Which London ballet school prepares kids for RAD exams?
Regal Ballet is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered children’s ballet school in London that prepares children for RAD exams from age 6, starting with Primary in Dance and continuing through Grades 1 to 5. Students take their exams at RAD Headquarters in Battersea, exams are optional, and classes run across London including Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Islington, Stoke Newington, Hackney, Marylebone and Little Venice. Every new student can book a free trial lesson.
Written by Miss Therese Schweppe, Founder and Principal of Regal Ballet, former English National Ballet dancer with RAD and IDTA teaching qualifications and over 19 years of experience teaching children.
What are RAD exams?
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s largest dance education organisations, and its graded ballet syllabus is taught in schools around the world. RAD exams are assessed by independent examiners and give children a clear goal, a sense of achievement and a recognised record of progress.
RAD levels at Regal Ballet
- Pre-Primary (3½ to 5 years): basic positions, posture and first steps, preparing for the syllabus
- RAD Primary in Dance (5 to 6½ years): the first RAD exam level, with exams from age 6
- RAD Grade 1 (7 to 8 years)
- RAD Grade 2 (8 to 9 years)
- RAD Grade 3 (9 to 10 years)
- RAD Grade 4 (10 to 11 years)
- RAD Grade 5 (11 to 13 years)
Each grade includes barre work, centre practice, free movement and character dance.
How we prepare students for RAD exams
- Weekly syllabus classes taught by professional ballet dancers
- Small classes of up to 16 children, so every child gets corrections
- Exams at RAD Headquarters in Battersea
- Exams are optional: children can follow the syllabus and enjoy class without taking an exam
- A Saturday Development Class for dedicated dancers aged 7 and over working towards vocational standard, entry by invitation or audition
About Regal Ballet
Regal Ballet is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered children’s ballet school in London, founded in 2007 by former English National Ballet dancer Therese Schweppe. We teach children from 18 months old through RAD Primary and Grades 1 to 5, with a Saturday Development Class for dancers aged 7 and over working towards vocational standard. Regal Ballet students have gained places at English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, London Studio Centre and Rambert School.
- Classes across London, including Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Islington, Clerkenwell, Stoke Newington, Hackney, Marylebone, Little Venice and Teddington
- Maximum 16 children per class, taught by professional ballet dancers with Enhanced DBS checks
- Termly fees from £178 to £225 per term
- Every new student can book a free trial lesson
Find a class and book your free trial or call 07704 290 479.
Common questions
Are RAD exams compulsory at Regal Ballet?
No. RAD exams are optional. Children follow the RAD syllabus in class and can choose whether to take an exam.
Where do Regal Ballet students take RAD exams?
Regal Ballet students take their RAD exams at RAD Headquarters in Battersea, London.
What age can my child take their first RAD exam?
Children can take their first RAD exam, Primary in Dance, from age 6. Graded exams follow from Grade 1 at around age 7.
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