Examinations in ballet, modern and tap are held annually.
Taking exams enables students to:
Ballet exams: Students chosen as possible exam candidates are required to take two ballet classes per week from November through to the exam date.
Modern Theatre Dance and Tap exams are also usually held in spring. Extra classes are necessary as of November up to the date of the examination. Students can only be entered for ISTD exams by a teacher who has her ISTD Associate or Diploma.
Taking exams enables students to:
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Ballet exams: Students chosen as possible exam candidates are required to take two ballet classes per week from November through to the exam date.
Grades 1 to 3 will be expected to co-ordinate simple movements to produce a combination of steps, respond sensitively to music and perform with confidence before an audience (the examiner).
Grades 4 and 5 will be expected to demonstrate an increased range of movements in longer and more complex sequences, show an increased sensitivity to music and perform with increased confidence before an audience.
Grades 6 to 8 will be expected to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of dance movements, interpret music sensitively and perform with confidence and self-awareness.
Students aged 11+ who want to study classical ballet in greater depth with a view to pursuing a career in dance, can follow the Vocational Graded syllabus. A minimum of three classes a week are necessary at the lowest level, increasing as progress is made towards the higher levels.
Students who do not take exams will still take Royal Academy of Dance classes and perform in a Presentation Class where they will receive an RAD Certificate of Participation. This is a mark of achievement in itself.
Students can only be entered for an RAD exam or Presentation Class by a teacher who holds Royal Academy Registered Teacher status.
Modern Theatre Dance and Tap exams are also usually held in spring. Extra classes are necessary as of November up to the date of the examination. Students can only be entered for ISTD exams by a teacher who has her ISTD Associate or Diploma.
The examiners for dance examinations come from across Canada and around the world. The RAD.and the ISTD have offices in over 62 countries where the same standard of training is given. We have great respect for these hard working examiners who are carefully trained to follow strict quality assurance procedures.
