BALLET PROGRAM
BALLET TRAINING
At VPA Studios, we proudly offer Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet classes. The RAD offers two main exam pathways: graded exams (Primary through Grade 8) and vocational graded exams (Intermediate Foundation through Advanced 2).
RAD Ballet is one of the most influential and dominant dance training syllabi worldwide. VPA Studios provides training in all levels of RAD from Primary to Grade 5 (Graded Levels) and Intermediate Foundation through to Advanced I (Vocational Levels).
RAD Examinations take place annually at the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters.
GRADES AND VOCATIONALS
Primary Ballet
This is the first formal graded stage in the RAD syllabus. Students focus on fundamental ballet technique, introducing basic movement patterns, musicality, spatial awareness, rhythm and coordination. Emphasis is on learning classical posture and simple steps in a structured, supportive class environment.
Grade 1 Ballet
A foundational graded level where students build on Primary work through barre and centre exercises. Training encourages coordinated movement between arms and legs, clearer understanding of rhythm, and strengthening of basic ballet vocabulary.
Grade 2 Ballet
This level increases technical expectations. Students refine alignment, balance and basic transfer of weight while learning an expanded set of steps and combinations. The class supports clearer phrasing of movement with musical accompaniment.
Grade 3 Ballet
At Grade 3, students work on longer combinations and improved technical control. The syllabus deepens focus on coordination, line, transition between steps and increased awareness of ballet style.
Grade 4 Ballet
Students at Grade 4 develop stronger technique with more complex centre work and dynamic movement. This level adds demands on balance, clarity of movement and sustained combinations that require increased stamina.
Grade 5 Ballet
The final of the graded examination levels before vocational study. Grade 5 emphasises technical thoroughness, musical interpretation and performance quality. Students demonstrate their ability to integrate a broad dance vocabulary with confidence.
Intermediate Foundation
The first of the vocational graded levels (a more in-depth syllabus aimed at serious classical training). Students refine strength, turnout and control with increased classical clarity. Pointe or pre-pointe work begins to be introduced for candidates who are technically ready.
Intermediate
A full vocational level that builds on Intermediate Foundation with higher technical demand, more extensive centre work and classical line. This includes structured pointe work when appropriate and develops artistry as well as strength.
Advanced Foundation
A preparatory step between Intermediate and Advanced 1. Students work to strengthen extension, articulation and stamina while maintaining classical precision. This level readies candidates for the Advanced series.
Advanced 1
A high vocational level requiring significant technical ability and expressive performance skill. Students perform complex classical combinations, sustained balances, intricate footwork and refined musical phrasing. This prepares candidates for further advanced vocational work.
CLASSICAL EXTENSION PROGRAM
Our Classical Extension is an invitation-only programme offered to our serious and promising ballet students. The programme runs weekly and includes training with both in-house and guest teachers. To ensure access to the highest calibre of instruction, some sessions will be delivered via Zoom, supported by an in-house ballet teacher in the studio to supervise, correct technique, and monitor student engagement.
This program is designed to increase dedicated weekly training within an open ballet class setting. Students will be guided and coached through more advanced technical exercises, focusing on posture, pirouettes, adagio line, allegro and pointe work. They will also study a range of classical variations, broadening their ballet repertoire and stylistic understanding.
The program offers valuable learning beyond syllabus work, helping students build the confidence, artistry, and technical assurance needed for auditions and classical competitions.
The Classical Extension programme is designed for dedicated ballet students working at Grade 4 level and above. Participation is by invitation only. Students will be invited to join based on their work ethic, technical ability, commitment to ballet, and readiness for additional training beyond their regular syllabus classes.
Why this class?
This program provides dancers with the opportunity to:
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Become confident with open-class ballet work (beyond syllabus exercises)
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Prepare for ballet competitions, scholarships, and auditions
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Build a deeper understanding of artistry, expression, and stage presence
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Receive individual feedback and mentorship from experienced ballet faculty