The Classical Ballet Centre Canberra trains students using syllabi from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the Royal Ballet School Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (RBS: ATAP) and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 4
Most of our younger Graded students consistently attending two ballet lessons a week will be offered the opportunity to partake in examinations. As the Canberra Graded examination sessions in the ISTD and RAD are held in Term 3, we do not have a full year to study the syllabus. Two classes per week taken from the beginning of the year, July holiday classes (in the second week) and two extra coaching classes (normally held on Sundays) are compulsory for all examination students.
Many students with a positive manner and approach and consistent attendance and work ethic are able to achieve these levels, however it may take 2 years before a student is ready for an examination. Exams are held along with our Grade exams in Term 3. July holiday classes will be required leading up to exams.
Tap and Modern exams are offered under the ISTD in March or early April for grade levels, and in term 3 for vocational levels. For grade levels January holiday classes and two extra coaching classes (normally held on Sundays) will be required.
Students need to be participating in ballet exams to participate in modern and tap exams. There may be exceptions to the rule in earlier levels, but as the difficulty level increases ballet examinations are a requirement to provide the foundation required.
These levels require a certain amount of personal time investment and prepare students for the rigours of contemporary and/or performance work as well as start the path towards teaching qualifications.
All examinations have an entry charge. We include an additional charge for the pianist or music player. Coaching class, holiday class and hire fees (if applicable) are charged as per the information on your entry form.
Students do not need to participate in an examination to move to the next level, however they do need to show sound levels of concentration and attend classes regularly. Students in Grade 2 and above normally need to attend class twice a week to progress each year.
