RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 2 — Royal Academy of Dance Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    RAD Grade 2 Ballet consolidates basic technique through simple sequences and short dances, focusing on correct posture, turnout, and coordination. Learners

    Topic Synopsis

    RAD Grade 2 Ballet consolidates basic technique through simple sequences and short dances, focusing on correct posture, turnout, and coordination. Learners develop musical responsiveness by matching movements to rhythm and mood, while beginning to express artistic intention. This grade establishes safe practice habits and performance confidence essential for progression in classical ballet.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 2

    ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
    vocational

    RAD Grade 2 Ballet consolidates basic technique through simple sequences and short dances, focusing on correct posture, turnout, and coordination. Learners develop musical responsiveness by matching movements to rhythm and mood, while beginning to express artistic intention. This grade establishes safe practice habits and performance confidence essential for progression in classical ballet.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    4
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    RAD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2 (Ballet)

    Topic Overview

    The RAD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2 (Ballet) is a foundational qualification that builds on the skills learned in Grade 1. It is designed for students aged 7 and above who have completed at least one year of ballet training. This grade introduces more complex movements, such as the demi-plié in 2nd position, battement tendu with demi-plié, and the use of épaulement (shoulder and head placement). The examination assesses the candidate's ability to perform set exercises with correct alignment, musicality, and expression, preparing them for the more demanding work of Grade 3.

    The syllabus is divided into three sections: barre work, centre practice, and allegro (jumps). At Grade 2, students are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of turnout, weight placement, and the coordination of arms and legs. The examination also includes a short dance (enchaînement) that tests memory and performance quality. This grade is crucial for developing the discipline and technique required for higher levels, and it contributes to the RAD's graded examination pathway, which is recognised worldwide for its high standards.

    Mastering Grade 2 is important because it solidifies the fundamentals of classical ballet. Students who pass this award gain confidence in their ability to execute steps with precision and artistry. The qualification is also a stepping stone for those considering a career in dance or further study in performing arts. On MasteryMind, we provide detailed breakdowns of each exercise, common errors to avoid, and tips from RAD examiners to help you succeed.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Turnout: The outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints, not the knees or feet. Grade 2 requires a consistent 90-degree turnout in exercises like battement tendu and rond de jambe à terre.
    • →Épaulement: The use of shoulders and head to create a more expressive and finished line. In Grade 2, students must coordinate épaulement with movements like port de bras and arabesque.
    • →Demi-plié: A half-bend of the knees, keeping heels on the floor. In Grade 2, demi-plié is performed in all five positions and is essential for absorbing shock in jumps.
    • →Allegro: Fast, lively jumps. Grade 2 introduces sautés (jumps in 1st and 2nd positions), changement (jumps changing feet), and échappé (jumps opening to 2nd position).
    • →Musicality: The ability to move in time with the music and interpret its phrasing. Examiners look for clear accents and a sense of rhythm in all exercises.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate correct posture, placement, and turnout in foundational ballet steps
    • Perform simple movement sequences with accurate timing and musical phrasing
    • Convey a sense of performance through facial expression, focus, and energy
    • Apply safe alignment principles during barre and centre work
    • Coordinate arm and leg movements with clarity and fluidity
    • Respond to changes in tempo, dynamics, and mood within set exercises

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for consistent turnout from the hips in pliés, tendus, and relevés
    • Look for clear demonstration of épaulement and use of head throughout the dance
    • Credit musical awareness when movements coincide with beats and phrasing of the set music
    • Assess dynamic quality and energy projection that engages the audience

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice each exercise with the official RAD recording to internalize tempo and style
    • 💡Maintain a calm, focused demeanor to project confidence and control
    • 💡Ensure neat grooming and clean ballet shoes to present a professional image
    • 💡Warm up thoroughly to achieve full range of motion and avoid injury during the exam
    • 💡Tip 1: Show clear preparation before each exercise. Stand still, place your arms correctly, and wait for the music. This demonstrates discipline and focus, which examiners reward.
    • 💡Tip 2: Use your eyes and head to follow your hand in port de bras. This adds expression and shows you understand épaulement. Avoid staring at the floor or ceiling.
    • 💡Tip 3: In allegro, point your feet strongly in the air and land with control. Even if a jump is small, a pointed foot and soft landing will impress the examiner more than height.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Collapsing the arch of the foot or rolling the ankle in demi-pointe and allegro
    • Forgetting to use the head and eye-line to complete the line of the body
    • Rushing through movements without attention to musical counts and accents
    • Holding tension in the shoulders and neck, affecting port de bras and overall presence
    • Misconception: 'Turnout comes from the feet.' Correction: Turnout must be initiated from the hip joints. Forcing the feet to turn out can cause knee and ankle injuries. Always rotate from the top of the leg.
    • Misconception: 'Demi-plié means bending forward.' Correction: The back must remain straight and the tailbone pointing down. Bending forward shifts weight and reduces stability.
    • Misconception: 'Jumps should be as high as possible.' Correction: In Grade 2, the focus is on correct takeoff and landing, not height. Land softly through the demi-plié to avoid jarring the joints.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •RAD Grade 1 Ballet: Students should be familiar with basic positions of the feet and arms, simple barre exercises like plié and tendu, and basic jumps like sautés.
    • •Basic understanding of ballet terminology: Terms like plié, tendu, jeté, and arabesque should be known. Grade 2 builds on these with more complex combinations.
    • •Minimum age of 7: The RAD recommends this grade for students aged 7 and above, as it requires a certain level of physical development and concentration.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Basic ballet technique and alignment
    • Musicality and rhythmic sensitivity
    • Performance expression and communication
    • Safe dance practice and posture
    • Coordination of arms, legs, and head

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