Vocational Ballet Class Program.

Our vocational programme is designed for students who demonstrate the aptitude and physical potential to work towards the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Pre-Professional Examinations. These internationally recognised qualifications provide an excellent pathway for students considering professional dance training, while also offering an exciting challenge for those who simply wish to develop their ballet to a higher level.

Intermediate Foundation we normally invite students that are grade 4/ 5 Ballet and are 9 years to 13 years old.

Intermediate students would be grade 5/6 and are 14 years plus.

Students are invited into the programme if they have achieved:

• 70 marks or above in the RAD Grade 3 examination, or

• 87 marks or above in the IDTA Grade 3 examination.

Selection also takes into account the physical facility required in the body for classical ballet training, including turnout (outward rotation from the hips), foot flexibility, limb flexibility, core strength and overall muscle development.

Progression

The vocational syllabus begins with Intermediate Foundation and progresses to Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Please be aware that these examinations are designed for vocational students rather than recreational dancers, and there is a genuine possibility of not passing.

The Intermediate Foundation examination is held at our Saltash venue. Students progressing to the higher examinations will travel to the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters in London.

Students continuing to Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 will also be expected to attend the RAD Summer Course at Headquarters, with examinations taking place shortly afterwards.

Training Requirements for All Vocational Grades

The RAD recommends a number of guided learning hours for each vocational examination. These hours are typically completed over a period of two to three years. To complete the Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation examinations within three years, students should attend a minimum of three GLDS ballet lessons each week. This requirement increases as students progress through the higher levels.

Students cannot skip examination levels and must begin with Intermediate Foundation.

Guided Learning Hours

• Intermediate Foundation – 275 guided learning hours (3 ballet lessons per week)

• Intermediate – 275 guided learning hours (3 ballet lessons per week)

• Advanced 1 – 325 guided learning hours (5 ballet lessons per week)

• Advanced 2 – 375 guided learning hours (6 ballet lessons per week)

Please note that for the Advanced levels, these lessons must include a mixture of syllabus and non-syllabus classes.

Here at Geraldine Lamb Dance School, we are committed to supporting students through the Intermediate level examinations. Any student who has successfully passed the Intermediate examination is welcome to join our Advanced level class. However, only those students who have completed the recommended guided learning hours and demonstrate the technical ability and physical potential required for professional ballet will be entered for the Advanced Level RAD examinations. If a student is considered ready to be entered for this examination they will expected to attend the RAD Summer course that culminates in the examination being taken the following week. This reflects the expectation that students entering these examinations are working towards a career in ballet.

We feel it is important that you understand the bigger picture from the beginning of this journey, as the commitment to your child's training will increase as they progress. Students should not be reducing or "dropping" lessons as they move through the vocational pathway. We provide this information so that you can make an informed decision about joining our vocational ballet programme.

Vocational classes take place on a Friday evening. I is recommended that you also attend the Contemporary group and Body conditioning that take place during the same evening. Also Progressing Ballet Technique on a Thursday is a valuable strengthening program that compliments vocational ballet.

Uniform requirements

• Hair must be in a bun with hair held off the face

• Vocational Royal Blue leotard and waistband

• Ballet tights/socks if at Junior school in good condition.

• No jewellery

• Students will be informed when they are strong enough to go on pointe

• Theraband