RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 1 — Royal Academy of Dance Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational techniques and artistry required for the Royal Academy of Dance Grade 1 ballet examination. Learners will develop

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational techniques and artistry required for the Royal Academy of Dance Grade 1 ballet examination. Learners will develop core ballet skills including posture, alignment, coordination, and basic steps, while integrating musicality and expressive performance. The assessment evaluates the dancer's ability to execute simple movement sequences and dances with technical accuracy, rhythmic awareness, and engaging performance quality.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 1

    ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
    vocational

    This subtopic focuses on the foundational techniques and artistry required for the Royal Academy of Dance Grade 1 ballet examination. Learners will develop core ballet skills including posture, alignment, coordination, and basic steps, while integrating musicality and expressive performance. The assessment evaluates the dancer's ability to execute simple movement sequences and dances with technical accuracy, rhythmic awareness, and engaging performance quality.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    RAD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 1 (Ballet)

    Topic Overview

    The RAD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 1 (Ballet) is the first formal assessment in the Royal Academy of Dance's graded syllabus. This examination introduces young dancers to the fundamental techniques of classical ballet, including basic positions of the feet and arms, simple steps like pliés, tendus, and glissades, and the beginnings of port de bras. The syllabus is designed to build a strong foundation in posture, coordination, and musicality, while encouraging creativity through free movement exercises.

    This grade is crucial because it establishes the technical and artistic standards expected in higher levels. Students learn to perform with correct alignment, turnout, and use of épaulement, which are essential for injury prevention and progression. The examination also develops performance skills, as candidates must demonstrate expression and confidence in front of an examiner. Success at Grade 1 prepares students for the more complex combinations and vocabulary of Grade 2 and beyond.

    Within the wider subject of Dance & Performing Arts, this qualification is part of a structured pathway recognised by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It not only assesses physical skill but also nurtures discipline, memory, and appreciation for ballet as an art form. Many students use this award as a stepping stone towards teaching qualifications or professional performance careers.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Correct placement and turnout: Maintaining a neutral pelvis, lifted posture, and rotation from the hips (not knees or feet) is essential for safe and effective ballet technique.
    • →Five basic positions of the feet: Students must know and demonstrate 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions with accurate placement and weight distribution.
    • →Port de bras and arm positions: Understanding the carriage of the arms through preparatory, 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions, and how they coordinate with movements.
    • →Simple steps and transitions: Mastery of plié, tendu, glissade, sautés, and changements, with attention to timing, use of demi-pointe, and landing softly.
    • →Musicality and phrasing: Moving in time with the music, recognising different rhythms (e.g., 3/4 for waltz, 4/4 for polka), and using breath to link movements.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate correct posture, weight placement, and turnout in pliés, tendus, and basic port de bras.
    • Execute set Grade 1 exercises and dances with accurate footwork, épaulement, and spatial awareness.
    • Apply musical dynamics, timing, and phrasing to movement, showing clear responsiveness to the accompaniment.
    • Exhibit performance skills including focus, projection, and expressive use of the upper body and face.
    • Sustain balanced transitions and controlled landings throughout allegro and adage sections.
    • Coordinate arms, head, and legs fluently in simple enchaînements.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for precise execution of set syllabus steps, including correct body directions and facings.
    • Recognise evidence of musicality through accurate timing, accentuation, and sensitivity to dynamic changes.
    • Look for consistent turnout maintained from the hips without forcing, particularly in pliés and extensions.
    • Credit expressive use of the head and eye-line to enhance performance quality.
    • Evaluate the ability to maintain poise and alignment during weight transfers and turns.
    • Assess the clarity of positions and lines in both stationary and traveling movements.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Present each exercise with a clear beginning, middle, and end; avoid rushing between movements.
    • 💡Listen actively to the music and let it inform the dynamics and mood of your dancing.
    • 💡Maintain a confident and open performance quality even during technically challenging sections.
    • 💡Practice the flow of each dance as a whole to ensure seamless transitions and sustained character.
    • 💡Use the mirror in class to self-correct alignment, then learn to feel correct placement without visual feedback.
    • 💡Show your preparation: Arrive with your hair neatly in a bun, wearing the correct uniform (leotard, tights, ballet shoes). This demonstrates professionalism and respect for the exam.
    • 💡Use your eyes and face: The examiner wants to see that you are enjoying the dance. Smile, look out into the room (not at the floor), and express the character of each exercise—whether it's a graceful adage or a lively allegro.
    • 💡Don't rush: Many students speed up when nervous. Take a breath before starting each exercise, listen to the music carefully, and maintain a steady tempo. A controlled performance is better than a fast, messy one.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Rolling the ankles inward during pliés due to insufficient hip rotation.
    • Rushing through linking steps and failing to fully articulate floor-contact transitions.
    • Tensing the shoulders and neck, which restricts port de bras and overall expression.
    • Over-focusing on technique at the expense of musical responsiveness, leading to robotic execution.
    • Losing core engagement in balance exercises, causing wobbles or premature lowering.
    • Misconception: Turnout comes from the feet. Correction: Turnout must be initiated from the hips (rotation of the femur in the hip socket). Forcing the feet to turn out can cause knee and ankle injuries.
    • Misconception: Arms should be stiff and held in one position. Correction: Arms should be soft and rounded, with elbows slightly bent and fingers relaxed. Port de bras should flow naturally, not be rigid.
    • Misconception: You must look at the floor to check your feet. Correction: Dancers should use peripheral vision or mirrors; looking down disrupts alignment and performance quality. The examiner wants to see confidence and focus.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic familiarity with ballet class etiquette (e.g., curtsying, waiting quietly, following the teacher).
    • •Understanding of simple musical concepts like beat and tempo, often developed through pre-primary or primary ballet classes.
    • •Physical readiness: Ability to stand on one leg for a few seconds, skip, and perform basic jumps safely.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Core ballet technique and alignment
    • Musicality and rhythmic phrasing
    • Expressive performance and artistry
    • Body awareness and control
    • Coordination of movement sequences

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