Examinations

Royal Academy of Dance Examinations

RJ Performing Arts is proud to be a member of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a world-renowned dance education and training organisation.

Our ballet classes are taught under the RAD syllabi and all students from the age of 5 years can sit for their RAD examinations.

The RAD offers a range of exam options to suit the individual dancer and at RJPA we are always careful to ensure the exam process is fun, exciting, and rewarding.

Studio principal Miss Rohanna takes great care in selecting the right type of examination for each student and personally oversees the training process in the lead up to the exams.

Graded Levels

  • Pre-Primary level one class per week – suitable for students aged 5 years and older

  • Primary level one class per week - suitable for students aged 6 years and older

  • Grade 1 two classes per week - suitable for students aged 7 years and older

  • Grade 2 two classes per week - suitable for students aged 7 years and older

  • Grade 3 two classes per week - suitable for students aged 9 years and older

  • Grade 4 two classes per week - suitable for students aged 9 years and older

All RAD graded levels from 1-4 learn character work alongside their classical training. Each level focuses on an area of traditional character dances originating from Russia, Hungary, or Poland.

Vocational Levels

  • Intermediate Foundation three classes per week – suitable for students aged 11 years and older

  • Intermediate three classes per week - suitable for students aged 11 years and older

  • Advanced Foundation three classes per week - suitable for students aged 14 years and older

  • Advanced 1 four classes per week - suitable for students aged 15 years and older

  • Advanced 2 four classes per week - suitable for students aged 16 years and older

All RAD vocational level exam students also learn pointe work to compliment their classical training. Students will be required to complete a pre-pointe assessment and pass an evaluation from a registered physio.

Ballet exams are offered to all students from Primary to Advanced 2 level. The number of weekly ballet classes required to sit for an examination varies depending on the grade. By the time of examination students will need to have studied 40 hours for Primary up to 375 for Advanced 2.

Generally, for our graded exam students we find they are ready to progress to the next level after 12-18 months, whereas our vocational students can take up to 18-24 months before they feel comfortable to sit the examination.

All successful exam students receive a comprehensive graded report detailing their competency and progress. Marks are awarded out of 100 and graded into a pass, merit, or distinction level. Students are assessed on the following areas of skill:

  • Correct posture and weight placement

  • Coordination

  • Control

  • Line

  • Spatial Awareness

  • Dynamic Values

  • Responsiveness to the music

  • Performance

Students receive a report, certificate, and RAD badge.

Examinations

5 little ballerinas about to enter their first examination

Class awards are offered to all students as an alternative to examinations from Pre-Primary to grade 4 level. They are an excellent alternative to exams as they require less guided study hours meaning students can often sit their class award on one ballet class a week.

Students perform a variety of exercises and dances to the examiner under the guidance of their class teacher, and all students receive a progress report marking the security of the work shown as either:

  • Frequent

  • Generally

  • Occasionally

Students receive a report, certificate, and RAD badge.

Class Awards