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- How did you choose the name RDA?
The Royal Dance Academy (The RDA) is the official name of our school. Our name is inspired by the teachings of the Royal Academy of Dance; where our owner and director is a distinguished graduate. Though we shall follow the educational syllabi we are not contractually bound to. We will always reserve the right to operate our program in the best interest of our students.
- What is The Royal Academy of Dance?
Established in 1920, to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training initially within the UK, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. *Today there are over 13,000 teaching members' and 250,000 students spread across 79 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world.
The Academy's patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II. RAD Membership supports the advancement of dance and includes professional dancers, students, teachers, benefactors and friends.
The Academy maintains close links with all those involved in the industry, at every level; from the internationally recognized 'Faculty of Education' degree programs to those younger students participating in our summer schools. At whatever age or stage, anyone with an appreciation of classical ballet is able to participate in the work of the Academy.
- What are your target age groups?
We encourage all ages to explore the art of dance. We have our Tutu and Tiaras class designed for the primary care giver and their child to learn the basics of dance in a fun atmosphere. The recommended starting age for this class is 2-3 years old. We have a wide range of dance courses from 4 years and up. If you're interested to learn more about our classes go to our course information on this page.
- How does the RAD syllabus protect children?
The Royal Academy of Dance with its syllabi is committed to creating an environment that enables children and young people to learn and develop in a safe, understanding and encouraging environment. The Academy has drawn up this policy in order to meet the requirements of:- The Children Act 1989, The Human Rights Act 1998, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Ratified by the UK Govt in 1991), The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Criminal Justice & Court Services Act 2000 and The Children Act 2004.
- Why would I want to follow a dance syllabus?
Globally, dance is regulated by strict standards designed to protect young dancers. However, dance is not regulated in United States. As a parent of a young dancer or a dancer we pose the theoretical scenario/question: If a child is attending an educational facility, from Preschool to college, the expectation is that instructor is CERTIFIED to instruct and care for the student. Why should dance be an exception? It was this philosophy that was adopted by the Royal Academy of Dance over 80 years ago. Our syllabus is time tested to deliver safe and proven results. It is currently used in over 79 countries by over 250,000 students led by our 13000 certified teaching members. Only certified teachers are authorized to use this educational program. This syllabus has laid a dance foundation for some of the greatest dancers of our time. If two dance programs were relatively equal distance from your place and offering the same “fun” environment…how much comfort will you gain if one program offers proven certified teaching and the other did not?
- Examinations??? Say what?
We will offer examinations in classical ballet suitable for everyone from young children starting out in dance classes to students aspiring to become professional dancers. However, no dancer is obligated to take an examination. We will also offer “presentations” which are essentially non graded performances. There are no upwards age limits on any examinations or presentation classes and a syllabus has been designed for both male and female candidates at all levels.
- Ok that’s a relief…so tell me more about examinations?
Examinations offer students a challenge to show their understanding of the work. They are open to all students studying the Graded and Vocational Graded Examination syllabi and are tests of knowledge in relation to the level in question.
We stress the importance of every student having an achievable goal. This is measured either by an Examination for students studying the Graded or Vocational Graded syllabus or the option of a presentation class for Graded students. Only RAD certified teachers are authorized to teach the dance syllabus.
- Graded Examination or Presentation Class: It is recommended that the commitment for students studying for a Graded Examination or Presentation Class should be a minimum of two classes a week with extra coaching in the period leading up to the Examination/Presentation Class if necessary, particularly as the student progresses towards the higher levels.
- Vocational Graded Examinations: Students studying for Vocational Graded examinations should expect to take a minimum of three classes a week at the lowest level increasing as student's progress towards the higher levels.
- The speed of development of individual students may vary and extra time spent, particularly when growth spurts occur, can only be beneficial in the long term. We will always offer additional tutoring.
Pre-school Dance Curriculum Demonstration classes
A demonstration class provides students studying the Pre School Dance Curriculum with the opportunity to perform to an invited audience that includes parents/guardians of the participating children.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are an equal opportunity establishment and maintain a policy of open access to Examinations and Presentation Classes for all candidates. We will attempt to accommodate any students with a temporary or permanent disability/condition who require reasonable adjustments to be made to enable them to perform to the best of their ability.
- Tell me more about the graded syllabus
The Graded syllabus consists of three different components; classical, free movement and character dance.
-Classical: The Classical work is the foundation and the most important part of the Graded Syllabi.
-Free movement: The free movement section incorporates movements in common with other dance styles such as natural movement, contemporary based dance and Greek dance.
-Character dance: Character dance is the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music which has been freely adapted for the theatre. There are three styles - Hungarian, Russian and Polish - and these were selected because of their historic importance in the development of the traditional full-length classical ballets.
What are the entry requirements?
Candidates are eligible to take a Graded Examination or participate in a Presentation Class as long as their age meets the minimum age requirement below. There are no upwards age limits on any Examinations or Presentation Classes.
| Examination or Presentation Class Level |
Minimum Age Requirements |
| Pre-Primary |
5 years and over |
| Primary |
6 years and over |
| Grades 1-5 |
7 years and over |
| Grades 6-8 |
11 years and over |
each candidate will receive a 'result form' which shows the marks achieved. These marks can be checked against the published assessment criteria in order to highlight the strengths of the candidate's performance and the areas that need improvement. Successful candidates will receive a Certificate bearing their name and level of attainment. Unclassified candidates will receive a Certificate of Participation. Successful completion of the Academy's Grades 6, 7 and 8 Award provides eligibility for Affiliate Student Membership of the Royal Academy of Dance. These examinations can be taken in any sequence, and are now available to male and female candidates. Graded Examination qualifications are accredited in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by QCA, DELLS and CCEA respectively, and can be included in candidates' Records of Achievement. Success in the Graded Examinations can provide the building blocks to the Vocational Graded Syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance. All students however must take the advice of their teacher as to their levels of attainment and capabilities.
- Tell me more about the Vocational Syllabus:
The Vocational Graded syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the Academy’s Graded Syllabus where Pointe work for females is introduced for the first time. This syllabus has been designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study seriously with a possible view to following a career in dance or dance related subjects.
Students wishing to study for the Vocational Graded syllabus should have the type of body that can respond to demanding study. Students must also be able to concentrate for long periods of time and be able to accept and welcome constructive comments and correction.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are eligible to take a Vocational Graded Examination as long as their age meets the minimum age requirement. There are no upwards age limits on any Vocational Examinations. If candidates have achieved a distinction in Intermediate or any of the Advanced examinations, they may enter for the next examination one year younger than the minimum ages stated below:
| Examination Level |
Minimum Age Requirement |
| Intermediate Foundation |
11 years and over |
| Intermediate |
12 years and over |
| Advanced Foundation |
13 years and over |
| Advanced 1 |
14 years and over |
| Advanced 2 |
15 years and over |
| Solo Seal Award |
Must hold Advanced 2 with distinction |
each candidate will receive a 'Result Form' showing the marks achieved. The marks achieved can be correlated to the criteria indicating to the students, teachers and parents the strengths of the candidate’s performance and the areas that need improvement. Successful candidates will receive a Certificate bearing their name and level of attainment. Successful completion of the Intermediate examination give eligibility to the Academy's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and two degree programs offered by the Academy and validated by the University of Surrey. Vocational Graded Examinations qualifications are accredited in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the QCA, DELLS and CCEA respectively and can be included in candidates Records of Achievement for Vocational Schools, Universities and Colleges of Higher Education and Employment. It also provides eligibility for affiliate student membership of the Royal Academy of Dance; click here for more information on membership. Successful completion of the Advanced 2 (formerly Advanced) examination gives eligibility for candidates who have reached the age of 18 years or over to apply to become an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance and use the initials ARAD after their name.
- Will you hold a recital?
Yes we will an annual recital in the spring. Please look form more information in the coming weeks.
- Where do I take my examinations?
We plan to hold all Graded Examinations and Presentation Classes at our academy. However, we are required to provide a minimum of three hours work for their Examinations and Presentation Classes to be held at our own school. If we are unable to fill this requirement we can join with other teachers in their area. A number of schools in an area make up an Examination and Presentation Class tour. An area can be confined to a specific locality or extended to a county, province, state or even the whole country, depending on the number of candidates.
- Where can I learn more about The Royal Dance Academy?
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