The Royal Dance Academy
2017-2018 General FAQ’s
· How did you choose the name RDA? The Royal Dance Academy (The RDA) is the official name of our school. Our name is inspired by the teachings of the Royal Academy of Dance; from where our owner and director is a distinguished graduate. Though we shall follow the educational syllabi we are not contractually bound to. We will always reserve the right to operate our program in the best interest of our students.
· What is The Royal Academy of Dance? Established in 1920, to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training initially within the UK, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. *Today there are over 13,000 teaching members' and 250,000 students spread across 79 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world. The Academy's patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II. RAD Membership supports the advancement of dance and includes professional dancers, students, teachers, benefactors and friends. The Academy maintains close links with all those involved in the industry, at every level; from the internationally recognized 'Faculty of Education' degree programs to those younger students participating in our summer schools. At whatever age or stage, anyone with an appreciation of classical ballet is able to participate in the work of the Academy.
· What type of classes do you offer? Our program has several options. First, we offer a various popular styles of dance including: classical ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and hip hop. Second, we offer two general approaches to our program 1) Open Track- which is our version of recreational. It allows the student the most flexibility to take a number of dance styles mentioned earlier 2) Vocational Track-is targeting the more serious dancer. There are various types of vocational programs which is simply based on the preferred style. This track usually packages types of classes together to optimize technical improvement.
· Do you compete? Yes. We are recognized as technically based program with a foundation based on classical ballet. We successfully compete in major ballet events such as the Youth American Grand Prix and Educational Scholarship program. However, we recognize there are students who may like ballet but have no desire to compete in this art. However these same students excel in other styles and want to test their skills against the best. We established a competitive non-ballet team to provide students additional opportunity and exposure at various national programs
· What are your target age groups? We teach all ages to explore the art of dance. We train students from preschool to pre-professional levels.
· How does the RAD ballet syllabus protect children? The Royal Academy of Dance with its syllabi is committed to creating an environment that enables children and young people to learn and develop in a safe, understanding and encouraging environment. The Academy has drawn up this policy in order to meet the requirements of:- The Children Act 1989, The Human Rights Act 1998, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Ratified by the UK Govt in 1991), The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Criminal Justice & Court Services Act 2000 and The Children Act 2004.
· Why would I want to follow a dance syllabus? Globally, dance is regulated by strict standards designed to protect young dancers. However, dance is not regulated in United States. As a parent of a young dancer or a dancer we pose the theoretical scenario/question: If a child is attending an educational facility, from Preschool to college, the expectation is that instructor is CERTIFIED to instruct and care for the student. Why should dance be an exception? It was this philosophy that was adopted by the Royal Academy of Dance over 80 years ago. Our syllabus is time tested to deliver safe and proven results. Over 250,000 students led by our 13000 certified teaching members currently use it in over 79 countries. Only certified teachers are authorized to use this educational program. This syllabus has laid a dance foundation for some of the greatest dancers of our time. If two dance programs were relatively equal distance from your place and offering the same “fun” environment…how much comfort will you gain if one program offers proven certified teaching and the other did not?
· Examinations??? Say what? We will offer optional examinations in classical ballet suitable for everyone from young children starting out in dance classes to students aspiring to become professional dancers. No dancer is obligated to take an examination but always encouraged. Examinations offer a sense of accountability by all involved. The student is accountable to learn and the program is accountable to teach. The international examiner is accountable to maintain and grading to standard. We will also offer “presentations” which are essentially non graded performances. There are no upwards age limits on any examinations or presentation classes and a syllabus has been designed for both male and female candidates at all levels.
· Ok that’s a relief…so tell me more about examinations? Examinations offer students a challenge to show their understanding of the work. They are open to all students studying the Graded and Vocational Graded Examination syllabi and are tests of knowledge in relation to the level in question. We stress the importance of every student having an achievable goal. This is measured either by an Examination for students studying the Graded or Vocational Graded syllabus or the option of a presentation class for Graded students. Only RAD certified teachers are authorized to teach the dance syllabus.
o Graded Examination or Presentation Class: It is recommended that the commitment for students studying for a Graded Examination or Presentation Class should be a minimum of two classes a week with extra coaching in the period leading up to the Examination/Presentation Class if necessary, particularly as the student progresses towards the higher levels.
o Vocational Graded Examinations: Students studying for Vocational Graded examinations should expect to take a minimum of three classes a week at the lowest level increasing as student's progress towards the higher levels.
· Coaching: The speed of development of individual students may vary and extra time spent, particularly when growth spurts occur, can only be beneficial in the long term. We will always offer additional tutoring. See prices in our pricing area.