How Many Grades Are There in Ballet?

Ballet

Ballet is a type of performance dance, originating in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. It has since become one of the most popular forms of dance around the world, with a wide range of styles and levels. So, how many grades are there in ballet?

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an internationally recognized body, providing examinations and teaching qualifications in classical ballet. The RAD divides ballet into three main levels; Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced.

These grades act as a pathway for students to progress through their training at their own pace. Each level consists of several different grades which are designed to develop technical skills, physical strength, co-ordination and artistry.

Elementary level is the first stage of ballet training for students aged 6-8 years old. This grade introduces basic ballet steps such as pliés and tendus alongside basic body positions such as first position. Students at this grade will also begin to understand simple musicality and rhythm.

Intermediate level is for students aged 8-12 years old who have already mastered the basics from Elementary level. This grade focuses on further developing technique by introducing more challenging steps such as grand allegro jumps and échappés––as well as increasing the complexity of musicality.

Advanced level is suitable for those aged 12+ who have already achieved Intermediate level or have extensive prior experience in ballet. This grade focuses on perfecting technique by introducing more complex steps such as double tours en l’air––as well as strengthening artistry by exploring choreography.

Conclusion: In total there are nine different grades within ballet: three at Elementary Level (Pre-Primary, Primary & Grade 1), three at Intermediate Level (Grade 2 – 4) and three at Advanced Level (Grade 5 – 7). These nine grades act as a pathway for students to progress through their training at their own pace, developing technical skills, physical strength, co-ordination and artistry along the way.