CDA's Ballet Exam Preparatory Program

CDA’s Exam Preparatory (EP) Program is for students who wish to train toward participation in Royal Academy of Dance exams. Admission into this program is by audition only (or faculty recommendation). RAD training and  exams are only available at schools with a Registered Royal Academy of Dance educator. RAD holds its members to the highest standards. All RAD Registered teachers hold a recognized dance teaching qualification. This means that you can be confident in their dance knowledge and teaching ability, including what is developmentally appropriate at every stage of a child’s learning. 

The EP Program requires a significant commitment from its students. Students will attend a minimum of two ballet classes and one supporting technique class (Character dance and/or Pointe and Variations) per week. Regular attendance is mandatory.

At CDA we include the RAD work in all our ballet levels starting with the Pre-Primary work in our Pre-Ballet classes. Our EP Program starts at the Grade 2 level. Students must have completed a year of Grade 1+ and/or Grade 2 ballet in order to audition for the EP Program (unless otherwise recommended by a faculty member).

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Each year around 230,000 candidates from all over the world take RAD dance exams. RAD offers a wide range of exams and assessments to motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities. The work focuses on creativity and musicality, with the graded system providing opportunities to progress and achieve.

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All candidates who successfully pass an examination or award receive a certificate of achievement and a breakdown of their result. Some grades and awards also offer medals.

• Graded syllabus: Grade 2 to Grade 8 incorporates ballet, free movement, and character

• Vocational Graded Syllabus: This develops the technique, music and performance skills of the older ballet student to an advanced level, preparing them for a dance or dance-related career.

Graded and Vocational Graded exams lead to recognized achievement at a high level in dance.

These higher levels are accepted as a measure of achievement by the vocational schools attended by most young people aiming to enter the dance profession. They are also highly valued by universities and other institutions offering degree courses and programmes in the performing arts.

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All exams and awards are assessed externally by one of RAD's panel of 200 examiners, appointed, trained and monitored by the RAD, and based in 25 countries around the world.