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 2011-2012.  Availability is subject to change without notice due to our growing popularity and outstanding reputation with these specific programs. 

Schedule 2011-2012