Our Ballet Program
What is RAD Ballet?
The Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) is a worldwide organization that governs ballet through a series of graded exams.
For ballet to retain its vigour, it is vital to have professional, classical ballet teachers, equipped with internationally recognized qualifications. The Royal Academy of Dance is the largest examining and teacher education organization for classical ballet in the world.
Ballet exams are a set of predefined steps, exercises, and dances that students learn and practice throughout the year. Each year, students register for these formal exams through the recommendation of their teacher. We request that the Royal Academy schedule our exams prior to Spring Break.
**please note that students can advance to the next graded level without completing an RAD Ballet Exam.
Performances
Our RAD Program dancers have the opportunity to perform in two large-scale performances a year at our Holiday Nutcracker Ballet with rehearsals starting on Sundays in September and our yearly June recital.
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How do I know which grade?
Ages 5-11
*Students in Grade 2 and up must be enrolled in two classes a week to participate in our Nutcracker Performance, and be eligible to take their RAD exam.
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Ballet Pre Primary- (1 hr)- Ballet for ages 5 and up. Must be 5 by December 31st. Class runs from September-June.
Ballet Primary- (1 hr) Ballet for ages 6 and up. Must be 6 by December 31. Class runs from September-June.
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Ballet Grade 1-(1 hr) Ballet for ages 7 and up. Must be 7 by December 31st. Class runs from September-June.
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Ballet Grade 2- (1hr) Ballet for ages 8 and up and who have taken Grade 1 ballet or equivalent. Must be 8 by December 31. Students need to be registered in two grade 2 classes to participate in Nutcracker, Examinations and our Festival Program. Class runs from September-June.
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​Ballet Grade 3 (1hr)- Ballet for ages 9 and up who have taken Grade 2 or are starting their ballet training. Must be 9 by December 31. Students need to be registered in two grade 3 classes to participate in Nutcracker, Examinations and our Festival Program. Class runs from September-June.
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Ballet Grade 4- (1hr) Ballet for ages 10 and up and who have taken Grade 3 ballet or equivalent. Must be 10 by December 31. Students need to be registered in two grade 4 classes to participate in Nutcracker, Examinations and our Festival Program. Class runs from September-June.
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Ballet Grade 5 -(1hr) Ballet for ages 11 and up and who have taken Grade 4 ballet or equivalent. Must be 11 by December 31. Students need to be registered in two grade 5 classes to participate in Nutcracker, Examinations and our Festival Program. Class runs from September-June.