The Royal Academy of Dance promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. We seek to accomplish our mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to reward achievement.

With over 13,000 members' spread across 79 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world.

The Royal Academy of Dance offers examinations in classical ballet suitable for everyone from young children starting out in dance classes to students aspiring to become professional dancers. There are no upwards age limits on any examinations or presentation classes and a syllabus have been designed for both male and female candidates at all levels.

The Royal Academy of Dance stresses 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.

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.

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.

There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year, the examination syllabus is taught to more than a quarter of a million students worldwide.

The Academy maintains close links with all those involved in the industry, at every level. From the internationally recognized 'Faculty of Education' degree programmers 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.

NEW RAD SOLO SEAL AWARD

From January 2010 a new Solo Seal Award replaces the current award.

Introduction
The Solo Seal Award Examination was introduced in 1928 as an additional examination for students who had achieved the Advanced Certificate. This is the highest Vocational Graded examination of the Royal Academy of Dance and focuses on solo performance.

Candidates are required to perform three contrasting variations, which have been selected to meet the stylistic and movement demands of today's choreographers and directors.

The Solo Seal Award examination takes place in front of an invited audience and panel of judges, which normally consists of a Vocational Grades examiner and professional dancer or former dancer from a ballet company, approved by the Artistic Director of the Academy.

Aim
The aim of the Solo Seal Award examination is to provide students with an opportunity to achieve at a high level, and be assessed on variations performed in front of an audience.

Learning outcomes
Students will aquire the ability to perform three contrasting variations showing a consistently high level of technical accomplishments, musicality, style and presentation.

Content
Candidates are required to prepare three variations as listed below:
- Set variation
- A choice of one variation from the 21st Century
- A choice of one variation from the Classical Repertoire

For more information contact Olivia Lume: 011 887 0459

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