Elements students progress through the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) syllabus from Pre Primary – Grade 8 and the RAD Vocational grades, Inter-Foundation – Advanced Ballet. Character work is introduced at Grade 1.
Examinations can be taken with the RAD.
Pointe Work is also offered at Elements, this is also part of the RAD syllabus but we run a separate Pointe class to help the students gain more strength and confidence. It is very important that no student attempts Pointe work without the proper care, attention and guidance. Therefore teachers closely monitor the students to ensure the correct technique is in place.
The RAD Ballet syllabus is one of the most respected and globally recognized dance curriculums. It provides students with a clear progression in technique, musicality, and performance, laying a solid foundation for further development in dance. These grades bridge the gap between beginner ballet and advanced studies, catering to dancers approximately aged 7-12 (depending on entry level).
Key benefits of learning RAD Ballet at Elements Dance and Theatre Schools
Comprehensive Training: Focus on posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and artistry.
Recognized Accreditation: Students can take formal RAD exams to gain certificates and achievements.
Confidence Building: Learning through performance enhances self-esteem and stage presence.
Preparation for Advanced Ballet: These grades serve as stepping stones to vocational levels.
2.5 - 5 Year Old Ballet Classes
The building blocks of ballet technique are encouraged early in our creative choreographed classes. Dance through story telling and imagery but all the while concentrating on a sound technique.
RAD Ballet Grades Pre Primary to Grade 8 and Major Work
GRADE 1 Building the Foundations
Age Group: Typically 7-8 years old, but may vary based on ability.
Focus Areas:
Basic barre work (plies, tendus, and battement glisse).
Introduction to center work, including simple port de bras and pirouette preparation.
Emphasis on posture, turnout, and coordination.
Musicality: Learning to move in time with music and developing rhythm.
Artistry: Encouraging a sense of expression through dance.
Assessment Option: Students can participate in their first RAD exam, gaining valuable experience.
GRADE 2 Expanding Technique
Age Group: Typically 8-9 years old.
Focus Areas:
More complex barre exercises, including fondus and rond de jambe.
Center work with simple pirouettes and traveling steps like chasses and jetes.
Strengthening turnout and footwork precision.
Musicality: Understanding different tempos and dynamics.
Artistry: Developing storytelling through movement.
Assessment Option: RAD exams and class awards are available to acknowledge progress.
GRADE 3 Introducing Complexity
Age Group: Typically 9-10 years old.
Focus Areas:
Advanced barre techniques, incorporating balances and coordination.
Center work includes adage sequences, pirouettes, and allegro (jumping combinations).
Focus on fluid transitions and controlled movements.
Musicality: Exploring phrasing and expression in musical interpretation.
Artistry: Encouraging individuality in performance.
Assessment Option: Formal exams or class awards for students ready to showcase their skills
GRADE 4 Developing Stength and Elegance
Age Group: Typically 10-11 years old.
Focus Areas:
Challenging barre work with increased tempo and precision.
Center work includes more intricate adage, faster pirouettes, and a greater variety of allegro combinations.
Introduction to pre-pointe work to strengthen feet and ankles.
Musicality: Encouraging dancers to connect their movements to the music’s emotional tone.
Artistry: Refining stage presence and confidence in performance.
Assessment Option: RAD exams are offered to recognize achievement and dedication.
GRADE 5 Preparing for Vocational Levels
Age Group: Typically 11-12 years old, with some variation based on ability.
Focus Areas:
Mastering complex barre work, including extended sequences and faster rhythms.
Center work emphasizes intricate choreography, multiple pirouettes, and grand allegro.
Pre-pointe exercises become more rigorous, preparing students for pointe work in vocational grades.
Musicality: Advanced interpretation of music, focusing on phrasing and nuances.
Artistry: Building confidence to perform with flair and professionalism.
Assessment Option: Students may take their final RAD graded exam or transition to vocational training.
Exams and Awards
RAD exams provide an excellent way for students to mark their progress and gain internationally recognized qualifications. Exams are conducted by official RAD examiners and offer valuable experience for aspiring performers. For those not ready to take exams, Class Awards allow students to celebrate their achievements in a less formal setting.
Meet Our Instructors
Our team of instructors is dedicated to nurturing young dancers and helping them achieve their goals. With years of experience and a passion for ballet, they inspire confidence and enthusiasm in every student.
Venues and Timetables
We offer RAD Ballet Grades 1-5 classes at our Wokingham, Crowthorne, and Sindlesham venues. Classes are scheduled conveniently throughout the week to suit different age groups and levels. Check out our timetable for more details.
Join Us Today!
Whether your child dreams of becoming a professional dancer or simply enjoys the joy of movement, our RAD Ballet Grades 1-5 classes provide the perfect foundation. With a focus on excellence, creativity, and enjoyment, Elements Dance and Theatre Schools is the ideal place for your child to thrive.
Book a Free Trial Lesson!
Discover the magic of RAD Ballet with a free trial class. To schedule a trial or for more information, contact us today at office@elements-dance.com or call 07912 755140.
RAD Ballet Grades 6-8 and Vocational Grades with Pointe Work at Elements Dance and Theatre Schools Ltd
Examinations can be taken with the RAD.
At Elements Dance and Theatre Schools Ltd, we are proud to offer RAD Ballet Grades 6-8 and Vocational Grades, a progression designed to elevate dancers' skills, artistry, and confidence to new heights. These advanced levels prepare students for a future in ballet—whether pursuing it professionally or as a lifelong passion—through rigorous training and technical mastery.
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Grades 6-8 and Vocational syllabus are globally recognized programs that offer a structured yet artistic approach to advanced ballet training. These grades allow dancers to refine their technique, develop expressive artistry, and explore the elegance of pointe work, all while gaining internationally respected qualifications.
Key reasons to enroll at Elements Dance and Theatre Schools
Professional Training Standards: Our expert RAD-certified instructors guide students through a curriculum that emphasizes excellence and precision.
Versatile Development: Dancers build strength, endurance, and artistry, preparing them for performances, exams, and professional opportunities.
Confidence and Expression: Students hone their ability to communicate emotion and storytelling through dance.
Individual Growth: Small class sizes allow for personalized coaching and progression at the student’s own pace.
RAD Ballet Grades 6-8: Bridging Technique and Artistry
RAD Grades 6-8 focus on enhancing technical proficiency while prioritizing performance quality and musical interpretation. These grades are suitable for dancers who have completed Grades 1-5 or equivalent and wish to deepen their knowledge and skills.
GRADE 6 Mastering Foundations
Age Group: Typically 13+ years, but flexible based on ability.
Focus Areas:
Advanced barre work, including port de bras, adage, and balances.
Center work emphasizes strength in pirouettes, fluidity in transitions, and lightness in allegro.
Introduction to pointe work for those ready.
Musicality: Emphasis on tempo changes and phrasing.
Artistry: Developing emotional expression in performance.
Assessment Option: RAD exams or Class Awards to celebrate progress.
GRADE 7 Building Fluidity and Performance
Age Group: Typically 14+ years, depending on entry level.
Focus Areas:
Complex barre exercises for strength and flexibility.
Center work incorporates fluid adage sequences, traveling steps, and intricate allegro.
Increased focus on pointe work, building confidence and strength.
Musicality: Understanding the connection between movement and musicality.
Artistry: Encouraging individuality in interpreting choreography.
Assessment Option: Exams or Class Awards for recognition of achievements.
GRADE 8 Elevating Technique and Elegance
Age Group: Typically 15+ years, but open to all advanced students.
Focus Areas:
High-level barre work to develop stamina and precision.
Challenging center work, including multiple pirouettes and grand allegro combinations.
Advanced pointe work, preparing for vocational-level demands.
Musicality: Exploring expressive nuances and dynamic range.
Artistry: Refining stage presence and emotional depth.
Assessment Option: RAD exams for formal recognition or Class Awards for non-exam students.
Vocational Grades Preparing for the Professional Stage
The Vocational Grades are tailored for dedicated dancers pursuing ballet at a pre-professional or professional level. These rigorous levels build upon the foundation established in Grades 6-8 and introduce highly technical elements.
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate
Focus Areas:
Advanced barre work focusing on precision, control, and endurance.
Center work includes technically demanding adage, pirouettes, and allegro.
Pointe work emphasizes strength, stability, and artistry.
Musicality: Developing advanced interpretation and expression.
Artistry: Building the confidence and stage presence required for professional performances.
Assessment Option: RAD vocational exams, essential for those pursuing professional ballet training.
Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2
Focus Areas:
Mastery of complex barre exercises, including intricate sequences and dynamic changes.
Center work encompasses advanced adage, grand allegro, and multiple pirouettes.
Pointe work is central, with an emphasis on seamless transitions and fluidity.
Musicality: Perfecting the art of dancing in harmony with the music.
Artistry: Polishing performance quality, with a focus on emotive storytelling.
Assessment Option: RAD vocational exams, offering internationally recognized qualifications.
Solo Seal Award
For those excelling at the Advanced 2 level, the Solo Seal Award offers the highest recognition of RAD ballet proficiency. It allows dancers to demonstrate their artistry and technical excellence in a professional performance setting.
Point Work: The Pinnacle of Ballet Training
Pointe work is a vital component of RAD Grades 6-8 and Vocational Grades. At Elements Dance and Theatre Schools, we ensure that students approach pointe work with safety, confidence, and technique.
Introduction to Pointe Work
Students begin with pre-pointe exercises in earlier grades, focusing on:
Strengthening the feet, ankles, and core.
Ensuring proper alignment to prevent injury.
Pointe shoes are introduced when students demonstrate readiness, evaluated by our expert instructors.
Intermediate and Advanced Pointe Work
As students progress, they master:
Complex pointe techniques, including balances, turns, and intricate sequences.
Artistic expression and fluidity while dancing en pointe.
Classes integrate pointe work into both barre and center exercises, ensuring holistic training.
Exams and Certifications
RAD exams for Grades 6-8 and Vocational Levels are optional but highly encouraged. They provide students with:
Internationally Recognized Qualifications: RAD certifications are respected by ballet schools and companies worldwide.
A Sense of Achievement: Exams allow students to celebrate their progress and dedication.
Preparation for Professional Opportunities: For those pursuing dance as a career, RAD qualifications are invaluable.
Class Venues and Timetables
We offer RAD Ballet Grades 6-8, Vocational Grades, and Pointe Work at our Wokingham, Crowthorne, and Sindlesham venues. Classes are scheduled during evenings and weekends to accommodate school and work commitments.
Check our timetables for specific class times.