RAD Level 2 Certificate in Classical Ballet Repertoire

ROYAL-ACADEMY-OF-DANCE

vocational

Classical Ballet Repertoire Level 2: Variation 2 focuses on consolidating technical security, musicality, and performance skills through a set variation from the RAD syllabus. It requires learners to execute moderately demanding enchaînements with clean lines, accurate footwork, and expressive artistry, demonstrating readiness for progression to higher levels.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating consistent turnout from the hips, with correct weight placement over the supporting leg during all transitions.
Acknowledge sustained épaulement and use of head positions that enhance the stylistic character of the variation.
Recognise secure balance and controlled landings from jumps, with articulation through the feet and soft demi-plié.
Reward clear musical phrasing and dynamic response to the chosen music, with movements aligned precisely to rhythmic accents.
Credit expressive projection and a sense of performance, communicating the variation’s mood through facial expression and eye line.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating consistent turnout from the hips, with correct weight placement over the supporting leg during all transitions.
Acknowledge sustained épaulement and use of head positions that enhance the stylistic character of the variation.
Recognise secure balance and controlled landings from jumps, with articulation through the feet and soft demi-plié.
Reward clear musical phrasing and dynamic response to the chosen music, with movements aligned precisely to rhythmic accents.
Credit expressive projection and a sense of performance, communicating the variation’s mood through facial expression and eye line.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Film yourself performing the variation and review for technical habits you may not feel while dancing.
💡Practice with the accompaniment at different tempos to build flexibility in musical interpretation and avoid relying solely on muscle memory.
💡Isolate difficult enchaînements and drill them with a clear focus on correct alignment and breathing to enhance stamina and control.
💡In the exam, take a moment to establish your starting position and breathe before the music begins, setting a calm and focused presence.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Sickling of the working foot during développé or battement exercises, leading to misalignment of the ankle.
Rushing through linking steps and failing to sustain positions, resulting in a lack of clarity in the choreography.
Collapsing the upper body during turns, causing loss of spot and poor balance.
Moving ahead or behind the music, especially in slower adage sections, due to insufficient listening and breath control.
Tensing the shoulders and holding arms stiffly, which diminishes the fluidity and grace expected at this level.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

The learner will:• be able to perform moderately demanding development exercises and a variation showing an awareness of secure technique in ballet• be able to perform moderately demanding development exercises and a variation demonstrating musicality in ballet• be able to demonstrate appropriate performance skills through the performance of moderately demanding development exercises and a variation

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

RAD Level 2 Certificate in Classical Ballet Repertoire

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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