Royal Academy of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance stands as a globally acclaimed institution for classical ballet education. Established in 1926 and headquartered in London, UK, this renowned school provides comprehensive training for aspiring dancers aged 11 to 19. With a legacy of shaping the finest ballet performers in history, the Royal Academy of Dance remains dedicated to cultivating the talents of future generations, ensuring the continued excellence of this captivating art form.
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RAD REGISTERED TEACHERS
At Art of Dance, we are proud to offer examinations from a Royal Academy of Dance certified curriculum, taught by RAD registered teachers.
Why Choose an RAD Registered Teacher?
“RAD Registered Teachers have undergone stringent dance education training to give them the necessary skills and knowledge to teach dance. They are part of an organisation that has the protection of the public at the core of its values and strives to empower people through dance. At the RAD, we believe that ‘every body’ should have the opportunity to learn to dance regardless of age, level or ability. Our teachers are also members of a professional body that is working with legislative, regulatory and parliamentary bodies, such as the Department for Education, and through organisations such as One Dance UK, NSPCC and Safer Dance to continually improve standards in dance teaching.”
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RAD exams are recognised by the national qualification’s regulators for all UK nations. Graded and vocational graded examinations in dance at RQF Level 3 are allocated points on the UCAS tariff. This means that candidates who have achieved a pass or higher in Grades 6, 7, 8, Intermediate or Advanced Foundation, can use their RAD exam result towards their points tariff when applying to a relevant course at a university or higher education. At Art of Dance we offer the opportunity to study grades from preschool, with RAD Dance to your Own Tune, all the way up to Grade 8.
Dance to your Own Tune
"Dance to your own Tune" presents a curriculum designed for children aged 2½ to 5 years, providing lively yet structured dance classes that promotes the development of physical skills while nurturing creativity, expression and self-assurance. These engaging classes guide children to:
Move with control, coordination, and confidence.
Develop an awareness of their body's movement in space.
Cultivate sensitivity to music.
Express emotions through movement.
Beneath the enjoyable activities, this program lays the foundation for a seamless transition to higher-level ballet and other dance genres, ensuring they are well-prepared for their journey ahead.
Graded Syllabus
Art of Dance offers a structured and comprehensive graded syllabus, encompassing Pre-Primary, Primary, and Grades 1–8, this meticulously designed framework offers an expansive and immersive practical dance education. Tailored for students aged 5 and above, it goes beyond mere instruction, delving deep into the refinement of technical prowess, musical acumen and the art of performance.
Vocational Graded Examinations
We offer multiple classes that all include the RAD’s graded examination criteria: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2, and Solo Seal. These classes offer an extensive exploration of ballet, equipping students aged 11 and above with thorough preparation for a dance career, especially tailored for those with a strong emphasis on ballet. Our Vocational Graded Examinations builds on the elements covered in the Graded syllabus, focusing on the performance of ballet to an advanced standard and is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in dance.
Comprises examinations at six levels from Intermediate Foundation to Solo Seal Award
Designed primarily for older children or young adults who are considering a career in professional dance, as a performer, teacher or in another capacity. The vocational syllabus is technically demanding and comprises only Classical Ballet and Pointe work.
Students studying the vocational syllabus are expected to achieve a high level of technical and artistic ability in ballet and it can take a great deal of time and commitment to reach the standard required to pass these examinations.
Normally, a student will begin studying the Vocational Graded Syllabus after completing Grade 5 in the Graded Examination Syllabus, however some students will continue to study the graded syllabus at the same time.
The Intermediate Foundation and Advanced Foundation examinations are the only optional exams in this series of awards. They are devised for students who the teacher feels may need more preparation before studying at the higher level, however they are assessed in the same way, certificates awarded in the same way and credits awarded on the National Qualifications Framework.
Silver Swans
Conducted solely by our certified RAD affiliated and Silver Swan Licensee, Miss Suzanne Stuart-Burke. Art of Dance’s Silver Swan class welcomes all older learners, helping you engage in authentic ballet movements, offering an avenue for artistic expression through music and foster, whilst also providing a fun new way to socialise.
Regardless of skill level or prior experience, all individuals, from beginners to seasoned dancers, are warmly welcomed.
Inspired to join Silver Swans? Watch the Royal Academy of Dance’s short video as Angela Rippon, the Silver Swan ambassador, chats to some regular class attendees.