BBDS is the Broken Beat Dance Syllabus produced and marketed by the Australasian Dance Association. The Broken Beat Dance Syllabus is available in Australasia and proudly offers a Hip Hop syllabus which aims to:
a) inject enthusiasm and a passion for dance into your students,
b) provide a strong technical dance base in your studio, and
c) ultimately grow your business and bottom line.
All syllabus work is technically stimulating and provides opportunity to develop stylistic and performance qualities. It is accessible at various levels and designed to take both experienced and inexperienced dancers through the syllabus. Students improve their technique through progressive development - each grade builds up from the previous level. There is a strong emphasis on style and personality as well as technique.
There are 13 grades in total. These are designed for students to be able to access the syllabus at different ages and levels of experience. Guidelines for entry levels are listed in the BBDS teacher's manual.
In addition to the highest quality of comprehensive teaching resources, the Broken Beat Dance Syllabus also provides teacher support with direct personal access to staff. A toll-free 1800 telephone number is available for Australian teachers. Teacher workshops are offered yearly and the BBDS newsletter, 'Up Beat', is published bi-yearly.
The Broken Beat Dance Syllabus is committed to providing a quality syllabus, the most advanced teaching resources, as well as personal assistance and teacher support. The staff are able to provide assistance with new studio owners starting up, as well as established studio directors who are seeking to diversify their interests and grow their business. The Broken Beat Dance Syllabus is the most accessible and user-friendly syllabus available.
Teacher Registration and Workshops
Teachers are able to register their studio for the Broken Beat Dance Syllabus. Teachers are required to enter their students for examinations in the third term of the year.
Teacher workshops are held in all the main dance centres of Australia and New Zealand in January of each year. It is strongly recommended that teachers of the syllabus attend the workshop to keep abreast of developments. The workshop covers all syllabus work as well as providing a forum for teacher feedback, networking opportunities and open classes. There is a fee to attend the workshop.
The BBDS directors do not expect studio owners to offer the BBDS syllabus exclusively. The BBDS directors support studio owners who also offer other dance syllabi at their studio.
Teacher Support and Communication
The BBDS aims to support studio owners and managers in all areas regarding syllabus work. The staff can also offer advice on business development and management in regard to the syllabus. To ensure easy access, staff can be contacted via website, e-mail, fax or on the 1800 toll free telephone number.
Up Beat - Broken Beat Newsletter
Twice a year the BBDS newsletter 'Up Beat' is distributed to all registered studio directors. This publication delivers news articles, developments, merchandise offers and top examination results. It also provides teachers with the opportunity to take out free classified advertising.
The Back Bones of Broken Beat
Back Bone 1 - The Freshest Music
Students relate to current music therefore the exercises are choreographed to the freshest chart music. Each year music recommendations are updated. Due to copyright laws the teaching video demonstration is performed to instrumental music. The music on the video has been professionally developed to match the beats per minute (bpm) of the recommended chart track. Teachers have the option of using the recommended commercial chart music or the music used on the video (available through BBDS on CD). Both pieces of music have the same timing.
Back Bone 2 - State of the Art Teaching Resources
The teaching resources of BBDS are of the highest quality to ensure user-friendly learning. Both VHS and DVD videos are available. Split screen viewing, slow motion and front or mirror views ensures that you can view exercises the way you prefer.
Syllabus music is available on CD or music recommendations are provided to enable you to use current chart tracks of the correct timing.
Open work DVD videos and music are also available in term 3 of each year for; teachers who want an injection of new ideas, teachers who want choreography sequences for performance work, or those who are developing confidence in choreographing their own work and need some assistance.
Back Bone 3 - Specialist Examinations
Examinations are held in the third term of the school year. Exams can be held during the daytime on weekdays or weekends. Examiners come to your region and examine students in your studio. Students are examined in groups of no more than eight. Report sheets and certificates are later forwarded to the teacher and awarded to students with marks ranging from Pass through to Honours. All studios are entitled to a free open class conducted by the examiner (at a level specified by the teacher) at the conclusion of the examinations.
Monetary awards and certificates are presented to the top student of each grade overall. These students are recognised through publication in the BBDS newsletter.
Back bone 4 - Safety Checked
The syllabus has been approved by a qualified physiotherapist. However it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that students warm up, stretch appropriately and work within the limitations of their individual abilities.
Free Demonstration Videos
Free demonstration videos on DVD is available on request. To receive a free detailed information package, please complete the form on the registration page of this website.
Teaching Resources
Teaching resources include:
Teacher Training Syllabus videos (priced from $65)
Syllabus notes (priced from $20)
Open work videos (priced from $70)
Exam Music CDs (priced from $20)
Open Work Music CDs (priced from $30)
Clothing (priced from $30)
DVD package deals for each level are available
(buy two get one free)
