The RAD is a UK-based examination board specialising in dance education and training, with emphasis on classical ballet
The RAD was founded in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing. The RAD was created with the objective to improve the standard of ballet teaching in the UK. The RAD method, is a ballet technique and training system, specially devised by the founders of the RAD, who merged their respective dance methods (Italian, French, Danish and Russian) to create a new style of ballet that is unique to the organisation. The RAD method produces a style of ballet that has become recognised internationally as the English style of ballet.
Examinations:
The RAD offers a few examination syllabi now, which are suitable for both male and female students and form the basis of the RAD's work in the UK and overseas.
Each programme consists of a series of progressively more difficult practical examinations.
- Graded Examination Syllabus. Grade 1-5
- Higher Grade Examination Syllabus. Grade 6-8.
- Vocational Graded Examination Syllabus
- Discovering Repertoire Level 2-4
Graded Examination Syllabus. Grade 1 - 5
The Graded Examination Syllabus consists of Pre-Primary, Primary, and numbered Grades 1–5. Each grade incorporates classical ballet from the barre, port de bras, centre practices, adage, allegro. They also do a classical ballet dance and a character dance. The syllabus is devised to progress in difficulty from one grade to the next.
Higher Grade Examination Syllabus. Grade 6 - 8
RAD Grade 6-8 are the Higher Grade Syllabus. Each grade incorporates more in-depth barre exercises, port de bras, centre practise, adage, allegro. There are also free movement exercises and free movement dance where they dance with long scarf, as well as character dance. The syllabus is devised to progress in difficulty from one grade to the next and a student studying the grades in sequence would be expected to develop a greater degree of dance technique at each level.
Vocational Graded Examination Syllabus
The Vocational Graded Syllabus consists of Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advance Foundation, Advance 1 and Advance 2. It is 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. Unlike the Graded Examination Syllabus, the vocational grades have to be studied in sequence and the student must successfully pass an examination at each level before progressing onto the next. As with the graded syllabus, successful candidates receive a certificate personalised with their name and the level passed. They also receive a report, however for this series of examinations, there is a different marking system and assessment criteria.
Discovering Repertoire Level 2 - 4
The RAD Discovering Repertoire syllabus is a classical ballet performance program for dancers aged 12 and up, offering a flexible, modular way to learn choreography from famous ballets like Coppélia, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Paquita, and Swan Lake. It focuses on musicality, expression, and artistry through class, development exercises, and variations. The program is divided into levels with three units each, and students have the option to take an exam at the end of each unit.