RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 4 — Royal Academy of Dance Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    RAD Grade 4 Ballet consolidates foundational technique while introducing more complex movement sequences that demand control, coordination, and expressive

    Topic Synopsis

    RAD Grade 4 Ballet consolidates foundational technique while introducing more complex movement sequences that demand control, coordination, and expressive execution. Learners develop musicality and artistry through the performance of ballet exercises and dances, bridging elementary skills and intermediate proficiency with an emphasis on stylistic accuracy and individual flair.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    RAD Graded Examination in Ballet: Grade 4

    ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
    vocational

    RAD Grade 4 Ballet consolidates foundational technique while introducing more complex movement sequences that demand control, coordination, and expressive execution. Learners develop musicality and artistry through the performance of ballet exercises and dances, bridging elementary skills and intermediate proficiency with an emphasis on stylistic accuracy and individual flair.

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    Learning Outcomes
    5
    Assessment Guidance
    5
    Key Skills
    5
    Key Terms
    5
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    RAD Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 4 (Ballet)

    Topic Overview

    The RAD Grade 4 Ballet examination builds on the foundational skills developed in earlier grades, introducing more complex movements and demanding greater technical precision. This level focuses on refining classical ballet technique, including the development of turnout, elevation, and coordination. Students will study a set syllabus of exercises and dances, which are assessed on accuracy, musicality, and performance quality. The exam also includes a short oral component where students demonstrate knowledge of ballet terminology and theory.

    Mastering Grade 4 is crucial for progressing to the higher vocational grades (Grade 5 and beyond) and for developing the discipline required for serious ballet study. It bridges the gap between elementary and intermediate levels, requiring students to demonstrate not only correct execution but also an understanding of style and artistry. The syllabus includes more challenging enchaînements (combinations) and introduces steps like the glissade, jeté, and pas de bourrée in greater depth.

    This qualification is part of the RAD's graded examination system, which is internationally recognised and aligns with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Success in Grade 4 demonstrates a solid intermediate foundation, preparing students for the more demanding work at Grade 5 and eventually for vocational graded examinations. It also contributes to UCAS tariff points when taken alongside other qualifications.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Turnout and Alignment: Maintaining a consistent 90-degree turnout from the hips, not the feet, while keeping the pelvis neutral and spine elongated. This is essential for all movements, especially in adage and grand battement.
    • →Port de Bras and Epaulement: Graceful carriage of the arms and coordinated head movements that enhance the line and expression. In Grade 4, students must show clear, flowing port de bras with correct positions (bras bas, first, second, fifth) and épaulement in croisé and effacé.
    • →Allegro and Petit Allegro: Developing spring and precision in jumps like the échappé sauté, changement, and glissade. Students must demonstrate clean take-offs and landings, with controlled use of demi-plié and correct foot positions (sur le cou-de-pied, retiré).
    • →Pirouettes and Turns: Introduction to single pirouettes from fourth position (en dehors and en dedans) and the preparation for multiple turns. Key is the use of a strong spot, correct arm placement, and maintaining turnout during the turn.
    • →Musicality and Phrasing: Interpreting the music's rhythm, tempo, and dynamics through movement. Grade 4 requires students to dance in time with the music, accenting beats appropriately, and showing sensitivity to different musical styles (e.g., waltz, polka).

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Execute ballet movements with correct posture, turnout, and épaulement
    • Interpret musical phrasing through dynamic articulation in set exercises
    • Demonstrate expressive use of the head and eyeline to convey performance intention
    • Apply appropriate technical skills in pirouettes and jumps with controlled landing
    • Sustain performance energy and focus throughout the entire examination
    • Coordinate arms, head, and legs with fluidity in adage and allegro combinations

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating correct alignment of the spine and pelvis in barre exercises
    • Credit given for showing clear dynamic contrast between allegro and adage movements
    • Award marks for sustained eye contact and projection in the dance sections
    • Acknowledge when the candidate maintains turnout and core stability during travelling sequences
    • Recognise accurate and expressive response to musical tempo and character

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice counting the music aloud to internalize the rhythm before the exam
    • 💡Focus on breathing through movements to maintain fluidity and reduce tension
    • 💡Ensure you hold balances at the barre and in centre to demonstrate stability and control
    • 💡Make clear transitions between steps to show continuity of movement and musicality
    • 💡Project confidence and engagement with the examiner as the audience, treating the exam as a performance
    • 💡Focus on the quality of your plié. A deep, controlled plié is the foundation for jumps, turns, and landings. Examiners look for a smooth, elastic plié that absorbs shock and propels movement. Practise slow, sustained pliés in all positions.
    • 💡Show your understanding of the music. Don't just count beats; listen to the melody and phrasing. Use your head and eyes to add expression, especially in the free enchaînement section. A performance that connects with the music will stand out.
    • 💡Know your terminology. The oral section can be a mark booster if you are prepared. Practise explaining steps like 'glissade' or 'pas de bourrée' clearly, using correct French pronunciation. Also, be ready to describe the direction (e.g., en avant, en arrière) and body positions (e.g., croisé, effacé).

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Collapsing the supporting side in arabesque or développé
    • Rushing through musical counts without phrasing or breathing
    • Tensing the shoulders and arms during turns and balances
    • Poor use of head and eyeline, resulting in a lack of focus and connection
    • Insufficient use of plié in jumps, leading to heavy landings
    • Misconception: 'Turnout comes from the feet.' Correction: Turnout must originate from the hips (rotation in the hip sockets). Forcing turnout from the feet can cause knee and ankle injuries. Students should focus on engaging the glutes and maintaining a neutral pelvis.
    • Misconception: 'Pirouettes are about spinning fast.' Correction: A successful pirouette relies on a strong, stable preparation (plié, correct placement), a clear spot, and controlled use of the arms. Speed comes from proper technique, not rushing.
    • Misconception: 'Arms are just for decoration.' Correction: Port de bras is integral to balance, line, and expression. In Grade 4, arms must be held with correct curvature and coordination with the legs, especially in turns and jumps.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •RAD Grade 3 Ballet (or equivalent) – students should be comfortable with basic barre work, centre practice, and simple allegro steps like the sauté and changement.
    • •Understanding of basic ballet terminology (e.g., plié, tendu, jeté, arabesque) and the ability to identify positions of the feet and arms.
    • •A minimum of two years of consistent ballet training, typically attending classes at least twice a week, to build the necessary strength and flexibility.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Ballet technique and alignment
    • Musicality and phrasing
    • Performance expression and artistry
    • Spatial awareness and coordination
    • Dynamic control and quality

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