Frequently Asked Questions



Q: What is the Royal Academy of Dance (England)?
A: A worldwide organization founded in 1920 to advance the standards of teaching in classical ballet. Our Registered Teachers provide the best training in classical ballet for children and young people.


Q: Why choose an RAD Certified School such as RAB Hawaii?
A: The RAD considers professional training of young children in classical ballet to be vitally important. The RAD's syllabi have been devised with great care to enable a child to progress through their dance training in planned stages, demanding no more of a young body than it can cope with.

The RAD provides three syllabi in Classical Ballet. There are two examination syllabi, known as Graded Examinations in Dance and Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance. There is also a non-assessed syllabus known as Presentation Classes. All are designed to recognize the progress and achievements of children and young people.

Students may begin with the Graded Syllabus, and after Grade 5, can either continue to Grade 8 Award and/or opt to follow the Vocational Graded Syllabus designed for students wishing to study Classical Ballet seriously, possibly with a view to pursuing a career in dance or dance-related subjects.

The RAD's Graded and Vocational Graded qualifications are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in England and its partner regulatory authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland. Our examiners undergo a rigorous training and we have stringent quality assurance procedures in place.


Q: Why take examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance?
A: RAD examinations provide students with:

- An achievable goal to work towards
- Recognition form the world's largest ballet Examination Board
- Qualifications that are accredited by the QCA
- The impetus to achieve their personal best in a fun nurturing environment


Q: What type of examinations do they RAD offer?
A: Whatever age or level of ability, we offer an examination programme to suit all - whether students are new to ballet or already have dance experience. Graded Syllabus - The RAD syllabus is divided into 3 main parts; Classical ballet, Free Movement and Character.


Q: What will be achieved at each different stage?
A: Students at Grades 1 to 3 are encouraged to:
- Co-ordinate simple movements to produce a combination of steps
- Respond sensitivity to music
- Perform with confidence before an audience

Students at Grades 4 to 5 are encouraged to:
- Demonstrate an increased range of movements in longer and more complex sequences
- Show an increased sensitivity to music
- Perform with increased confidence before an audience

Students at Grades 6 to 8 are encouraged to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of dance movements
- Interpret music sensitivity in a performance setting
- Perform with confidence and self-awareness


Q: Can I wear anything I want?
A: No, we have found that having a dress code eliminates the focus on outfits and allows children to really and enjoy and learn dance. That is why every ballet grade has a specific dress code.


Q: Why a dress code?
A: We have a dress code because it is part of the discipline and uniformity of ballet. Following R.A.D. syllabus also requires that dancers wear specific colors.


Q: Can a toddler really learn to dance?
A: While a toddler may not be capable of learning a pirouette, taking dance classes will help them gain development in motor skills, following directions, working with other children and also develop their musicality. It is a great way to introduce the arts to a young child.


Q: My daughter has been dancing for 15 yrs and is interested in teaching, does RAB Hawaii provide teacher training?
A: Yes, students who are interested in becoming a certified RAD teacher may acquire guidance and teacher training courses from RAB Artistic Director, Ms. Vivienne.

Royal Academy of Ballet
Na Lama Kukui
560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite 203
Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: (808) 528-0808
Website: www.rabhawaii.com
Email: info@rabhawaii.com

Studio Hours:
Monday - 10:00 am - 11:30 am & 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Tue-Fri -  By Appt ONLY (Private Lesson, Pointe Shoe                                     Fitting, Dance Notation & Audition Taping/Coaching)  
Thursday - Closed
Saturday - 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday - 7:30 am - 5:30 pm