Ballet Training
Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus for ages 5+
What is the Royal Academy of Dance?
The RAD has a long history of improving dance training standards. It was founded in 1920 to re-invigorate dance teaching within the UK; however, over time it has expanded its influence and activities internationally counting currently more than 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes. With our examination syllabus being taught to more than a quarter of a million students worldwide, we help and encourage our teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students.
The Academy's patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Today the RAD has a presence in 79 countries, with 36 offices and approximately 13,000 members worldwide. We support our membership base of professional dancers, students, teachers, benefactors and friends through the knowledge, support and technical expertise of our highly qualified staff and the social interaction of like-minded enthusiasts at RAD conferences, workshops, training courses or summer schools.
(Taken from The Royal Academy of Dance's website: http://www.rad.org.uk)
Our Program:
Classes for every age and ability:
Learning ballet is wonderful for children. It is wonderful because it teaches discipline, grace, and manners. ANNA PASKEVSKA, Ballet: An Eight-Year Course
The Royal Academy of Dance offers three syllabi in Classical Ballet. There are two examination syllabi, known as Grades Examinations in Dance and Vocational Grades Examinations in Dance. There is also a non-assessed syllabus known as Presentation Classes. All are designed to recognize the progress and achievement of children and young people.
Students may begin with the Grades Syllabus, and after Grade 5 can either continue to Grade 8 and/or opt to follow the Vocational Grades Syllabus. The Vocational levels are designed for students wishing to study Classical Ballet seriously, possibly with the goal of pursuing a career in dance or dance related subjects.
Why take exams with the Royal Academy of Dance?
- To attain your personal best and have fun
- To have a goal to work towards
- To receive recognition from the world's largest examining body
(taken from the Royal Academy of Dance website)
Will there be a chance to perform on stage?
Yes, our program offers multiple opportunities to perform on stage for family, friends, and members of the community in such ballet's as Nutcracker, The Nativity, and story ballet's such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to name a few.
How long is each class?
Classes are between 60 minutes and 90 minutes depending on level.
What is good about ballet?
Ballet teaches discipline, artistic expression, confidence, self-efficacy, finite motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination, balance, grace, and team building.