Royal Academy of Dance R.A.D.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE STUDIES

Mari Cruz Alcalá still remembers the small bouquet she was given on receiving the qualification to become a teacher and an Authorised Dance Centre for this programme. Her colleague Vicente Gregori told her about a written dance methodology that could be studied: R.A.D. and Mari Cruz Alcalá was fascinated by the idea, eager to study it, and succeeded.

Why did we include these studies at our Dance Centres?

It is a world-leading dance, education and training organisation, with dance teachers and students in 85 countries. The R.A.D. believes in the transformative power of dance to improve our health and happiness. It specialises in dance education and training, with an emphasis on classical ballet.

Since its beginnings, Mari Cruz Alcalá has expanded and improved its dance teaching methodology. In addition to our training under the LOE, all our centres have offered the Royal Academy of Dance system for more than twenty years. This system was founded in London, England, in 1920 as the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing, and was granted a Royal Charter in 1935

The R.A.D. is an examining board based in England. Every year, this prestigious institution sends teachers and professionals to our centres to examine students, who obtain internationally recognised Diplomas and Certificates.

Throughout the year we work on dance technique under the LOE and a few months before the R.A.D. examination date we begin working in our classrooms so that each student memorises and practises all the exercises that make up the examination for their Grade.

This is quite a challenge because they must work on movement technique, memorise many exercises and perform them with accuracy and passion. The following are practised and assessed:

• Classical dance technique, including posture, control, coordination and flexibility.
• Also musicality, artistic expression and the ability to interpret and communicate through movement.

How do this technique and procedure INFLUENCE OUR STUDENTS?

Students must take an annual examination at our Alginet Dance Centre before an external examiner qualified by the R.A.D.

The examination period is divided into two stages: winter for the Vocational levels and spring for the Graded levels:

Graded courses (Children)

• Pre-Primary and Primary: an introduction to Dance. Grades designed for young children, focusing on the development of basic movement skills, coordination and musicality.
• Grades 1 to 8 Award: progressive levels of technical and artistic ability in classical dance, with specific exercises that students must learn and master before moving to the next level. Includes Character Dance with its own uniform (Character Skirt and Shoes)

For the youngest students, from the early age of 5–6, it is a unique and very special experience. Performing a memorised examination in front of an examiner they have never met is a real challenge. It is not easy: there are nerves and it is their first time, but when they leave the examination their eyes shine with excitement. They have enjoyed it, performed it and achieved it. They experience this as their first performance, a special feeling they remember as time goes by.

Higher Vocational courses (Older students)

• Vocational Graded Examinations: qualifications designed for students who wish to pursue a professional career in classical dance. The levels include Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal Award. These examinations are more challenging and prepare students for auditions and professional opportunities.

We feel great pride and satisfaction in seeing the progress, growth, perseverance, dedication, effort and gratitude of our students who have reached this professional level, having watched them grow and develop from the Graded levels.

What are the RECOGNITIONS, DISTINCTIONS and QUALIFICATIONS?

The R.A.D. awards special Medals and Certificates to students who obtain a score. In addition to the mark awarded, the certificates specify the corresponding level of study, number of hours and credits obtained.

Its examinations are within the QCF educational framework (Qualifications and Credit Framework) in England.

The R.A.D. also offers opportunities for continuing professional development for established teachers, such as refresher courses and teaching workshops, an opportunity we use at our centres for our entire teaching team.

See you soon, and thank you for sharing this reading with us.

*Students from various Grades entering and leaving on examination day.