel details. Re-read the format and scoring criteria once, then stop studying.
Eat familiar meals, avoid alcohol and heavy unfamiliar food, and go to bed at a normal time. Do a short, gentle mobility session only if it helps you relax.
Eat a normal breakfast you have eaten before training, arrive earlier than required, and complete check-in and ID verification without rushing.
Warm up thoroughly and progressively, including ankles, hips, and shoulders, and rehearse a few marking phrases at low intensity. Keep extra layers on until you are called.
Listen to or watch each combination fully before moving, mark it once, then perform with confidence. If you make a mistake, recover and continue rather than stopping.
Manage energy and nerves: breathe before each section, use waiting time to stay warm, and sip water when permitted. Ask the assessor only clarifying questions that the rules allow.
Cool down, change into dry clothes, and note anything you want to improve. Confirm with the provider how and when results are released and whether feedback is available.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID in your registered name and present it at check-in. Exact accepted documents and name-change evidence are set by the provider, so confirm them in advance.
Arrive by the stated check-in time. Late-arrival and rescheduling policies differ by site and by exam, so confirm with the provider what happens if you are delayed.
Follow all studio safety and conduct instructions from staff and assessors, including rules on footwear, jewelry, food and drink, phones, and recording. Do not film or photograph the exam or other candidates.
Perform only the sections and combinations the exam requires. Do not bring unauthorized notes, coaches, or devices into the assessment space, and confirm with the provider what support is permitted.
Break and rest periods are set by the exam format and the assessor's direction. Confirm with the provider in advance whether scheduled breaks exist and whether you may leave the holding area.
Scoring is based on the published assessment criteria applied by trained assessors. Ask the provider for the official criteria and weighting rather than relying on secondhand accounts.
If you are injured or ill, tell staff before the exam begins. Confirm with the provider the policy on medical withdrawals, deferrals, and whether fees can be transferred.
Treat staff, assessors, and other candidates respectfully. Disruptive or unsafe behavior can lead to removal, and the provider's disciplinary and appeals procedures govern any dispute.