Certified by The Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance stresses that each student should have an achievable goal. This is measured either by an annual RAD Examination/Class Awards.

For the Preschool level (Just Tots, Pre-Ballet I, and Pre-Ballet II), the RAD offers the "Demonstration Class" for students who need the teacher’s support to present their work to the RAD Examiner. Hence, they will not be graded.

For Grade 1 through 5 students. They can enter as an Exam candidate, a graded exam, Pass, Fail, Merit, or Distinction OR join as a "Class Awards" student who needs teacher support to present their work to the RAD Examiner. Subsequently, Miss Vivienne will facilitate the session, and the student will not be graded.

A solo performance is assigned at a particular presentation date and time. The performance will require the student to perform three solo dances within a 20-minute session. Upon completion, the student will receive an official report, medal, and certificate presented at the June Royal Academy of Ballet's Annual Recital.

All exam scheduling is done by RAD USA and approved by RAD, UK. Exam/presentation class dates can occur on a school day. The RAD UK office determines when the examiner arrives, which days the testing will happen, and when each registered student will be tested. Exam schedules cannot be changed, and students have individual IDs. Thus, swapping test times with another student is prohibited. Upon request, an excuse note for school attendance can be provided and certified by a RAD Registered Teacher if the student misses a portion of their school day. While we cannot guarantee the date of the exam year by year, the RAD USA office projects three days of testing yearly.

RAD Exam results are one of the following: Fail, Pass, Merit, or Distinction. An individual test scoresheet (report card) provides details of the RAD Exam. The RAD examiner's evaluations are sent to London for review before they are released and sent to a certified school. RAD sends a preliminary summary to the school to verify that all student names are spelled correctly before they prepare the actual certificates. The final test scoresheets (report cards) and RAD certificates are mailed to our school. An email will be sent to all students once the report cards and certificates are received and ready for pickup at our studio. Students who pass their exams will receive a medal, a RAD Exam Certificate, and test scoresheets.

The Academy aims to nurture and help children gain confidence at the Preschool level. Their demonstration class is non-graded. Hence, the child cannot fail. If the child can formally demonstrate the work in the examiner's presence, they will receive a certificate of achievement for their effort.

Attending the required weekly classes does not guarantee that students will pass the RAD Exams. Vocational examinations are difficult and become even more so with each level. Some vocational students should be satisfied with a "pass" score and not worry about receiving a "distinction."

Our instructors are responsible for students knowing the syllabus work by a certain deadline and helping each student achieve the highest RAD Exam score based on their potential. Often, students question why instructors ask them to do the same exercises repeatedly. It is important to note that knowing the basic movement itself is not enough; repetition brings subtle changes to refine their movements. We pride our efforts on cultivating the best results in each student.

RAD Exams provide a standard but should not be considered the only measure of success. Each child's potential is displayed uniquely and in different performance settings. Parents should not judge students solely upon the RAD Exam score as to how well they do in class. For example, a student may not have felt well on the day of the exam or had some other issues on exam day. Some students often need more time for their bodies to develop and mature. Periodic growth spurts or weight gain during middle school can be especially frustrating for students, as they struggle to maintain their current skills while adjusting to their growing bodies. Sometimes, those who are slow to develop become the stronger dancers.

Also, the RAD Exams are meant to provide a structured approach to dance, where one level builds upon another. The exams give students a goal to work toward and add motivation while providing a universal standard.

Exam scores reflect performance on a given day. Exam scores also provide a basis for objectively filling roles in our school production. RAD Exam results are not the only criteria used, as instructor recommendations are also considered along with the student's and family's commitment.

The mission of RAB is to develop a love and enjoyment of this beautiful art form and to bring out the best in each child regardless of body type and ability. To discourage a child from dancing because their scores are not as high as expected is to truly defeat the purpose of the school, which is to nurture the individual as a person first. Very few become professional dancers, but they come away with a body that improves concerning strength, coordination, and balance. They develop self-discipline, which benefits them in college and the workplace. For many, it builds self-esteem and develops a love for the arts that will last a lifetime and contribute to many enjoyable hours at the theater.

Yes! If he/she gets an invitation, the teacher has assessed the consistent attendance and the child's ability as an independent learner. Participating in the RAD presentation/exam provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment upon completion. Each participant will receive a certificate for completing the presentation/exam. It is also a great way to get him/her into a performance setting.

All exams and awards are assessed externally by a highly qualified RAD-trained examiner who follows strict quality assurance procedures. One of our panel of 200 examiners, based in 25 countries worldwide who have been appointed, trained, and monitored by the RAD, will be flown in from Europe, South Africa, North America, or Asia to conduct the exam.