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RAD Examination Specifications
What do I wear to the RAD Exams?
Please check the Dance Uniform tab to see what should be worn to participate in the RAD exams.
How are the RAD Exams scored?
Dancers are given scores for each dance exercise in various areas, such as:
· Correct posture and weight placement
· Timing
· Co-ordination
· Responsiveness to music
· Control
· Expression
· Line
· Communication
· Spatial awareness
· Interpretation
· Dynamic values
· Projection.
Points for each section are added together for a total of 100.
Attainment Bands are as follows:
85-100 points =
High Distinction (gold)
An accomplished standard of technique overall, demonstrating a
consistent and contrasting quality of movement as required by the content. Musicality is highly developed throughout, with an
assured and engaging sense of performance.
55-64 points =
Merit (silver)
Proficient technique overall, although probably stronger in some areas than in others. Musical qualities are evident, although they
could sometimes be more consistent. Performance shows expression and communication, although these aspects could be
more sustained.
75-84 points = Distinction (gold)
Secure and precise technique overall, with an ability to
demonstrate contrast in style as required by the content. Musicality is highly developed most of the time and performance shows appropriate expression and communication.
40-54 points =
Pass (bronze)
A basic competence in the technical aspects of the work, although some areas are stronger than others. Some musicality is evident although there are limitations in certain areas. A basic ability to show some expression and communication in performance is evident.
65-74 points =
High Merit (silver)
Proficient delivery of technique evident in most areas, with the
ability at times to demonstrate contrast in quality of movement as
required by the content. Musicality and performance are generally well sustained throughout although some aspects could be more varied.
0-39 points =
Standard not attained
Little awareness of technique is shown overall. Musical and performance qualities are rarely evident.
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Please Note: while scores are based on a 100 point system, candidates are scored very differently from standard academic grades — e.g. a score of 77 at school may result in a “B” but for a ballet exam, a 77 is a very good score and considered a Distinction and gold level. Scores in the 90s are almost unheard of. Only 25% of students receive a Distinction - most students will receive a Merit.
Exam scores arrive about 6 weeks after the exam, and teachers will receive a list of scores, but scores are never made public. Parents and dancers are discouraged from discussing scores with friends because exams are not meant to be a competition between dancers but to encourage each dancer to strive for his or her best.
For more information, please feel free to visit the following website: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-ca/dance-exams/after-your-exam/
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