Academie de Ballet Classique

FAQ's

Q. What is the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)?

A. A worldwide organization, founded in 1920, to advance the standards of teaching in classical ballet. The RAD has over 13,000 members in 79 countries and is one of the larget and most influentail dance education and training organizations in the world. It's stated sole purpose: to improve standards of re-invigorate dance training and to encourage its teachers to improve their teaching skills and pass that knowledge onto their students.

Q. What is the difference between the Grades classes and Vocational classes?

A. The graded syllabus consists of three different components -- classical, free movement and character. Students of any age or ability participate in the Graded Syllabi. The Vocation Graded Syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the grades and where pointe work for females is introduced for the first time. This syllabus is designed to train the serious student who wishes to pursue a career in dance.

Q. What grade Will my child be in?

A. If you have no prior dance experience and you are between the ages of nine to teen, you will start in Grade 1. If you are younger than nine, with no prior dance experience, you will begin in the primary levels.

All grades above Grade 2 require a placement audition.

Q. Are the classes overly rigid?

A. No, but they are structured with a specific goal in mind. Each class covers rhythm and music along with age appropriate ballet training. Since music plays (no pun intended) an important role in dance, we must insure that all students learn to "listen" to music. With the use of a piano and accompanist, we bring a musical richness to our classes not achieved with recorded music. We engage each student in the work at all levels and abilities.

Q. May my child wear anything to class?

A. We ask that each child wear our studio uniform, with proper fitting ballet shoes. The Pre-Ballet classes may wear a costume on the first lesson of each month. Click Here to view the uniform for each grade.

Q. What are exams?

A. At year's end we conduct examinations based on materials learned throughout the year. The students perform set exercises for whatever age or ability to suit all. Grades 1 -3 students are encouraged to co-ordinate simple movements, respond sensitively to music and perform with confidence before an audience. Older students demonstrate an increased range of steps in longer, more complex sequences along with musicality and increased confidence before an audience.

Q. Why hold exams?

A. RAD examinations and demonstration classes form the foundation of our program. The RAD maintains that examinations provide students with:

an achievable goal to work towards
the impetus to achieve their personal best in a fun nurturing environment
to gain confidence in their performance quality.