The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s largest and most respected organizations dedicated to dance education and teacher training. Founded in 1920 in London, its mission is to improve standards of dance teaching and make dance accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Today, the RAD operates in more than 80 countries, with hundreds of thousands of students participating in its programs each year. They offer:

• A graded ballet syllabus for children, teens, and adults that provides a structured progression from beginner through advanced levels combining classical ballet technique, musicality, performance quality, creativity and expression, as well as safe and age-appropriate dance practice and progression.
• Vocational levels for students pursuing intensive ballet training and potential professional careers.
• Class Awards and Examinations offered for ages 5 and up
• Teacher training and certification, ensuring instructors meet internationally recognized teaching standards.
• Professional development through workshops, seminars, and continuing education.
• Dance outreach and community programs for schools, adults, older learners, and individuals with disabilities.
• Research and advocacy promoting the benefits of dance education.

Class Awards and Examinations

RAD Examinations are designed to be a positive and rewarding experience, giving students the chance to demonstrate the skills, artistry, musicality, and confidence they have developed throughout the year. Conducted by trained RAD examiners using internationally recognized and standardized criteria, students are assessed consistently no matter where they live. (Click here to learn about the specific syllabus levels).While the vocational levels are designed to prepare dancers for professional training, the majority of RAD students dance recreationally. The syllabus is designed to develop confidence, discipline, musicality, coordination, and artistic expression without requiring students to pursue a dance career. Students receive a detailed report and, upon successful completion, an official certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance. As an Affiliated Examination Center, ABSA hosts examiners in the spring for our multi-day assessments within our Maryland Hall studios.

Participation in examinations is optional and is offered to students who have demonstrated the appropriate level of readiness. Preparing for an exam provides dancers with meaningful goals, builds confidence, and gives them the satisfaction of recognizing how far they have come in their training. Class Awards are also available as entry-level experiences for both our youngest dancers (beginning at age 5), and any student wishing to show syllabus work for an overall gentle assessment instead of a grade out of 100 that full examinations offer. There is no upper age limit for Class Awards or Examinations, and many of our instructors still enjoy participating.

Teachers who complete an approved RAD teaching qualification and maintain their membership can become RAD Registered Teachers (RAD RTS). Registered teachers agree to uphold the organization’s standards for teaching quality, professionalism, and safeguarding. Students can only register for Class Awards and Examinations under a RAD RTS teacher.