IDTA Dance Competitions 2021
Nationwide Finals and Area Heats can take place now the restrictions are lifted.
We must congratulate all the dancers who qualified for the Ballroom and Latin Finals in 2020 and have been unable to compete due to the pandemic and their teachers and families who have supported them.
Thank you for your support throughout this very difficult time.
IDTA Dance Examinations January 2021
These are extremely difficult and complicated times and we will try to assist as much as we can. The priority must be the safety of everyone and we must comply with the new restrictions. The changes to restrictions are changing rapidly and we recommend that you regularly check the government websites and with your local public health department for guidance.
For members in England the announcement of Tier 4 and the staggered return to school of children in January and restrictions on which venues may open will affect dance examinations.
If you have a dance examination booked in January and you are in Tier 4, can you please contact Head Office (tel: 01273 685652 or email info@idta.co.uk) and your Examiner, as soon as possible to advise us of your situation. If your exams are to be cancelled, please contact the office as soon as possible to start the examination procedure over again.
From the government guidance provided we believe the following summary is correct at time of printing.
Dance Classes
Tiers 1-3 dance schools can remain open and classes can continue for the under 18s (students who were under 18 on 31st August 2020)
Tiers 1-2 adult dance classes can take place providing they are socially distanced and the people attending do not mix socially while at the class or in the venue, which must be covid-secure.
Tier 3 adult dance classes cannot take place. However, private dance classes for an individual or couple may take place – see note (ii) below. Please check with your local authority for approval.
Tier 4, dance studios and schools must close and regular dance classes should not take place for children and adults.
Examinations
Tiers 1-3 examinations can continue for under 18s and adults.
Tier 4 examinations for adults should not take place.
Tier 4 we are awaiting further information regarding the options for dance examinations for under 18s in this tier (video or live stream options only) It may be possible for regulated dance examinations (grades and performer awards) to take place, if the venue is allowed to open for dance examinations and agreement is obtained by the local authority.
We strongly recommend that teachers make decisions about whether to enter candidates for examinations by talking to the candidates and their parents or guardians and ensure the candidates are ready and prepared for the examinations.
Tier 3
For teachers in Tier 3 who have examination sessions booked in January 2021, can you please confirm with your Examiner that your session is going ahead.
If your exams are to be cancelled, please contact the office as soon as possible to start the examination procedure over again. (tel: 01273 685652 or email info@idta.co.uk)
UK members:
Members in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands who have examinations booked, can you please contact Head Office to advise if your examinations can still go ahead and also advise your appointed examiner.
International members:
Members outside the UK, please contact Head Office if there is an changed to your planned examination sessions.
Head Office updates for Covid 19
Dear Members
On 23rd November the UK's Prime Minister announced the easing of lockdown and the new three tier system for England. The lockdown ends on 2nd december and the new tier system comes into effect. There will be a further announcement on 26th November regarding which areas arein which tiers.
Tier 1
Medium alert
Exercise
Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of 6 indoors. Organised activities for elete athletes, under - 18's and disabled people can continue.
Tier 2
High alert
Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is any interactionbetween people from different households. Organised activities for elete athletes, under - 18's and disabled people can continue.
Tier 3
Very High Alert
Classes and organsed adult sport can take place outdoors, but people should avoid higher-risk contact activity. Group exercise activities and sports indoors shouldnot take place, unless with household or bubble. Organised activities for elete athletes, under 18's and disabled people can continue.
Our understanding is that dance schools can remain open and classes and exams can continue for the under 18's across tiers.
Adult examinations can also continue across all three tiers but adult classes can continue in Tier 1 if taught in a group of only 6 participants and if practicable in Tier 2 where no mixing outside of household or bubbles. Adult classes cannot be taught in Tier 3.
Please see the links below to the Government's winter plan and Tiers.
Full Winter Plan:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-winter-plan
Tiers:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know
Examination Service
Please ensure you read the Alternative Examination Procedure Guide for UK Members which is available on the member's area of the website or can be requested by email from IDTA Head Office. Full details of the procedures for examiner present, live streaming and video assessments are included in the Guide.
We strongly recommend that teachers make decisions about whether to enter candidates for examinations by talking to the candidates and their parents or guardians and ensure the candidates are ready and prepared for the examinations.
Please ensure you continue to review your risk assessment and implement the policies and procedures to ensure your venue is Covid-Secure.
While Tier 3 does permit travel for work, we would ask members in Tier 3 who have examination sessions biiked in December to consider the option of Live Streamed or Video examinations to reduce the need for travel by the appointed Examiner.
Northern Ireland
Will enter another two weeks of tougher restrictions from 27th November.
Indoors dance classes are already not permitted under current restrictions.
The new measures state that dance studios must close.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-restrictions-27-november-2020
Scotland
Each Council area of Scotland has been assigned to a COVID protection level. There are 5 protection levels, sometimes called 'tiers'.
From 20 November for 3 weeks, 11 council areas in Scotland moved to Level 4 restrictions. Check to see which protection level you are located in.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-levels-by-area/
Wales
The Welsh Gornment released new guidelines, effective from Monday 9th November, following the circuit breaker lockdown. The guidelines state that: All sport and leisure facilities can open.
Therefore, we understand that dance classes can resume in Wales from Monday 9th November. Please check at https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
page updated january 2021
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