R.A.D.

The style of ballet that forms the basis of the RAD syllabus has become recognised internationally as the English style of ballet. This style of ballet formed when the founders of the RAD merged their respective methods (Italian, French, Danish and Russian) to create a new method that would demand a high technical standard from students. The most identifiable aspect of the RAD method is the attention to detail when learning the basic technique of ballet.

The Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) offers two training programmes or syllabi, 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 represents a complete system of dance training and includes a series of progressively more difficult practical examinations. These programmes are the Graded Examination Syllabus and the Vocational Graded Syllabus.

The Graded Examination Syllabus consists of 10 grades and incorporates classical ballet, free movement and character dance.

The Vocational Graded Syllabus is designed primarily for older children or young adults who are considering a career in professional dance, as a performer, teacher or another capacity. The vocational syllabus is technically demanding and comprises only of classical ballet and pointe work. Unlike the Graded Examination Syllabus, the vocational grades must be studied in sequence and the student must successfully pass an examination at each level before progressing onto the next.