"On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."

Lord Byron

DVIDA Examinations

Why DVIDA?

DVIDA's Reputation

DVIDA, the Certification branch of Dance Vision, was created with the same high standard of excellence for which Dance Vision is known. The syllabus and exam structure were immediately approved by the National Dance Council of America, and the industry response has been overwhelming: the DVIDA certification system is hailed as excellent, professional, and fair. The manuals and corresponding videos were created by U.S. champion dancers and offer the highest quality instruction. Dance Vision’s commitment to the dance community is unparalleled, with cutting edge products and services, prompt and friendly customer service, and innovative programs to help dancers grow and improve at every stage.

“One Dance At A Time”

Another advantage to certifying with DVIDA is that you can take your professional certification exams “One Dance at a Time.” For example, the Bronze American Style Ballroom certification includes four dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. With other organizations, you would need to study, prepare and present all four dances in one exam. With DVIDA's exams, you have the option of testing in each dance separately, one at a time. This makes preparation much easier: you learn the material more thoroughly when you’re not overwhelmed “cramming” four at once; each successive test becomes less stressful and more comfortable as you know what to expect; and you can improve your performance each time based on the examiner’s previous feedback. After successfully completing each one dance exam, you receive a “Certificate of Completion” for that dance, and full certification when you have successfully tested in all of the dances at a particular level.

Take the Exams

When you are ready to take your professional exams, you will need to schedule a time with a DVIDA Examiner. For any exam beyond the Junior Associate level, you will need to schedule your exam with a DVIDA National Examiner. There is a complete state-by-state list of all the DVIDA Regional and National Examiners at www.prodvida.com.

DVIDA Examiners

BDTC is very fortunate to have two DVIDA National Examiners on staff: Diane Jarmolow and Melissa Saphir. Both Diane and Melissa are able to certify professionals and students in all levels and styles of ballroom dance.

Diane actually pioneered the creation of the DVIDA Professional Certification system, which is hailed as an extremely fair and unbiased approach to professional testing. As a result of her input, Dance Vision has implemented a new system whereby dance instructors may be tested one dance at a time toward their certification, making it possible for more dance teachers to take on the previously daunting task of exam preparation.

Diane and Melissa are available to administer examinations to both professional candidates and students taking medal examinations at all levels in either American or International style.

Certification exams can be conducted by appointment at Cheryl Burke Dance in San Francisco, Allegro Ballroom in Emeryville, in BDTC’s home studio in Oakland, California, at your own studio, or at a studio that is mutually convenient.