Exams
Around the world, RAD exams are recognised for their quality, and each year, nearly a quarter of a million candidates across the globe choose to take their dance exams with us.
We offer a wide range of exams and assessments to motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities. Our focus is on creativity and musicality, providing opportunities to progress and achieve. It’s not just professional or young dancers who take our exams; age is no barrier to success. At any stage of your life or career you can develop your fitness, musicality and artistry. Our candidates range in age from 2 to 60+!
Quick Guide to Exams
| Name of Award | What? | Who? | Assessed? | Where? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstration Class (Dance to Your Own Tune) | Free content, led by teacher | Cadidates age 2.5 - 5 years | No, the examiner only observes | AEC or RAV |
| Solo Performance Award (Grades 1 -5) | 3 Solo dances, at least 2 from exam syllabus | From age 5 | Yes, as per Award criteria | AEC or RAV |
| Class Award (Pre-Primary in Dance to Grade 8 and Discovering Repertoire) | Class Award syllabus (a selection of exercises and one dance) led by the teacher | From Age 5, Discovering Repertoire from age 12 | Yes, a broad indication of standard rather than a detailed breakdown | AEC or RAV |
| Examination (Graded, Vocational and Discovering Repertoire) | Candidates perform the exam syllabus | From age 5, Discovering Repertoire from age 12 | Yes, as per exam criteria | AEC or RAV |
| Solo Seal | Candidates perform three variations and a virtuoso finale for a panel of judges and an audience | From age 15 | Yes, by an RAD examiner and a dance professional approved by the Artistic Director | RAV or theatre venue |
Dance to Your Own Tune
Movement, music, and magic for pre-school children Demonstration class led by the teacher and observed by the examiner. for candidates 2.5 – 5yrs old
Read more
Class Award
For candidates studying Pre-Primary in Dance – Grade 8 and Discovering Repertoire. Following the class award syllabus and including a selection of exercises and one…
Read more
Solo Performance Award
For candidates from Grade 1-5 Includes 3 solo dances including at least 2 from the RAD syllabus assessed by an Examiner For candidates from 5yrs…
Read more
Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus
Focuses on ballet (including elements of freer and progressive styles, appropriate for today's dancer) and Character Includes Graded Examinations (Primary in Dance – Grade 8),…
Read more
Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus
Builds on the elements covered in the Graded syllabus, focusing on the performance of ballet to an advanced standard, and is intended for students who…
Read more
Solo Seal
The Solo Seal is still the RAD's highest Vocational Graded examination and remains a true test of a dancer's ability; though over the years the…
Read more
Discovering Repertoire
We have produced a range of books, CDs, DVDs, and printed music to support each level of Discovering Repertoire.
Read more
Video Exams
Video exams were introduced to offer an alternative for teachers and students wishing to enter exams during the COVID-19 global pandemic when live exams were…
Read more
Entry Forms
Registration forms Candidate Registration Form School Registration Form Progress reports Dance to your own tune progress report Presentation class progress report Grades 6 –…
Read more
The Panel of Examiners
The RAD has a panel of over 200 examiners across 25 countries. Examiners undergo a demanding selection process followed by further training and quality assurance…
Read more