As an awarding body in 82 countries, the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations Board offers an internationally recognized portfolio of examinations and assessments. They are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability, through a systematic measurement of progress and attainment.
The Graded Syllabi, Pre-Primary and Primary levels, develop students' physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This strong foundation prepares students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres. These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of five and eight years.
Graded Syllabi, Grades 1 — 8 Award, provide a broad practical dance education, progressively developing the technical, musical and performance skills of the student. They incorporate Classical Ballet, Free Movement and Character. Classical ballet is the core of the syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. A large majority of CDM students who take ballet exams carry on to a rewarding high school education in high schools with performing arts programs. or our CDM Exam Webpage / (more on RAD exams and Class Awards).
Why take a Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exam?
RAD Examinations and Class Awards provide dancers with a positive environment in which to perform and receive feedback regarding their technical development. Exams provide students with an important and achievable goal to work towards. By achieving those goals we often see a remarkable boost in self-confidence. They offer the students a challenge to show their understanding of the work they have been learning in class and offer a feeling of accomplishment to the student.
Who is eligible for an exam?
Ballet Exams / Class Awards are offered to dancers registered in a Graded or Vocational Ballet class. The dancer should demonstrate a strong work ethic, a love for dance, the ability to retain and execute the syllabus. Dancers are assessed in September to December to be offered an exam or class award. Exam training may take 1.5 or 2 years depending on the dancer and syllabus level. This experience is highly recommended, but not required to progress to the next level. However, CDM teachers take examinations into account when making their professional recommendations regarding students’ advancement in the following years.
Examination vs. Class Award
Examinations are available at all graded levels. Dancers are adjudicated by an RAD-certified examiner following a formal grading scheme. The dancers perform for the examiner and are then given a mark out of 100. The dancer goes into the studio with up to 3 other dancers and performs her prepared work without a teacher. They are assessed on technical execution, performance and musicality in ballet, free movement and character.
Class Awards Students are assessed by an RAD examiner or acting examiner through observation of the performance of all exercises and dances. All candidates receive an Assessment Report (but not a numbered grade), a Certificate, and a Medal from the RAD. Dancers go into the class award to perform the exercises with the support of their regular dance class teacher.
What is required to participate?
Registration into a Grade Ballet class is mandatory to participate in an RAD Examination. Depending on the level, certain classes require registration twice a week to be eligible for an exam. Consistent attendance and training is required to learn and execute the syllabus.
In addition to the regularly scheduled classes, candidates are required to attend specialized Extra Coaching Classes (4-6 classes outside of class time). Coaching classes are closed to participating candidates only and the instruction is very detailed. A mock exam is the final preparation designed to mimic the final exam to ensure dancers for a positive exam experience. Exam candidates are required to wear the correct uniform.
Additional Fees Apply
Ranges from $200-500 (estimated depending on exam level). Fee includes extra coaching classes, mock exam, exam entry fee.