The Gilbert System:

The Al Gilbert examination system has been the most widely used Tap Dance testing program in Canada for the last 53 years. Mr Gilbert’s technique syllabus, upon which the examination system is built, has become an accepted standard of systemized dance training throughout the world.

Not only have dance schools in Canada and the United States benefited from Mr. Gilbert’s expertise and comprehensive knowledge of dance; the Gilbert system is also widely accepted in such areas as Great Britain, France, Japan, Australia, Germany, and South America to name but a few.

Examination Syllabus

By combining the elements of the training procedures and the examination requirements, dance students develop a fully rounded and complete appreciation of tap dance. Each examination of the 10 graded levels is specifically geared towards both the psychological and physiological capabilities of dancers at every age level.  Careful consideration of the child’s growth and development was taken when the entire program was first designed. Indeed, the physical and mental stages of maturation were the two most crucial criteria used to govern the demands of the syllabus and to ensure that each student would acquire a sound and proper education in dance.

A Solid Foundation

The Al Gilbert program provides a foundation in tap dance upon which any style in the tap genre may be built. All too often people would like to see a child perform contemporary and complex routines well before the student is ready to do so.  We all know of the adage which advises that one must “crawl” before “walking” and “walk” before “running”. Some dance systems exist which involve much “running” from those who can barely “crawl”.  It is neither fair nor responsible to delude students and parents with such over-challenging goals, especially when the ideals cannot be realized until the child is two or three years older. The Gilbert system wholeheartedly embraces the notion that immeasurable satisfaction is gained from a simple thing done well, and that only frustration and disappointment results from a complex thing done poorly.

In essence, the Al Gilbert system can guarantee that virtually every student can progress through the “crawl-walk-run” evolution with relative ease and can emerge with complete knowledge and a healthy respect for the art of Dance.