With over 13,000 members' spread across 79 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world. The Academy's patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II. RAD Membership supports the advancement of dance and includes professional dancers, students, teachers, benefactors and friends.

RAD offers examinations in classical ballet suitable for everyone from young children starting out in dance classes to students aspiring to become professional dancers. There are no upwards age limits on any examinations or presentation classes and a syllabus has been designed for both male and female candidates at all levels.

The Royal Academy of Dance stresses the importance of every student having an achievable goal. This is measured either by an Examination for students studying the Graded or Vocational Graded syllabus or the option of a presentation class for Graded students.





The Graded syllabus consists of three different components; classical, free movement and character dance.

The Classical work is the foundation and the most important part of the Graded Syllabi.

The free movement section incorporates movements in common with other dance styles such as natural movement, contemporary based dance and Greek dance.

Character dance is the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music which has been freely adapted for the theatre. There are three styles - Hungarian, Russian and Polish - and these were selected because of their historic importance in the development of the traditional full-length classical ballets.

Each Examination candidate will receive a 'result form' which shows the marks achieved. These marks can be checked against the published assessment criteria in order to highlight the strengths of the candidate's performance and the areas that need improvement. Successful candidates will receive a Certificate bearing their name and level of attainment. Unclassified candidates will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Successful completion of the Academy's Grades 6, 7 and 8 Award provides eligibility for Affiliate Student Membership of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Success in the Graded Examinations can provide the building blocks to the Vocational Graded Syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance. All students however must take the advice of their teacher as to their levels of attainment and capabilities.





The Vocational Graded syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the Academy's Graded Syllabus where pointe work for females is introduced for the first time.

This syllabus has been designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study seriously with a possible view to following a career in dance or dance related subjects.

Students wishing to study for the Vocational Graded syllabus should have the type of body that can respond to demanding study. Students must also be able to concentrate for long periods of time and be able to accept and welcome constructive comments and correction.

Students must meet the published assessment criteria and therefore demonstrate they can confidently proceed to the next level. All candidates will pass an examination if the required standard has been attained.

If successful, the examiner will award one of three pass classifications (pass, merit or distinction) based on the performance seen on the day in accordance with the published assessment criteria.

Each candidate will receive a 'Result Form' showing the marks achieved. The marks achieved can be correlated to the criteria indicating to the students, teachers and parents the strengths of the candidate's performance and the areas that need improvement. Successful candidates will receive a Certificate bearing their name and level of attainment.

Successful completion of the Intermediate examination give eligibility to the Academy's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and two degree programs offered by the Academy and validated by the University of Surrey, England. It also provides eligibility for affiliate student membership of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Students who have completed examinations Intermediate and up can receive credits through their High School towards graduation.

Successful completion of the Advanced 2 (formerly Advanced) examination gives eligibility for candidates who have reached the age of 18 years or over to apply to become an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance and use the initials ARAD after their name.

Students wishing to continue their education of dance after physical training can go on to complete one for these listed programs:

Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) through RAD Canada, completion gives you a Registered Teachers Status (RTS) and allows you to enter students into examinations.

BA (hon) in Dance Education (BADE) distance education, completion of this program gives you your Registered Teachers Status (RTS), your Diploma through the RAD, your degree validated by the University of Surrey, England, as well as allowing you to continue forwards to complete your Licentiate within the RAD.

Certificate in Benesh Notation (CBN) distance education, this program enables you to use Bebesh Movement Notation to read and record dance and choreography in a variety of contexts.

As well as many other on campus in London programs validated by the University of Surrey, England. Please see the RAD website at http://www.rad.org.uk under the Faculty of Education link within the Prospectus.