RAD BALLET INFORMATION
​*ALL IMD CLASSES AGES 6 AND UP WILL BE LEARNING THE RAD SYLLABI*
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world's most recognized and influential organizations dedicated to dance education. The RAD syllabi and exams set well-known standards within dance education institutions in classical ballet and guide the professional development of dancers.
The RAD program is designed to teach dancers the importance of practicing and working hard to accomplish a goal: their exam. Examinations are an excellent opportunity to exercise the freedom of expression, musicality, technique and discipline required to achieve a professional level in the future. The RAD set standards are recognized by many and aid in auditions for productions such as “The Nutcracker” or placements in Summer Intensive programs. Successful RAD candidates also receive credits recognized by the BC Ministry of Education towards graduation.
The RAD program consists of two branches of examinations:
2015-2017
Graded Exams
Graded exams start at the age of 6 with Primary Level and end with Grade 8 by the age of 11. These exams include age-appropriate syllabi that build on the skills from the previous grade. On top of classical ballet technique, the syllabi include Free Movement and Character exercises.
2011-2014
Vocational Exams
Vocational exams have a minimum age requirement of 12 years. These exams build on the technique and skills learned in the graded exams but introduce pointe work in the syllabi. These exams are more serious as the syllabi are extensive.
Eligibility to participate in exams is by invitation only. Our instructors will work on the RAD Ballet syllabus designated for each level and invite dancers who qualify. You do not need to participate in exams to take these classes. Due to the standards provided by the RAD, our ballet class age groups differ from the other genres. Please note that placement in the RAD classes may change depending on the dancer's ability.
FAQ's & PRICING
Are exams mandatory?
No, all exams are completely optional and by invitation only. If your child is invited to register for an RAD exam but does not wish to, they will be able to move on to the next level the following year as per normal. Please note, however, that this only applies to Graded exams. In the Vocational levels, a successful pass of each exam is required to move on to the next level.
All IMD dancers will participate in a mock exam prior to the real deal (if they choose to accept the invitation). Additional costs for mock exams will apply.
What is the Uniform?
RAD has a very specific uniform that is required in order to take the exam. You can find a detailed breakdown of the RAD uniform in the IMD’s Dress Code HERE.
What does the syllabus consist of?
Each RAD grade has its own syllabus consisting of age-appropriate classical ballet exercises to designated music pieces. Syllabi expands and gets longer with each grade as new skills are acquired. Starting in Grade 3 and onwards, exercises start at the barre and conclude in the centre. At the Intermediate Foundation level, pointe work is introduced. All syllabi have exercises to demonstrate technique, concluding with a short variation or dance to demonstrate performance. Students will be examined on these exercises based on their technique, musicality and performance.
What is Free Movement and Character?
In the Graded Level exams, after the classical ballet portion of the exam, Free Movement and Character exercises are introduced. Free Movement introduces modern dance techniques emphasizing expression, musicality, and improvisational skills. Character is a composition of European folk dance moves emphasizing rhythm.
Where will the exam take place?
The RAD has specific requirements that studios must meet to host in-house exams. In Movement Dance Co might not meet the requirements, depending on the number of students pursuing exams each year. If that's the case, we will have to travel to a different dance studio in the Lower Mainland. The schedule and venue will be provided closer to the exam date.
How much do exams cost?
Exam fees can range between $100 and $400 depending on the level and the location the exam is taking place. Fees are dependent on the length of the exam. Lower level exams last an average of 45 min vs. higher level exams taking about 2 hours. Duration is also determined by the number of candidates per exam (1 candidate vs. 4 candidates)
Some additional fees that can be expected:
Mock Exams: All candidates pursuing an exam must go through at least one mock exam in order to be fully prepared.
Master Classes: IMD will bring in an external RAD teacher as a way to provide extra feedback and information to the candidates.
Pianist: some exams are taken with a live accompanist. If that’s the case, a Pianist Fee might be added.
Private Coaching: in case a student requires extra one on one practice with our teachers, private classes are offered.
What is the absence policy?
Dance training is a full-year commitment. IMD allows for 5 absences per year. More than 5 absences may result in falling behind on RAD syllabus work. If that is the cse, the dancer may not be invited to participate in the Mock Exam/Exam. Dancers can opt to receive private coaching in order to catch up and be considered for an invitation.
PLEASE EMAIL THE OFFICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.