Ballet Dance Classes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Examinations are a long-standing tradition within the dance education system. They offer students the opportunity to be rewarded for their hard work, dedication and progress whilst providing a measurable goal to work towards.

Dance is one of the most difficult art forms to master and as such, cannot be judged in the same way as spelling or mathematics as there are infinite variations of the right answer. The fundamental movements and movement qualities of ballet and dance however remain the same across the world and across all dance examining bodies.

Following a syllabus and preparing for examinations enables students to transition into new classes easily, no matter where in the world they may be.

At Turning Pointe, we follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet syllabus, which is internationally recognized and an acclaimed institution for dance training and has been established for many years.

Below shows the minimum age required to take an examination for each level.

The RAD offers two types of examination in order to facilitate the needs of all students. This begins with the Class Award in which students perform their examination work with a teacher present to support and guide them if necessary. This option is not marked quantitatively but qualitatively and is an excellent alternative to the full examination should a student not be quite ready at the required time. In the regular examination, students enter the studio in groups of 4 without a teacher and must perform all of their work without any guidance. This is then marked out of 100 and the results are given both as a percentage and also as an attainment band- Pass (Bronze), Merit (Silver) and Distinction (Gold). Students that enter for either type of examination receive a certificate, mark/ descriptor breakdown and a medal. Students that are successful in their examinations at Grade 6 level or above also receive UCAS points which can be used to aid university applications.

Turning Pointe teachers will determine which examination students will enter depending on their standard at the time.

The examinations are not compulsory and students that do not participate will still progress to the next level however, the exams provide an excellent opportunity for students to be rewarded for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

There is an Entrance Fee for the Examination/Class Award this covers, all rehearsal classes, the RAD entrance fee applicable to the grade, plus all administration costs.

If students are eligible, not only will they have to attend their regular classes but in Term 2 they will have to attend supplementary examination rehearsals in the examination studio.  The reason for this is, students will need to get used to the spacing in the room along with rehearsing with other students in their exam group, some of whom they may not attend regular classes with.

It is very important that the students attend ALL the Rehearsal classes in order to reach the high standard the Academy requires.

Pre-Primary in Dance

Primary in Dance

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Repertoire 6

Grade 6

Repertoire 7

Grade 7

Repertoire 8

Grade 8

Senior Repertoire

How UCAS points are allocated for RAD exams.

Graded and vocational graded examinations in dance at RQF Level 3 are allocated points on the UCAS tariff. This means that candidates who have achieved a pass or higher in Grades 6, 7, 8, Intermediate or Advanced Foundation, can use their RAD exam result towards their points tariff when applying to a relevant course at a university or higher education in the UK.

The points tariff for each exam level and attainment band is shown in the table below.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VOCATIONAL TRAINING/EXAMS AND THE GRADE EXAMS?

The Vocational Syllabus is meant for students who show potential and talent to take their classical ballet onto a professional level at a later stage. These classes are by invitation only.

HOW DO YOU REGISTER FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING/CLASSES?

Students are selected by their dance teacher as this is an Invitation Only course. Only a teachers’ trained eye will be able to spot those who show the potential to benefit from Vocational Training.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF VOCATIONAL EXAMS?

At Turning Pointe we train the students in the following levels;

Intermediate Foundation

Intermediate

Advanced Foundation

Advanced 1

Advanced 2

ARE THERE AGE LIMITS TO THE VOCATIONAL SYLLABUS/EXAMS?

There are minimum age requirements but no upper age limits. The minimum age for Intermediate Foundation is 11yrs and Intermediate 13yrs.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COVER THE COURSE WORK FOR EACH LEVEL?

This will vary from student to student however the course work is designed for each level to be taught over a 2 year period. A student is only entered for an exam once the teacher knows she is ready and able to pass. Only an experienced RAD teacher will know the criteria required for a student to pass an exam hence whether or not they are ‘exam ready’.

DO STUDENTS EVER FAIL A VOCATIONAL EXAM?

As these exams are classed as ‘Professional’ exams, it is necessary for them to maintain their integrity and therefore their marking criteria are very strict and students who are not up to standard will fail.

DO WE STILL NEED TO STUDY THE GRADE SYLLABUS ALONGSIDE THE VOCATIONAL SYLLABUS?

At Turning Pointe we continue the Graded Syllabus training alongside the Vocational training, alternating the exams year on year. For example:

Yr.1 Intermediate Foundation

Yr.2 Grade 6

Yr.3 Intermediate

Yr.4 Grade 7 or 8 etc

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOING VOCATIONAL TRAINING?

Any student who is serious about their dancing or may wish to pursue a career in dance has to have studied and passed their Vocational ballet exams up-to a minimum level of Advanced