Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet

The Oakville Academy for the Arts is proud of its growing Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Programme.  To date, over 300 dancers have successfully completed Graded and Vocational Graded (pre-professional) Examinations and Assessments under the direction of highly-trained and well-respected faculty.

The OAA was the first in Ontario to explore and prepare little dancers in the RAD Pre-School Dance Curriculum.  It has been an overwhelming success and serves to consolidate our commitment of sound, healthful dance training from the outset to both parents and students alike.  Careful nurturing of dancers’ technique, bodies, emotions and intellect is a priority in all their training. This enables the graduates of The Oakville Academy for the Arts to pursue their goals with a solid foundation in this beautiful art form.

The Oakville Academy for the Arts is a unique facility that holds the largest ballet school in Oakville.  The state of the art facility has free parking and is located inside The Upper Oakville Shopping Plaza where busy parents can shop or relax while they wait for their dancers.  The clean studios are well equipped for dance, specifically ballet as they are spacious and fitted with double-sprung floors to decrease the chance of injury.

After careful consideration, the Oakville Academy for the Arts chose to follow the training system as developed by the internationally-recognized Royal Academy of Dance.  Founded in 1920 in London, England, it was created to educate and guide teachers to develop young children into healthy dancers.  Our Registered Teachers are serious in their commitment to that aim by attending Teaching Courses, and being in dance organizations which support them and the dancers they train.  Most of the Faculty have degrees and diplomas in other dance forms to enhance their teaching and the wealth of experience in the Senior Teachers serves to buttress the training.

The developmental and graduated RAD Graded system ensures an even-handed training in ballet; introduces Character Dance (dances from different countries) and Modern Dance (via the Free Movement section).   The Vocational Graded system prioritizes the Pre-Professional dancer with the focus on ballet technique, including pointework.

At the OAA, General Level classes are offered from Pre-Ballet through to RAD Grade Seven (even Adults can try these Senior Exams!)  For students showing dance potential and considering a career in dance, pre-professional study is also offered.  Classes are available from RAD Intermediate Foundation through to Advanced Two, with prestigious Solo Seal coaching available by arrangement.  Mentorship for the RAD Teaching Certificate Programme is also offered, upon audition and acceptance into the programme.

Students are placed according to minimum-age requirements and ability.  Every attempt is made to enter all dancers into RAD Exams and Assessments, and all, but the Adult Programme, dance in the Year-End Showcase.  Twice-yearly written evaluations, Parent Viewing Weeks and the preparation and participation in the RAD Examinations and Assessments ensure that we are all working towards the same goals.

For those who have the desire to dance, but not the background, the Academy also offers several quick start programs.  These classes cater to those without a history in ballet and those who have taken some time away from dance.  At the OAA, it is never too late to pursue the arts.

The Ballet Division of the Oakville Academy for the Arts prides itself on the honest, healthful approach it takes on developing young students.  The Academy also employs full-time accompanists to enhance the experience for dancers.  With the diverse and dedicated faculty of teachers and pianists, dancers can find growth and sustenance through out their training.    

The Oakville Academy for the Arts offers the largest compliment of comprehensive R.A.D. dance classes in the region.  Below are some class times and availabilities for fall 2008-2009.  Availability is subject to change without notice due to our growing popularity and outstanding reputation with these specific programs.   

Schedule 20010/11

Princess Pre-Dance                                           Ages 2 ½ - 3½

A magical introduction to the world of dance that is taught by University qualified instructors passionate about this art form and specializing in this age group. The approach to making these classes fun while providing an articulate beginning to dance foundations as led to the programs overwhelming success. Dancers will skip, learn to point their toes, turn, balance and develop their musicality and physical awareness. Balloons, hoola hoops, teddy bears etc, are used to keep students focused and challenged. An open door policy is the standard at the Oakville Academy so you are welcome to join us until your little one is comfortable. You can watch your child through our windows and view their progress at our viewing weeks through the year. As part of the registration, each dancer receives a pink dance skirt with our compliments. Our year end celebration of their learning takes place in the form of a Tea Party at the studio where little dancers will perform for friends and family. Then be treated to sandwiches, treats and refreshments after their performance. Class space fills up quickly – so don’t hesitate to register your little dancer so she does not miss out.  

Tuesday         10:45am          
Tuesday         11:15am          
Wednesday     9:00am          
Wednesday    10:30am          

Thursday          9:00am                              * Free dance skirt with new registration.*

Thursday        10:00am

Thursday        11:00am
Friday            10:45am          
Saturday         9:00am    

Saturday         9:45am – FULL      
Saturday        10:30am           
Saturday        11:15am          

  

Baby Ballet  (R.A.D.  Toddler Syllabus)               Ages 3 - 4

Classes are designed to develop poise, co-ordination and rhythmical response.  Children are introduced to Ballet in a magical lesson incorporating basic ballet technique, mime and the imagination.  These R.A.D. syllabus classes are 45 minutes in length.  

Tuesday          9:15am         
Tuesday        11:15am         
Tuesday          1:00pm         
Wednesday   11:30am         
Wednesday   12:45am         

Thursday         9:15am                           * Free dance skirt with new registration.*

Thursday       10:15am

Friday             9:15am   

Friday              4:00pm      

Saturday          9:00am      

Saturday          9:45am     

Saturday        11:00am         

Saturday        11:15am         

 

Kinder Ballet   (R.A.D.  Toddler Syllabus)            Age 4    

A natural progression from Baby Ballet, this program will begin in a fun and creative way while reviewing basic steps and foundation work. The focus of this class will be in preparation towards R.A.D. Preschool Level Two Presentation. Students will learn the ground work for R.A.D. Pre-Primary Ballet and prepare a beautiful recital piece for the spring.                 

Tuesday          10:00am - FULL       

Tuesday           1:45pm
Wednesday      9:30am         
Wednesday      1:30pm         

Wednesday      4:15pm         
Thursday        11:15am                         * Free dance skirt with new registration.*

Thursday          2:15pm
Saturday          9:00am        
Saturday          9:45am        

Saturday        10:30am

Saturday        11:45am        

 

Pre- Primary Ballet (R.A.D. Syllabus)                    Age 5
Tuesday            1:30pm
       
Tuesday            6:30pm  
Wednesday      11:00am       
Wednesday       1:30am                                                                                                            Thursday           4:30pm                          * Free dance skirt with new registration.*
Saturday           9:00am        
Saturday          10:15am        
Saturday          11:00am       

 

Primary Ballet (R.A.D. Syllabus)                           Age 6                       

Tuesday            4:30pm       

Thursday           6:30pm
Saturday          10:00am       
               * Free dance skirt with new registration.*
Saturday          12:00pm       

 

Grade 1     

Tuesday           6:30pm

 Wednesday     6:30pm

Saturday          1:00pm

 

Grade 2      

Monday            6:30pm

 Wednesday     7:30pm

 Saturday          2:00pm

 

Grade 3

Grade 3  (A) Level 2     Monday       7:30pm

                                  Thursday     7:30pm

 

Grade 3  (B) Level 1     Tuesday        7:30pm

                                  Saturday       3:00pm

 

Grade 4

Thursday            6:30pm

Thursday            8:30pm

Saturday            4:00pm

 

Grade 5

Tuesday            8:30pm

Saturday           5:00pm

 

 

Ballet 7-9 years (no Exam)

Thursday         7:30pm

Saturday        12:00pm

 

Ballet 10-13 years (no Exam)

Thursday          8:30pm

 

Ballet 13 + (no Exam)

Tuesday          8:30pm