Ballet

Ballet is a classic style of dance that embodies both grace and athleticism. It requires intense technique training. At the Moving Company, students are required to take a certain number of classes per week in ballet as they progress through the levels. We offer a rigorous in-house, multi leveled curriculum in addition to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)Classes for ballet studies.

Royal Academy of Dance training at TMC

At the Moving Company Dance Center, we are proud to offer classes in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) syllabus. Developed by one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organizations, the RAD curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive approach to ballet training, from the earliest years of a dancer’s development and through pre professional and professional levels.  Through structured progressive training the RAD nurtures both technical skill and fosters an appreciation for artistry and discipline of ballet.  Dancers are empowered to achieve their own unique potential.

Progression through the RAD levels is meticulously designed to build upon the skills and knowledge gained in previous levels with close consideration of a dancer’s physical and developmental growth. Each level introduces new steps, movements, and concepts while also refining and building upon previously learned skills.

RAD teachers must complete a rigorous training program that includes both theoretical and practical components. Training includes topics in anatomy, music, teaching methodology, and child development.  Teachers must pass a serious of exams to demonstrate their own knowledge and proficiency. Once certified RAD teachers must complete annual professional development courses to maintain their certification.  These courses are designed to help teachers stay up to date with the latest methods in teaching and techniques, as well as broaden their knowledge and skills.

For more information on the RAD please go to www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-us/

RAD Examinations

Each year our students participate, by invitation, in RAD examinations where we host an esteemed examiner from the Royal Academy to evaluate our students. We consistently achieve an outstanding pass rate with remarkable results.  Our students experience a profound sense of accomplishment when they receive their results from London demonstrating that they have achieved the RAD standard.

Exams are graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, and Unsuccessful. Students are assessed on their technique, musicality, and artistry.  The exams provide an attainable goal for our students while challenging, inspiring, and providing a clear measure of progress and achievement.

Invitations are extended based on consistent attendance, dedicated effort in classes, and a demonstrated ability to successfully complete the examination. We always have our dancer’s best interest at heart and invite those candidates we feel would benefit most positively from the experience. Please note that exams are optional and not required to promote to the next level of training at TMC. Teacher recommendations on class placements are separate from the exam process and individualized to each dancer’s unique journey.  

The Exam process at TMC

Our formal exam process begins in early spring, with the receipt of an invitation, via email. Acceptance of the invitation is indicated by completing a commitment form included in the invitation email. Students continue to polish and refine their RAD syllabus work over the summer in weekly scheduled coach sessions (late June/July, and August) and through *private instruction (*optional). Review and study at home is also crucial in preparation for the exam.

Dancers and parents who receive an invitation must decide if participation in the exam process is right for their family.  Families should consider summer plans when accepting an invitation.  Nearly all of our dancers have a conflict or two over the summer and we are able to accommodate this to a point.  However, if your dancer is away a large portion of the summer the exam process at TMC is likely not the best choice for them. We want to set our dancers up for the best possible outcome and cannot expect high marks from a dancer who has not had ample rehearsal time.

Dancers who participate in exams are invited to our annual RAD Tea party, typically held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This special event is an opportunity for our RAD community to gather, celebrate our dancers hard work in preparation for exams, and demonstrate progression through the levels for family and friends.

Exams are held in early September, just before the next season of dance begins at TMC.

Coaching fees, examination fees from the RAD, and fees to defer costs associated with the examiners travel and lodging will be communicated early in the process.  Please note that these vary slightly year to year.