Classes for children

Grade 1

Age: 6.5 +

Grade 2

Age: 8 +

Grade 3

Age: 9 + (by ability)

From Grade 1 pupils are offered to enter for their first RAD Grade 1 ballet examination should they wish to.Examinations are not compulsory, and children may chose to just move up, however MyBallet Academy likes to offer the option of ballet exams to those pupils who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it is good for youngsters to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect steps working hard towards achieving a goal. RAD Grades 1 to 3 constitute Level 1 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus and are the equivalent to GCSE Grades D-N or NVQ Level 1. RAD Grades 1 to 3 promote “feeling before form” where the children are unafraid to try out new sensations of spinning, leaping and balancing. Musically inspired, exercises motivate pupils to acquire a well-rounded understanding of ballet and character work, and promote joy in movement, sense of dance and performance quality. The music for Grades 1 to 3 is a glorious collection of three centuries of dance music. In our Grade 1 to 3 classes, student develop their understanding of ballet technique, their co-ordination, good posture, strength and flexibility, and in a nurturing environment develop their artistry and musical appreciation. Pupils learn Ukrainian (Grade 3), Hungarian (Grade 2) and Russian (Grade 1) Character work too. At this level, we want our Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classes to stay imaginative, guiding students through the demands of classical technique with constant encouragement and inspiration.

Rambert Grades

Age: 7+

Rambert Grades is a pioneering contemporary dance syllabus born from the partnership between two of the world’s leading contemporary dance organisations: Rambert and Rambert School. Across eleven grades, the syllabus offers students the opportunity to develop lifelong skills. Rambert Grades encourages young people to own their individuality, be playful, work in a present manner, think independently, relate with others and have confidence in decision making while learning and embodying its three strands, Technique, Performance and Creative. The Rambert Grades syllabus is progressive and inclusive and is designed to be accessible for people from all backgrounds. Our Rambert Grades teachers are taught to promote a safe environment where physical explorations can exist without rigidity, yet with focus, discipline and collaboration. Students are seen as individuals and encouraged to express their ideas and discover their unique voices. Each grade includes exploring how to create material and improvise, learning all elements of technical skill to the highest standard, from floorwork to complex leaps, and performing solo material from renowned choreographers, Hofesh Shechter and Alesandra Seutin. Rambert Grades is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual.