RAD GRADED BALLET
The Royal Academy of Dance examinations is part of an internationally renowned programme that seeks to
bring dance education to everyone around the world. The RAD Examinations serve to motivate and
reward students by providing an opportunity to progress and improve in dance techniques.
The programme is open to all ages and abilities.
RAD Graded Syllabus
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Pre-Primary & Primary in Dance
(Ages 5+)
Pre-ballet classes that focus on creativity and physical skills to help transition to ballet at higher levels.
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Grades 1 – 8
(Ages 7+)
The Graded Examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Syllabus consists of three dance disciplines:
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Classical Ballet
One of the most widespread and highly technical dance forms in the world. The foundation of the RAD's work and the most important part of the graded syllabus.
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Free Movement
A dancing term encompassing movement from other dance styles such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance. Free Movement is usually improvisation based on the students' interpretation of a piece of music or stimulus.
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Character Dance
Stylized representations of traditional European folk dance, such as Hungarian, Russian & Polish folk dance, that are integral parts of the classical ballet repertoire.
Vocational Graded Syllabus​
Intermediate Foundation – Advanced 2
(Ages 11+)
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The Vocational Graded Examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet, developing the technique, music, and performance skills of the student. It introduces Pointe work for female candidates. This highly focused and practical training education prepares students for a dance or dance-related career.
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The Vocational Graded syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 11 years old. Students wishing to study for Vocational Graded Examinations should have the maturity and technical aptitude to enable them to respond to demanding study.
Discovering Repertoire
Level II, III, and IV
(Ages 12+)
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Discovering Repertoire is a classical ballet performance program, an innovative new concept in training and assessment from the RAD. Uniquely, the program includes well-known classical repertoire. Students will learn and dance choreography that they have seen on stage, set to music they know and love.
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Suitable for students from the age of 12 years old through to adults, the three levels cater for beginners, those with some prior ballet experience, as well as the more advanced dancer.
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Variations studied will include repertoire from Coppélia, Giselle, Paquita, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake.