Prerequisite: 3 years of continuous ballet training at beginner and advanced beginner levels.

Assessment: Group or private assessment required for new students.

Current Course Registration: September 2020

Next Exam Period: June/July 2021

* Next available course may begin on September 2021 or January 2022 depending on the pandemic circumstances.

Course Description:

Intermediate Foundation is a course for advanced beginners. Through basic choreography, you will develop your fundamental ballet technique and hone your artistic skills. To be exam ready in this course, we recommend you take 2 RAD classes a week. To supplement your training, we also recommend you take at least 1 non-exam ballet class per week and practice at home 1-2 hours a week.

Ballet Vocabulary Examples:

All: Basic pas de bourrées, single pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, developes devant and 2nd in the centre. Allergo: glissades de côté, basic assemblés, sissonnes fermé, jeté ordinaire, temps levé in 1st arabesque, grand jetés.

Male: single tour en l’àir.

Pointe: Courus sur place, relevés 5^th and echappé relevés at the barre and in the centre.

Prerequisite: 3-5 years of continuous ballet training and 1 year of pointe experience for women or having passed the RAD Intermediate Foundation exam.

Assessment: Group or private assessment required for new students.

Current Course Dates: January 2020 to June/July 2021

Registration: January 2020

Next Exam Period: February – April through July 2021

Course Description:

RAD Intermediate is the first mandatory syllabus. It is a prerequisite for all advanced-level RAD exams. You must also pass this level to apply for RAD teacher training. To be exam ready in this course, we recommend you take 2 RAD classes per week. To supplement your training, we also recommend you take 1-2 non-exam ballet classes per week and practice at home 1-3 hours a week. Dancers who are not interested in taking exams are still welcome to take this course.

Ballet Vocabulary Examples:

All: Double pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, posé piqué turns en dedans, fouetté of adage, developé passé, entrechat quatre, assemblé battu, sissonne ouvert, brissé dessus, pas de basque sauté.

Male: Grand allegro and chassé coupé turns en manège, single tours en l’air, sissonnes with changes of alignment.

Pointe: Barre: Coupé fouetté racourci and posé piqué de côté. Centre: Relevé devant/ derriere/ passé, temps lié en avant and de côté, courus de côté and en tournent.

Prerequisite to take the course: 5+ years of continuous training and 2-3 years of pointe for women.

Prerequisite to take the exam: Having passed the RAD Intermediate Exam

Assessment: Group or private assessment required for new students.

Current Course Dates: September 2020 to November 2021

Registration: September 2020

Next Exam Period: November 2021

Course Description:

This course introduces ballet movements used by professional dancers. The choreography you will learn in this course is both challenging and fun. To attend this course, your posture and alignment must be secure. Your turnout, core, feet and legs must be strong and well controlled. To be exam ready in this course, we recommend you take 2 RAD classes per week. To supplement your training, we also highly recommend you take 2-3 non-exam ballet classes per week and plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours a week practicing in your own time.

Ballet Vocabulary Examples:

All: Double pirouettes en dedans with fouetté, posé piqué turns en dedans, pivots (promenade) in attitude derrière, entrechat trios and cinq, brissé desus, failli, sissonne doublé, ballonnée, grand jeté en tournent.

Male: Double tour en l’air, multiple piroettes en deshors.

Pointe: Barre: relevé 1-1. Centre: relevé passé with ¼ turns, assemblé soutinue, posé piqué en avant to arabesque, posé piqué de côté and en arrière to retiré, emboités, single pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, posé piqué turns en dedans.

Prerequisite to take the course: 6+ years of continuous training and 4-6 years of pointe for women or having passed the RAD Advanced Foundation exam.

Prerequisite to take the exam: Pass the RAD Intermediate Exam

Assessment: Group or private assessment required for new students.

Current Course Dates: September 2019 to November 2021

Registration: We are accepting new students until September 2020 (pending assessment)

Next Exam Period: November 2021

Course Description:

Advanced 1 is a true vocational syllabus. The movements taught in this course can be seen in professional ballets around the world. The training is detailed, demanding and rewarding.  To be exam ready in this course, we recommend you take 2 RAD classes per week. To supplement your training, we also recommend you take 3-5 non-exam ballet/pointe classes per week (at the advanced level). Plan on practicing a minimum of 2 hours a week in your own time. To succeed at this level, you must maintain a high level of fitness, strength and flexibility. To prevent injuries, we recommend cross training such as Pilates and yoga.

In your first year, you will learn all the movement vocabulary needed for the exam. Training focuses on strength, coordination, control and artistry.

In your second year, you will solidify your technique, learn the exam choreography and prepare (both mentally and artistically) for your exam.

Ballet Vocabulary:

All: Pas de bourrée couru, pivots (promenade) in arabesque, penchée, fouetté turns (female, demi-pointe), Piroettes finishing in open positions, chainés, coupé brisse, sissonnes changées, fouetté sauté, ballottés sautés.

Male: Pivots (promenades) à la second, pirouettes à la second, double tours en l’air, retiré passé sauté, pas de basque sauté battu, sissonne battu fermé, sauté de basque en menage

Pointe: polka step, single pirouettes en dedans with fouetté, posé piqué turns en deshors, chainés, emboité turns, relevé in 2^nd en l’air with rond de jambe en l’air, sissonne fermé relevés.

Level equivalent: RAD Grade 5, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 if course is taken on pointe. In-studio assessment required.

Assessment: In-studio assessment required.

Next Course: January 2020 to June 2020

Registration: Fall 2019

Exam Period – May 29 to June 30, 2020

Course Description:

This year the course will focus on the variations from Giselle. Classes will be two hours long. The first hour will be a technique class. The second hour will focus on progressively training the variations. Regardless of your ability, this course will give you the confidence needed to perform each variation.

Exams offered:

1. Variation 2: Giselle

Female: Act 1, Peasant pas de deux excerpt

Male: Act 1, Peasant pas de deux excerpt

Level equivalent: RAD Grades 6-8, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation or Advanced 1 and 2 if course is taken on pointe. In-studio assessment required.

Assessment: In-studio assessment required.

Next Course: Currently unknown due to the pandemic, please check back for updates or fill our our NEW STUDENT FORM if you are interested.

Registration: tba

Next Exam Period: tba

Course Description:

This course will focus on the variations from The Sleeping Beauty and Paquita. Classes will be two hours long. The first hour will be a technique class. The second hour will focus on progressively training the variations. Regardless of your ability, this course will give you the confidence needed to perform each variation. There are two possible formats for this course. We can choose to do 2 exams, one in February and one in June. Or we can spend the whole year working towards 2 exams in June.

Exams offered:

1. Technique Class
2. Variation 1: The Sleeping Beauty

Female: Princes Florine (Blue Bird)

Male: Act 2, Prince Désiré

3. Variation 2:Paquita 

Female: Pas de Trois

Male: Variation from Paquita

Level equivalent: Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2. In-studio assessment required.

Student Trajectory: To take this course, you must complete Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 or Discovering Repertoire Level 3. Female dancers preparing for  Advanced 1 or Advanced 2 should take the course on pointe.

Next Course: September 2023 to June 2024

Registration: Summer of 2023

Exam Period: June 2024

Course Description:

This course will focus on the variations from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Classes will be two hours long. The first hour will be a technique class. The second hour will focus on progressively training the variations. Regardless of your ability, this course will give you the confidence needed to perform each variation. There are two possible formats for this course. We can choose to do 2 exams, one in February and one in June. Or we can spend the whole year working towards 2 exams in June.

Exams offered:

1. Technique Class
2. Variation 1: Swan Lake

Female: Act 2, Odette

Male: Act 3, Prince Siegfried

3. Variation 2:  The Nutcracker

Female: Sugar Plum Fairy

Male: Act 2, The Nutcracker Prince

Progressing Ballet Technique is an innovative dance conditioning program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon in Australia. This training system develops a dancer’s muscle memory to improve their core stability, weight placement and alignment, as well as over-all strength and control. Dancers perform exercises using a fitness ball or resistance band. The tools give the dancer immediate feedback on their alignment while training specific muscle groups and coordinations required for ballet and other dance forms. Each exercise has been developed with the care and guidance of a team of physiotherapists. The system is now taught world wide and has helped countless dancers prepare for careers in dance.

Please stay tuned to our website for future website.

*please contact us if you are unable to bring a large fitness ball when you register. We have some balls to loan.

Stay tuned for Summer 2021 Ballet Intensive.

Skills assessment:

To apply for any Adult exam course, you must first book an assessment. This ensures that you are placed in a level that matches your abilities. To book an assessment, please fill out the New Student Form.

Entry level requirements:

If you have less than 2 or 3 years of ballet training, we recommend you take Adult Beginner Ballet for 1 year, followed by Adult Advanced Beginner Ballet for 1 to 2 years. We do not offer RAD ballet exams for beginner adult dancers.

Prerequisite exams:

The Intermediate RAD exam is a prerequisite for all Advanced levels. If you have non-RAD training, please let us know. The RAD recognizes some exams from other organizations.

Preparing for your exam:

To prepare for a ballet exam, we recommend you take 2 exam classes per week. Depending on your level, you should supplement these exam classes with 1 to 4 drop-in ballet classes per week. This will give you the fitness, strength, confidence and consistency required for the exam.

Progressive courses:

Adult RAD courses are progressive. This means that each new movement of concept introduced is building on skills you have learned previously. Each course has three terms. During term 1 you will learn preparatory exercises. This training will give you the technical skills needed for the exam material. In term 2, you will learn the set exam choreography. In term 3, we will clean and finesse your choreography and prepare you (mentally and artistically) for your exam.

Exams are optional:

If you want rigorous ballet training, but do not want to take an exam, you are still welcome in our adult RAD program. You may take any exam-level course without doing the exam.

I want to become a registered teacher with the RAD.

If you are an aspiring RAD teacher, you must pass the Intermediate exam before you can apply to the RAD’s teacher training program. For more information on the RAD’s teacher training options, visit radcanada.org.

Virtual Class Protocols:

• * Only 2 credits can be used during the term
• * 24 hrs notice is needed to early cancel you out of a class. The credit must be used within the term
• * If you miss a class and wish to receive the video, please email us at info@joyofdance.ca.  We will provide the video link to you which will expire one hour before the next class and is not downloadable

The Adult RAD Program is a year long registered course. Dancers must register for at least 1 of the 2 offered weekly classes and may buy a jump-in card to attend their second class. If a student wishes to be prepared for their exam it is strongly recommended that dancers attend both weekly classes as often as possible.

Winter Term (16 Weeks):

January 3, 2021 –  April 26, 2021

We are closed for Easter, Sunday April 4 and Monday April 5.

Term Fees for Men – Vocational Stream (1.5 hr classes):

Once/ week: 16 classes: $300
Twice/ week: 32 classes: $570

RAD Jump-in Passes:

Single (women): $28
5-Class Pass (women): $135
10-Class Pass (women): $265

Single (men): $21
5-Class Pass (men): $102
10-Class Pass (men): $199

Note: Prices do not include HST. Students must register 1/week to be eligible for RAD Jump-in passes. They are valid for 6 months.

Term Fees for Women & Men – Repertoire Stream (2 hr classes):

Once/ week: 14 classes: $400
Twice/ week: 28 classes: $760

RAD Private Lessons:

Single: $45

Note: Prices do not include HST. Students must register 1/week to be eligible for RAD Jump-in passes. They are valid for 6 months.

The Adult RAD Program at Joy of Dance offers small class sizes for excellent student to teacher ratio. If registration numbers are too low, however, rather than cancel classes we will make the following adjustments:

4-5 registered students*: Semi-private course
Regular Course Fees, No Make-up classes offered, limited live accompanist

6+ registered students*: Group class
Regular Course Fees, 2 Make-up classes offered per term. limited live accompanist.

8+ registered students*: Group class
Regular Course Fees, 2 Make-up classes offered per term. live accompanist 1 class/week.

*Average between the 2 weekly classes

• Students are allowed 2 make-up classes, per registered class, per 15 week term, OR 1 make-up class per 8 week term
• Students MUST EMAIL the studio 24 hours IN ADVANCE of a missed class to have access to their make-up class: info@joyofdance.ca
• You may book your make-up class in advance, or use a make-up on the day-of
• Make-up classes may be used for RAD course classes or regular Joy of Dance jump-in classes
• Make-up classes must be used by the end of the term, or during the following Jump-In Week

Make-up Email protocol:

• State your full name
• State the course you are registered for
• State the class you will be missing
• If known, state the date and class you would like to use your make-up class for

Adult RAD Program Private Assessment Special

Are you interested in training for RAD exam and you don’t know what level you are at? At Joy of Dance, you have access to a $30 private assessment for 45 minutes. Please call for availability.

Adult RAD Program Group Assessment

All new students who are interested in joining the Adult RAD Ballet Program must attend an assessment. Dancers can be assessed in our Elementary/Intermediate or Advanced level jump-in ballet classes or in currently running RAD syllabus classes. Please call to book your spot in a class. Jump-in class rates apply.

RAD Ballet Private Coaching

If you are registered for one of our Teen or Adult RAD programs and are preparing for a ballet exam you have access to RAD coaching classes. These are half hour private lessons specifically designed to work on your exam exercises and choreographies. We want you to succeed in your exams, and private lessons give a huge boost to your training and progress. Contact your teacher for bookings. You have access to a 30 minute coaching session for $45.

It is not necessary that dancers wear their exam uniform in classes all year. However, it is strongly recommended that they wear the exam uniform for the final term before the exam. Please refer to the Course Expectations menu for more information.

Female: Vocational Syllabus (Intermediate Foundation-Advanced 2):

Body Suite: sleeveless or capped sleeve scoop neck leotard
Body Suite Colours: black, navy blue, royal blue, purple
Skirt: Variation 1 – Half/practice tutu may be worn. Colour should tone or match with leotard.
Variation 2 – Short chiffon wrap skirt may be worn . Colour should match or tone with leotard.
Belt: optional waistband. 2cm elastic, colour to match leotard
Tights: pink / flesh coloured tights
Shoes: Soft block/ dead pointe shoes

*For Intermediate Foundation only: soft ballet slippers may be worn
Pointe shoes worn for the pointe work section
All shoes should be pink / flesh coloured (to tone with tights) with matching ribbons.
Split sole shoes are permitted.

Head Ribbons: optional and should be velvet, in the same colour as the leotard

Male: Vocational Syllabus (Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate)

Top: Leotard or well-fitted short sleeved t-shirt worn tucked into tights
Top Colour: white
Socks: white socks, worn over the tights
Tights: grey, navy or black stirrup tights
Shoes: white or black, canvas or leather soft ballet shoes with elastic. Split sole shoes are permitted.
Socks: should be the same colour as the shoes. Pulled up to mid calf, over tights.

Male: Vocational Syllabus (Advanced Foundation-Advanced 2)
Top: Leotard
Top Colour: white, black, navy
Socks: short white socks (with grey or navy tights) or black socks (with black tights)
Tights: grey, navy or black stirrup tights
Shoes: white or black, canvas or leather soft ballet shoes with elastic. Split sole shoes are permitted.
Socks: should be the same colour as the shoes. Pulled up to mid calf, over tights.

Female: Discovering Repertoire, Levels 2-4:

Body Suite: capped sleeve scooped neck or camisole leotard
Body Suite Colour: black, burgundy
Skirt: Variations – Optional asymmetrical knee length chiffon skirt to match leotard,
OR a romantic or classical tutu in white or black with-or-without decorative ribbons may be worn.
No Belt
Tights: pink / flesh coloured tights
Shoes: soft ballet shoes in satin, canvas or leather ribbons may be worn for all Units. Split sole shoes are
permitted. Shoes may be pink / flesh coloured (to tone with tights) with pink / flesh coloured
elastic or ribbons.
Pointe shoes or soft pointe shoes may be worn for Units: Variation 1 and Variation 2, in all
levels. (satin pink or flesh coloured pointe shoes with ribbons).

*Note: Units: Variation 1 and 2 must be performed completely wearing the pointe shoes, the dancer cannot change shoes half way through.

Male: Discovering Repertoire, Levels 2-4:

Top: short sleeved leotard or well fitted t-shirt
Top Colour: white t-shirt / white, navy or black leotard
Socks: short white socks (with grey or navy tights) or black socks (with black tights)
Tights: grey, navy or black stirrup tights
Shoes: white or black ballet shoes in canvas or leather with matching elastic and socks

Training for an RAD ballet exam takes commitment. Here is what we expect of you, and what you can expect from us:

Studio Etiquette:

• Attend class regularly
• Arrive on time
• Warm-up for class to prevent injury
• Wear proper ballet attire (please review the uniform requirements), flesh tone tights and shoes are encouraged
• Hair tied up off the face and neck (must hold up through turns and allegro)
• Women, have your hair in a bun that will hold the whole class
• Turn off your cell phone (unless you are expecting an emergency call)
• Enter the studio with your mind and body focused on dancing to the best of your ability
  

Course Expectations:

• Practice your personal corrections and syllabus choreography at home for at least 2 hours per week
• Supplement your training by taking open, non-exam ballet classes
• Tell your teacher about the learning style that you prefer
• Ask your teacher questions. If you are concerned about something, tell your teacher sooner than later.
• Have perseverance. These are long courses! You will have ups and downs. Have patience, work hard and enjoy the process.

What you can expect from us:

• Your teacher will be knowledgeable, experienced and prepared
• We will be patient as you develop and evolve as a dancer
• We will give you personal corrections and feedback that is specific to your needs
• We will work to bring out the best in you and your fellow students
• We will listen to your questions and concerns. We take your feedback seriously, and will do our best to meet your needs.

In Conclusion:

This program takes time and commitment. We understand that as an adult student, you have a career, a family, and non-dance obligations. We recognize that teaching ballet to adults is different than teaching ballet to children and youth. We encourage you to work hard, but will treat you with respect and empathy. We want your experience to be engaging, satisfying and rewarding.