PDC Grading Assessors Awards 2017

After an extremely busy year for both our online grading assessors, and our in house assessors, selecting our finalists for grading assessor of the year has been extremely hard. We finally reached our decision based on the number of aap memberships sold by each grader, the number of gradings conducted or submitted by each assessor and how proactive they were in promoting the aap membership to their students.

A massive congratulations to our overall grading assessor of the year award 2017 which goes to Mandy Williams from Tempest Dance in Durham, UK.

We would also like to congratulate our youth pole dance grading assessor of the year, Lesley Jackson from Pole Guns in Newcastle, UK. Lesley was just one grading behind Mandy in the overall awards.

So what does being a grading assessor mean and how do our grading asessors think the aap grading system benefits their students? Let's find out more from our Grading Assessor of the Year Mandy Williams.

As a PDC approved instructor at Tempest Dance Studio I encourage all of our students to take part in the PDC  Advancement and Accreditation Program (AAP), as it is recognition for all of their hard work. It's great to know that you're doing well in something you love.

Picture right - Mandy Williams with some of her graded students.


The grading process gives my students something to work towards and because it's their instructor assessing them on grading day it's still a comfortable, fun environment. I love giving my students that pass, merit or distinction at the end of their grading.
The process also gives students a chance to create and perform a short routine, without the pressure of performing at a showcase or competition. Plus they get their name on the PDC list of graded dancers, a logo to use on social media, discounts AND a certificate, who doesn't love a certificate! Being a part of the AAP is such a positive experience and makes the dancers feel a part of something bigger.

Picture left - Pole Guns Youth Graders who have successfully graded with Lesley Jackson.


Winner of the youth grading assessor award 2017 Lesley Jackson said "We decided to grade youth polers as children react really well to goals and rewards so this was an easy desicion. We have a wonderful time going through the moves and seeing where they can go as they improve.

It's been an amazing journey with some of the parents then also wanting to do their grading."