RAD Examination Information

The examination fee includes a new leotard, waist elastic (grades 1-5), tights/socks and for boys shirt and shorts/leggings. These will be given out to students the week before the mock exam. Students should arrive at the studio wearing their exam uniform with their ballet school tracksuit over the top.

As part of the examination experience, female students will have their hair styled in a bun by the teachers on the day. We ask that students arrive with their hair in a neat high pony tail and bring along a hair brush, hair elastic, bobby pins and clips and a hair net (that matches the colour of the student’s hair).  The ballet school will provide the hair accessories (ribbons or flowers) as appropriate. Male students should bring their own hair brush and comb.

We recommend that students buy new shoes for their examination.

Having clean shoes is not only important for neat presentation but can also affect the line of the legs and feet which is part of the marking criteria in every section of the examination.

We suggest purchasing the Intrinsic Pro MDM canvas ballet flats from Ballet Emporium in Bondi Junction or the Performa Canvas Split Sole flats from Bloch. If new shoes are not possible you can attempt to put them in a cold wash to ensure they are clean. We ask that this is done at least a week before the exam and brought in for your child’s teacher to inspect.

Examinations are held at ST John’s Anglican Church Hall in Darlinghurst. 

To ensure each examination entrants feel confident and prepared on the day of the examination, regular attendance of weekly classes as well as the extra scheduled examination preparation classes is imperative. The examination process is both an individual as well as a team commitment. One child’s lack of attendance will have an impact both on their own confidence and that of the other student’s in their examination group.

If you don’t feel you are able to commit to the the extra scheduled rehearsal dates and weekly classes PLEASE DO NOT ENTER YOUR CHILD INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS .

The only examinations of Royal Academy of Dance that are required to be completed before the subsequent exams are Intermediate and Advanced One (these are vocational examinations). Whilst each child is encouraged to participate in the examination process, there is an understanding that examinations may not suit everyone. The RAD offers the gentler approach of a Class Award which can be discussed with your class teacher. If your child chooses not to partake in either the examination or the class award, they can still progress to the next grade with their classmates.

If a student desires extra tuition leading up to the exam day, private lessons can be arranged. The extra cost of these can be shared amongst fellow classmates if preferred. Please book your private lessons early to avoid disappointment. The cost of private lessons are as follows: individual 30 minutes – $60.00, 30 minutes shared by 2 students – $38.50 each, 30 minutes shared by 3 students – $33 each, 30 minutes shared by 4 students – $30 . 60 minute private lessons can be arranged at double the price of the half hour rates. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE REQUIRE 48 HOURS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF ANY PRIVATE LESSONS.