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 a RAD Certified School such as RAB Hawaii?
A: The RAD considers professional training of young children in classical ballet vitally important. The RAD's syllabi have been devised with great care to enable a child to progress through 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: 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 to pursue a career in dance or dance-related subjects.

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

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

- An achievable goal to work towards
- Recognition from the world's most extensive ballet Examination Board
- Qualifications that the QCA accredits
- The impetus to achieve their personal best in a fun, nurturing environment

Q: What type of examinations do 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 has three main parts; Classical ballet, Free Movement and Character.

Q: What will be achieved at each different stage?
A: Students in 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 in 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 in 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 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. The R.A.D. syllabus also requires that dancers wear specific colours.

Q: Can a toddler 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 developing 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: Students interested in becoming certified RAD teachers may acquire guidance and teacher training courses from RAB Artistic Director.

Studio Hours:
Mon - Thurs:  By Appt ONLY

(Private Lesson, Pointe Shoe Fitting, European Etiquette Training, Dance Notation & Audition Taping/Coaching Oct-Jan)  
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

Address:

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