Exams Quick Guide
The table below provides a brief overview of RAD exams, awards, content, assessment and venues.
| Type of award | What? | Assessed? | Where? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstration classes (Dance to Your Own Tune) | Free content, led by teacher | No, the examiner only observes | AEC or RAV |
| Solo performance awards (Grades 1-5) | 3 solo dances, at least 2 from exam syllabus | Yes, as per award criteria | AEC or RAV |
| Class awards (Pre-Primary in Dance to Grade 5 and Discovering Repertoire) | Class award syllabus (a selection of exercises and one dance), led by the teacher | Yes, a broad indication of standard rather than a detailed breakdown | AEC or RAV |
| Presentation classes (Grades 6-7 and 8) | Selection of exercises from the syllabus, led by the teacher (Grades 6 - 7) or the examiner (Grade 8) | No, the examiner only observes, and for Grade 8, conducts the class | AEC or RAV |
| Exams (graded, vocational and Discovering Repertoire) | Candidates perform the exam syllabus | 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 | Yes, by a panel of judges, an RAD examiner and a dance professional approved by the Artistic Director | RAV or theatre venue |
- AEC – Approved Examination Centre, normally the teacher’s own studio.
- RAV – RAD Approved Venue, premises provided by the RAD.
Our exams glossary explains other terms that you may not be familiar with.
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