Elvet Ballet School

What We Do We aim to provide training in, and promote enjoyment of, classical ballet, by teaching the RAD syllabus from pre-primary to Grade 8. We usually have 3 12-week terms a year, although there could be 13/11 week terms, depending upon when Easter falls. Young children attend one class a week, with extra coaching when preparing for exams. From Grade 4 upwards it is recommended that 2 weekly classes should be taken, as the work becomes more demanding and complex. The pre-primary and primary grades contain simple exercises to introduce the principles of the classical technique - the turn-out, good posture, and use of feet, together with travelling movements - skips, gallops, tip-toe runs , and co-ordinated arm and head movements. Grades 1-5 contain exercises of increasing complexity and difficulty, expanding the vocabulary of steps, refining and developing technique, and introducing an awareness of dynamics, and the concept of the enchainement. Each grade builds upon the skills learned in the previous one. There are 3 sections in these exams; the classical ballet section, the free movement section, which incorporates movements in common with other dance forms, such as natural movement, contemporary, and Greek, and the character section, which draws on national ethnic dances selected for their historical importance in traditional full-length classical ballets. These two latter sections give those talented children who do not have an ideal physique for classical work a chance to excel. The Higher Grades 6 & 7 follow the format of the children's grades, but much more emphasis is placed on dance quality, working with partners, and understanding the stylistic requirements. Grade 8 consists of a complete solo performance in each of the 3 sections, and successful candidates may apply for student membership of the Academy. Examinations are not compulsory, but most children do take them. They take place twice a year. A child may spend 3, 4, or 5 terms in a grade, according to their ability, interest, concentration, and frequency of attendance. There are no deadlines. Children develop at different rates; and a slow start may be a prelude to a firmly established technique, or a promising small child may have a sudden growth spurt and lose her co-ordination for a while, until she adjusts to her new length of limb. The system is flexible enough to allow each child to proceed at her own pace. When preparing for an exam it is important to attend additional coaching lessons as well as normal class, in order to practise with the pianist, and to get used to working in an empty room without the distractions of the whole class. From Grade 4 (and in some cases Grade 3) it is recommended that pupils attend classes twice a week. One class is for the syllabus for the relevant grade and the other is a technique class; Juniors for Grades 4, 5 and some cases grade 6, and Seniors for the more experienced Grade 6, 7 & 8. These classes consist of a mixture of unset work, exercises from the vocational syllabus, and exercises designed to target and improve work in allegro, adage and pirouettes appropriate to the grade work.

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