The Academy seeks to establish and maintain the highest possible standards in the teaching and performance of classical ballet and to promote the interest and enjoyment of young people in the genre.
However, by its very nature, ballet is a precise physical art concerned with shape, line and movement co-ordination. Due to the physical dexterity required, it is not always appropriate for students with special, intellectual or sensory needs to be entered for an examination.
It is impossible to award a fair mark to a student whose ability to show the work is affected by a disability of some kind in a situation where other candidates are expected to meet the requirement of the whole syllabus. Therefore, the Academy has issued guidelines to prevent a false comparison and to establish criteria, which are relevant to the situation.
Nevertheless, the Academy realises that all students' benefit from learning to dance whether as a hobby or in taking up the art as a profession. Students with special needs are no exception and, in the care of an experienced and caring teacher, can participate in both dancing classes and the Academy’s Presentation Classes.
Parents who have any doubt about their child's suitability as an Examination candidate should take the advice from those professionals who know their child best — their teacher and any other appropriate professional person.
Should you have any specific questions about special needs, please contact:
Examinations Department
t: (02) 9331 4111
e: exams@rad.org.au