The Royal Academy (RAD) is the world’s largest international ballet education organisation and runs across 83 countries. It was established in 1920 in England and Academy’s patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II. 

The RAD conducts ballet exams that are assessed by external professional examiners. Examiners assess students on their technique (e.g. posture, co-ordination, control, line and dynamics) musicality and performance quality. Students receive a certificate, a final mark, an attainment band of a Pass, Merit, High Merit or Distinction and a badge. 

Students learn classical ballet technique, posture, poise and artistry.

Ballet exams promote discipline and support students to set and achieve goals. The exam syllabus is intended to provide students with an increasing self-confidence through learning, memorising and performing set exercises and sequences, an awareness of working with others and an appreciation of music. 

You can join a ballet exam classes at any time. However to thoroughly learn the syllabus, student’s need to spend a minimum of one year working on their grade before being ready for their exam.

Students’ readiness to participate in the ballet exams are at the discretion of their registered class teacher at Action Dance Academy.

The RAD grades are split into two categories, grades and vocational. Think primary school and high school.

Please ensure you are referring to the correct level for your child, as the vocational program is different to the grades program.

Grades includes: Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 & Grade 5.

Vocational grades includes: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 & 2

Students must meet the required class training commitment in order for Action Dance Academy to consider entering students into an exam.

It is compulsory to attend the Workshop intensive and Mock exam in order to be ready for an exam.

WEEKLY CLASS COMMITMENT:

• Primary Exam - 1x Primary Exam ballet class per week

• Grade 1 to Grade 4 - 2x ballet classes in assigned grade per week

• Grade 5 & Vocational - 2x ballet classes per week (1x hr class & another 1.5hr class per week)

We want the ballet exam program to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all students. The key to this is preparation and to ensure the students are well prepare, attendance in weekly classes is vital.

The information below is a guide for choosing the appropriate grade for your child.

The birth year listed is the minimum age for the grade, however it is not uncommon for students to be older. If you are still unsure of which grade to enrol in please contact the office for advice.

• Primary - 6yrs by 1st Jan (Year 1)

• Grade 1 - 7yrs by 1st Jan (Year 2)

• Grade 2 - 8yrs by 1st Jan (Year 3)

• Grade 3 - 9yrs by 1st Jan (Year 4)

• Grade 4 - 10yrs by 1st Jan (Year 5)

• Grade 5 - 11yrs by 1st Jan (Year 6)