RAD Information

The Royal Academy Of Dance, often referred to as RAD, is a United Kingdom-based examination board that specialises in dance education and training. The RAD was founded in the UK in London in the early 1920s. It is one of the largest dance organisations worldwide with each year roughly 250,000 candidates entering examinations with the RAD. The RAD was created to improve the standard of ballet teaching within the UK, which soon spread worldwide. The RAD produced a method of ballet that is recognised internationally as the English style of ballet dancing. With their attention to detail, the RAD examinations are now one of the most popular classical ballet examinations in the UK. There is no upper age limit and both male and female students can enter the RAD method. Throughout the grades starting at Pre-Primary in dance to the higher grades, uniform is a must and it is very important. The dance clothing and footwear is similar, however different grades require different uniform in a variety of colours and leotard styles. Many dance schools across the UK and the world have chosen the RAD method to follow, and exams to participate in. Here at Katz Dancewear, we offer a large range of dancewear that is suitable for the RAD uniform.

A uniform is considered extremely important by dance teachers as it helps to create unity among dancers. There are different uniforms for different grades. Please check with your dance teacher as to exact requirements regarding uniform. See below for the uniform and more detail about each grade.


Pre-Primary and Primary In Dance Pre-Primary and Primary In Dance are the introductory levels of the RAD's graded examination syllabus. Pre-Primary and Primary In Dance develop the students physical skills, stamina, creativity, express and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This foundation prepares students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres at high levels. Pre Primary Can Start From Age 2 upwards.
The regulation ballet uniform for Pre-Primary and Primary In Dance consists of a short sleeved leotard in  Pink, Lilac Or Marine Blue, a georgette wrap over skirt which is to match the leotard  in Pink, Pink ankle socks and Pink satin or leather ballet shoes. 


Grades 1,2 & 3 Following on from Primary in Dance, Grades 1,2 & 3 are the first three in a suite of eight grades. This is where the real dancing starts, and includes the introduction of character dancing.The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of these grades provide a base for further Grades. 
The regulation ballet uniform for grades 1,2 and 3 consists of a short sleeved or sleeveless scoop-neck leotard in Pink, Lilac, Marine Blue, Mulberry, Lavender or Navy.
Pink ankle socks or tights, an elasticated belt to match your leotard colour and Pink satin or leather ballet shoes. A character skirt in a matching colour to your leotard, and black canvas, low-heel character shoes for Grades 1 & 2, Cuban heel for Grade 3 will also be required.


Grades 4 & 5 Following on from Grades 1,2 & 3, There are Grades 4 & 5 in a suite of eight. This can also be known as 'Level 2' .The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of these grades provide a base for further future Grades. 
The regulation ballet uniform for grades 4 and 5 consists of a short-sleeved leotard or sleeveless leotard  in Pink, Pale Blue, Red, Mulberry, Fuchsia, Navy, Lavender, Burgundy or Dark Green. Pink ankle socks or tights, elasticated belt to match your leotard colour,  and Pink satin or leather ballet shoes. A character skirt in a colour to match your leotard, and black canvas, Cuban-heeled character shoes will also be required.


Grades 6,7 & 8 Following on from Grades 4 & 5, there are Grades 6,7 & 8, the last in a suite of eight grades.This can also be known as 'Level 3'. The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of these grades provide a basis for progression to further personal development, learning and higher education opportunities. 
The regulation ballet uniform for grades 6,7 and 8 consists of any classic-style leotard in cotton In Black, Navy, Royal, Lavender, Red, Burgundy Or Mulberry. Pink tights and Pink satin or leather ballet shoes. A character skirt in a colour to match your leotard, along with black canvas Cuban-heeled character shoes will also be required.


Intermediate Foundation Following on from grades 6,7 & 8 there is Intermediate Foundation, the first in a suite of Five Levels to Advanced 2. The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of this qualification provide a basis for progression to subsequent RAD Vocational Graded Levels.A uniform is considered very important by dance teachers as it helps to create unity among dancers.The regulation ballet uniform for 'Intermediate Foundation' consists of a sleeveless leotard In Black, Navy, Royal Or Purple. Pink tights, soft pointe shoes or soft ballet shoes in pink with ribbons and Pink pointe shoes with ribbons for the Pointe work section. Optional 2cm elastic waistband and head ribbons in Velvet in the same as your leotard colour can also be worn.

 

Intermediate Advanced Foundation Following on from Intermediate Foundation there is Intermediate Advanced Foundation the second and third in a suite of Five Levels to Advanced 2. The knowledge and skills gained through the completion of this qualification provide a basis for progression to subsequent RAD Vocational Graded Levels.A uniform is considered very important by dance teachers as it helps to create unity among dancers.The regulation ballet uniform for 'Intermediate Foundation' consists of a sleeveless leotard In Black, Navy, Royal Or Purple. Pink Tights, Soft Pointe shoes pink with ribbons and Pink pointe shoes with ribbons for the Pointe work section. Optional 2cm elastic waistband and head ribbons in Velvet in the same as your leotard colour can also be worn. Soft ballet shoes may NOT be worn.

 

Advanced 1 & 2 Following on from Intermediate Advanced Foundation there is Advanced 1 & 2 the final 2 levels in a suite of five. The Knowledge and Skills gained through the completion of this Qualification provide a basis for Progression to subsequent RAD Vocational Graded Levels.A uniform is considered very important by dance teachers as it helps to create unity among dancers.The Regulation Ballet Uniform For Intermediate Foundation consists of a Sleeveless Leotard In Black, Navy, Royal Or Purple. pink tights, soft pointe shoes pink with ribbons and Pink pointe shoes with ribbons for the Pointe work section. Optional 2cm Elastic Waistband and Head Ribbons in Velvet in the same as your leotard colour can also be worn. Soft ballet shoes may NOT be worn.