Royal Academy of Dance
Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
RAD Pre-Primary (5 - 6 years old)
Progressing from First Steps, children now learn to work in lines and on the diagonal. Basic movement themes such as; jumping, balletic runs walks, spinning and skipping are explored as an introduction to classical ballet. Students continue to work with partners to facilitate a sense of teamwork.
RAD Primary / RAD Grade 1 (6 - 7.5 years old)
Traveling movements learned previously are given more complexity with the addition of skips forward, backward and simple jump combinations. Expression and musical awareness are taught through free movement , mime and storytelling. Coordination and control of the body, arms, hands and head are improved. Primary level students have now developed the ability to retain basic movement combinations and can now perform short dances in solo form.
RAD Grade 2 (8 - 11 years old)
Level 1 introduces students to the foundations of barre work in order to develop proper alignment and classical technique. Students continue to work on traveling steps with an introduction to grand allegro. At this level an emphasis is placed on turning, jumping, and linking steps. Introductory character work and free movement study provide students with an avenue for self expression and performance style. Students are expected to show awareness of basic technique appropriate timing and musicality.
RAD Grade 3 (8 - 11 years old)
Students at this level are given extended barre exercises with increasing demi pointe work, stretching and strengthening. Classical ballet lines should be established along with a new vocabulary for traveling steps, elevation and pirouettes. The lyrical use of arms and upper back builds on the free movement established in the previous level. Character steps now include those from the Russian Peasant style as seen in many classical ballets. Students at this level have a strong understanding of classical vocabulary and can now adequately demonstrate use of line and musical performance.
RAD Grade 4 (10-12 years old)
Students continue to build their vocabulary with a new set of specific exercises at the barre and is the centre. At this level an emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline are required. Dancers will learn to communicate expression and feeling in their movement. Character steps in the Russian style are expanded as students are now expected to show a clear understanding of stylistic and rhythmical nuances. Pre pointe shoes will be considered at this level up at the discretion of the teacher.
RAD Grade 5 (12-13 years old)
Students continue to build their vocabulary with a new set of specific exercises at the barre and in the centre. At this level an emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline are required. Dancers will learn to communicate expression and feeling in their movement. Character steps in the Russian style are expanded as students are new expected to show a clear understanding of stylistic and rhythmical nuances.
RAD Grade 6 / RAD Grade 7 / RAD Grade 8 (13-18 years old)
Students who have progressed to preprofessional level, now have an extensive ballet vocabulary. At this level, articulate footwork and secure use of legs is crucial. Class work continues to improve the dancer’s spacial awareness and orientation of the body. Dancers continue to work on coordination of the whole body with the addition of fluidity of movement. Added steps include multiple pirouettes and beating jumps. Strengthen Pointe work.
RAD Intermediate Foundation / RAD Intermediate (11-14 years old)
The vocational syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the grade work adding pointe work and dances. This level is designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study seriously. Encouraging the technical requirements along with stablishing artistry, musicality and feeling. Many more steps are introduced further establishing the movement and line of the dancer. Good stance and placement required for pirouettes and grand allegro. Having developed strong posture and at the desecration of the teachers, students can now begin to train en pointe.
RAD Advanced Foundation (14 - 16 years old)
Students who have progressed to preprofessional level, now have an extensive ballet vocabulary. At this level, articulate footwork and secure use of legs is crucial. Class work continues to improve the dancer’s spacial awareness and orientation of the body. Dancers continue to work on coordination of the whole body with the addition of fluidity of movement. Added steps include multiple pirouettes and beating jumps. Strengthen Pointe work.
RAD Advanced 1 / RAD Advanced 2 (16 years old and above)
Students at this level have a vast knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary and will have passed the above grades. Having achieved this high standard students are now working on Advanced 2 and the Solo Seal Award. Pirouettes in open positions batterie and extended combinations on pointe are now included in class work. Refining technique continues to challenge as students are now expected to perform at a professional level.