royal academy of dance

Our Primary through Level 5 students are instructed using the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) method. Older and more advanced students take classes enabling them to explore the American Ballet Theater, Cecchetti (Italian) and Vagonava (Russian) techniques. Students are encouraged to develop a thorough understanding of basic ballet fundamentals and the vocabulary necessary for genuine mastery of classical dance. An approach to movement involving kinetics and anatomical principles is utilized in the instruction of advanced ballet classes. Advanced students require more than one ballet class per week. The ballet faculty provides individualized instruction to each student to produce quality technique, strength, and flexibility. Ballet students will gain the benefits of poise, grace, proper posture, and self-assurance, along with a solid foundation for all forms of dance. Our students have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most influential ballet faculty.

Level 3 – 5 Students and Ballet Conservatory students are given the opportunity to participate in an annual RAD Examination session.

About the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

The Royal Academy of Dance is an internationally recognized organization that provides a certification program in classical ballet. With more then 15,000 members’ spread across 82 countries, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world (www. rad. org.uk). Highly trained and certified registered teachers administer a curriculum in dance that is approved by the United Kingdom Department of Education, which follows UK national standards for arts education. The assessment process allows students and educators alike to know exactly what skills have been attained, and where further study is required. The Royal Academy of Dance employs a Board of Examiners: internationally renowned teachers who use the RAD syllabus in their own teaching.  Lesley Shearer, the Director of the Ballet Program at MSA is on the Board of Examiners.  A certificate is awarded to successful candidates, providing proof that they have attained an international standard in classical dance appropriate to their age. The certificate is a highly prized addendum to college applications as it demonstrates that the student has been diligently committed to working towards a high standard of achievement in the arts, in addition to their school activities.  An RAD certificate provides a foundation for future certification if students should desire to become teachers of dance. Few teacher certification programs are specifically designed for teachers in private studios in the United States, making this a valuable credential for potential dance teachers. Level 3-5 and Conservatory students have the opportunity to study the RAD method of classical ballet training and have the opportunity to participate in an annual RAD Examination session held in early spring.

Why our students participate in RAD Exams and Presentation Class Awards

The Ballet Program gives students the opportunity to embark on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) professional training curriculum. Students participating in the RAD examinations have tangible proof in the form of a Certificate and medal that they have attained an internationally recognized high standard. These certificates provide benefits for the future, including advantages for college admission as well as the pursuit of teaching credentials. The assessment process involves an RAD Examiner visiting our studio in April to conduct the Examinations. Results of these assessments are then be sent by the examiner to London where they are monitored and issued officially. Mark sheets and certificates are then issued and presented to the students. Our ballet faculty currently has five of its members who are fully accredited and registered RAD Teachers, a process involving a minimum of two years study.

Who is eligible to participate in an RAD Exam?

Any Level 3-5 student who achieves a high technical standard and meets the minimum enrollment criteria is eligible to enter an RAD exam. The director of the ballet program in consultation with ballet faculty will determine whether a student is entered for assessment.

Is Participation in an RAD Exam Mandatory?

No. Although we encourage our students to participate in these assessments, an exam is not mandatory.

What are the additional fees?

Exam entrance fees vary depending on RAD requirements. Currently the fees range from $150-200 per examination.

Are there any additional requirements for students entering Presentation Class Award or Exams?

To prepare students to demonstrate to their highest potential, the ballet faculty offers “Mock Exams” for students entering the Exam.  These additional requirements will be announced as we approach the assessment date and occasionally incur additional costs.

What are the differences between RAD Exam and a Presentation Class?

Students who enter Examinations should be able to execute the work confidently and securely, demonstrating a firm grasp of the technique required with good musical timing, response and expression. Students enter the room in groups of up to four at a time without the teacher being present. They must perform all the exercises and dances without prompting. Marks are awarded for each section using a 100-point scale.

40 – 54 marks constitutes a Pass Grade

55 – 74 constitutes a Merit Grade

75 – 100 constitutes a Distinction Grade.

In the past,  our students have been very successful in the Examinations with approximately 65% earning the Distinction classification.