ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
BALLET EXAMS
All of our Ballet classes learn the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, which is the largest ballet organisation internationally. For students who would like to further boost their confidence, refine their technique and receive a grading for the dances they're learning in class, we offer Class Awards, Exams and Solo Performance Awards, which are held in our Roseville studios in November / very early December each year. We are expecting our exams to be held on a Monday in term 4 and will receive the exact date and times approx. one month before the exam. The exams are conducted by an external examiner and younger students (Pre-Primary and Primary) are guided by their teacher in the exam room. All examiners are teachers themselves and examine with a smile, putting students at ease and making exams a positive and rewarding experience
If this is your first exam: Exams are a very rewarding experience. Upwards of 80% of our Ballet students do exams each year so most other students in your child's class will be participating too and we are very proud to have a 100% success rate. They are so much fun and because our dancers feel so prepared and confident in their work, as soon as they come out of the exam room they ask "can we do that again?!"
HOW TO ENTER
Ballet exam entries are booked and paid for via our shop here. Please write your child's name as you would like it to appear on their certificate in the 'make a note' section. Online bookings are now open and close on 24th July (9pm). Unfortunately, late entries cannot be accepted by the Royal Academy of Dance so please don't delay.
ARE THERE EXTRA EXAM REHEARSALS?
Yes, students must attend 2 weekend rehearsals on Saturday 19th & 26th October (times below) + 2 days of holiday classes in the October holidays (or private lessons if you will be away in the holidays) in addition to their weekly Ballet class to participate in the exams.
The extra rehearsals are very important to allow students to practice in the exam space (they are marked on spacial awareness) and to build confidence performing the dances. Your dancer will not be able to participate if they have missed the additional rehearsals and the exam fee will be forfeited.
WEEKEND REHEARSALS
Weekend rehearsals will be held 19th & 26th October and the times are listed below. Please check your child's grade on your email exam invitation. Weekend rehearsal fees are included in the exam entry fee and are compulsory for students to practice with their grade in the exam space - Roseville Studio, 28 Lord St, Roseville. If your child misses a rehearsal due to illness you will need to book a 30 minute private lessons ($65) as a make up lesson. No refunds or credits are given for missed rehearsals.
Saturday 19th & 26th October
Pre-Primary & Primary: 9:30am - 11am
Grade 1 & 2: 11am - 12:30pm
Grade 3 & 4: 12:30pm - 2pm
HOLIDAY CLASSES
Holiday classes will be held Thursday 10th & Friday 11th October 9am-3pm in our Roseville studio, 28 Lord St, Roseville. All students will stay from 9am - 3pm so please pack morning tea, lunch and a water bottle. Holiday classes are not included in the entry fee and are booked and paid for separately. Click HERE to book into holiday classes. If you will be away for the holidays you will need to book private lessons. Please contact Regina: info@sdga.com.au for available times.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Most students don't require additional private lessons as we cover all of the exam work in class and during the weekend rehearsals and holiday classes but if your dancer would like additional practice in the lead up to exams or has missed classes due to illness you're welcome to contact Regina to organise private lessons. Private lessons are $65 for 30 mins or $85 for 60 mins. Email info@sdga.com.au for available times.
RAD APP
Extra practice at home is not a requirement but, as with all activities, we find that student's perform with more confidence if they have a little run through between classes. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has an app 'RAD VIDEO' that your child can practice with, following the official RAD videos. Even watching the dances over the weekend would be very beneficial for your child's retention of the exam work. The app is free to download and then you purchase the grade (their grade is in the invitation email).
EXAM FEES
WHAT DO STUDENTS WEAR IN EXAMS?
EXAM UNIFORM
Exam leotards are provided by SDGA (hire is included in the exam fee). Girls are required to provide their own ballet stockings and ballet shoes. Ballet stockings and shoes may be either pale pink or matching your child's skin tone and ballet shoes may be either canvas or leather (no embellishments). SDGA will provide a white leotard or t-shirt for boys. Boys are required to provide their own plain black or navy leggings, white socks and white ballet shoes .
EXAM HAIR
Girls require a ballet bun for exams, the same as for our concerts. Our teachers are happy to help with hair on the day. Please bring the required hair pins and nets or purchase a bun kit through our shop. A hair ribbon will be added when you arrive at your exam. Boys require neat hair.
If you have a question that hasn't been answered please ask us: info@sdga.com.au
