Coastal Dance Centre | Royal Academy of Dance

What is the Royal Academy of Dance and why does CDC Participate in RAD Exams?

The RAD offers a holistic approach to learning ballet and emphasizes the importance of inspiration and dedication. With over 15,500 members' spread across 82 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world (www.rad.org.uk). It is an internationally recognized organization that provides a certification program in classical ballet. Highly trained and certified registered teachers administer a curriculum in dance that is approved by the UK Department of Education and follows UK national standards for arts education.

CDC Artistic Director Liza Mata is a registered and fully certified Royal Academy of Dance teacher. This year she was also appointed as a Practical Teaching Supervisor for the RAD wherein she works with trainee -teachers in the Classical Ballet Teaching Studies Program. Karen Mata, who is a member of the CDC teaching staff, has received extensive RAD training and has been awarded "Distinction" marks in all of her Grades and Vocational level examinations. Trisha Kennedy, another member of the teaching staff, has undergone RAD training and has done examinations in the Grades curriculum as well.

CDC students have the opportunity to study the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum and have the opportunity to participate in annual RAD Exams. All RAD students enrolled in the Grades and Pre-Professional Program require exam entrance approval from the Artistic Director.

At the end of the year, candidates for the RAD exams have been taught a carefully developed curriculum that is both educationally and developmentally sound. At the end of the year, candidates are assessed and educators alike can know exactly what skills have been attained, and where further study is required. In this way, the RAD program is an exceptional educational extracurricular experience that serves as a viable alternative for arts programs that may have been reduced from traditional academic schools. A certificate is awarded to successful candidates, and provides proof that candidates have attained an international standard in classical dance appropriate to their age. The certificate also shows that students have been committed to working hard towards a high standard of achievement in the arts, in addition to their school activities.

The Royal Academy of Dance employs a Board of Examiners who comes from all over the world, but the majority of whom are from the United Kingdom. They are internationally recognized teachers who themselves use the RAD syllabus in their own teaching. Examiners meet annually in London to make sure there is parity in marking. Results of these examinations are sent by the examiners to London where they are monitored and issued officially. Mark sheets and certificates are then issued to the schools for distribution.

An RAD certificate provides a foundation for future teacher certification if students should desire to become teachers of dance. As there are few teacher certification programs available to classical ballet dancers, this is a valuable credential for future dancers and teachers.

How do Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Exams go?

Students who enter RAD examinations are expected to be able to execute the work confidently and securely, demonstrating a firm grasp of the technique required with good musical timing, response and expression. An RAD Examiner visits the CDC studio in March or April to conduct the Examinations. Students enter the room in groups of up to 4 at a time without the teacher being present. They must therefore be able to perform all the exercises and dances they have learned in class without prompting.

Marks are given for each section and a mark out of 100 is awarded.
40 - 54 marks constitute a "Pass" Grade
55 - 74 marks constitute a "Merit" Grade
75 - 100 marks constitute a "Distinction" Grade

Examinations give the students a chance to show the progress they have made during the year. Preparing for exams allow students to work towards an end goal in sight and is an ideal way of ensuring the students have a more focused learning and higher standards overall. A Certificate is issued from Royal Academy Headquarters in London.

Since 2006, Coastal Dance Centre students have been entered into examinations with very successful results. This year, approximately 90 percent of the CDC's exam students were awarded "Distinction" marks with the rest attaining "Merit" marks, a testament to the high standards kept by the school.

Who is eligible to participate in an RAD Exam?

Any enrolled CDC Primary in Dance, Grades 1 - 8 and Pre-Professional Program ballet student who achieves a high technical standard and meets the minimum enrollment criteria is eligible to enter an RAD exam. The Artistic Director will determine whether a student is ready to be entered for an exam based on a variety of factors including technical ability, maturity, strength, knowledge of the syllabus, etc.

Is Participation in an RAD Exam Mandatory?

No, participation in an exam is not mandatory, although we encourage all enrolled students to participate in these exams for more learning opportunities.

What are the additional fees?

RAD Exam and miscellaneous fees are assessed according to the level the student is enrolled in.

Are there any additional requirements for students entering Exams?

In order to prepare students to demonstrate to their highest potential, the ballet faculty at CDC offers practice sessions and "Mock Exams" for students entering the exam. These additional requirements will be announced as we approach the examination date.

For further information, please call the Coastal Dance Centre Front Office at 843.651.2006 or email us at info@coastaldancecentre.com