The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) offer an internationally recognized portfolio of examinations designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability. Click here to get an inside look at exams
They offer examination programs to suit all, from students just beginning ballet, to those who wish to pursue a career in dance. Candidates can begin the RAD curriculum aged 2 ½, but there are no upper age limits for the syllabi.
Every year, if our students have attended the suggested number of classes per week and the teachers feel the student is prepared, examinations are held for their class level work. Students work from September until April toward strengthening their ability through a set syllabus, and an Examiner from Royal Academy of Dance evaluates their technique.
Graded Levels:
Ballet, Free Movement, and Character
Pre-Primary And Primary levels begin at age 5, and focus on foundations of ballet technique and imaginative movement
Grades 1-8 consists of three dance disciplines:
• Ballet – the foundation and the most important part of the syllabus
• Free Movement – it has been influenced by and incorporates movements in common with other dance styles such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance
• Character (Click here for our overview page) – draws on traditional folk and national dances from countries such as Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, and Poland. These dances have been carefully adapted for the ballet stage while preserving the distinctive rhythms, styles, and movement qualities of their cultural origins and were selected because of their historic importance in the development of the nineteenth century full-length classical ballets in which it is featured. Dancers wear long skirts and heeled shoes to emphasize rhythm.
Vocational Levels:
Ballet and Pointe work
The Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet developing the technique, music and performance skills of the student. It introduces pointe work for candidates. This highly focused and practical training education is designed to prepare students for dance related, career. The Vocational Graded syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 11 years, and students wishing to study for Vocational Graded examinations should have the maturity and technical aptitude to enable them to respond to demanding work.
There are six levels of vocational examinations: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal. Students must pass Intermediate to be eligible for the Advanced levels. Students must receive a 75 (Distinction) or higher to quality for the final level, Solo Seal.
Students are also allowed to concurrently take Graded levels 6, 7, and 8 with Vocational Levels, and both paths may be examined in the same year.
All Examinations and Class Awards are externally assessed by an Examiner who is appointed, trained and monitored by the RAD. The RAD has an International Panel of Examiners resident throughout the world. Examiners undergo a rigorous selection process and training program before being appointed to the Panel. Their professional expertise, together with their ability to create a welcoming and reassuring environment in the examination studio, ensures the provision of high standards and a positive examination experience for all candidates. All Examiners have completed a check with the Criminal Records Bureau (or equivalent body) and adhere to the policies and procedures of the RAD Examinations Board, including equal opportunities and child protection. Examiners are not assigned to examine at the same location within any two year period.