All About Ballet
-
RAD now imposes a minimum age which a child needs to be 5 on 1 January of the year (i.e. 6 years old) which she/ he is taking the pre-primary ballet exams; preparation usually only starts 6-9 months before the exams. Hence, some parents are starting their girls later as they will be dancing the same steps for the first 1-2 years if they started early. However, I believe it really depends on the character of the child (which parents should know their child well). If the child is open to learn new things and does not get bored learning a routine over and over, starting early could indeed be establishing a strong foundation. However, if the child gets bored easily and then do the ballet routine for the sake of doing it, then maybe it is not wise to start early.
DD starts ballet at 4 years 8 months, took her first pre-primary exam when she was 5 years 3 months - about 7 months later. i.e. She was having 2 lessons weekly, barely a month after starting ballet (usual training and coaching lessons). I regretted not starting earlier and was worried then, that she may find it tiring but kids have lots of energy and she loved every lessons. I am also very glad her ballet teacher is very patient with her, teaching her all the steps when she doesn't have any foundation.
My point is... parents, pause for a minute and see your child's character. You've seen them grow up, you know them better than they know themselves. Then do a self judgment if your child is suitable to start very young
Not all judgments will prove correct as the child's interest may change with environment, friends, etc. But I believe this will be a good calculated judgment. -
Oh My Gosh, i can’t find any info on RAD now imposes a minimum age which a child needs to be 6 on 1 January of the year , can u assist to provide the link? Thanks
-
lowchuac2:
Oh My Gosh, i can't find any info on RAD now imposes a minimum age which a child needs to be 6 on 1 January of the year , can u assist to provide the link? Thanks
This is the link on the minimum age requirements:
http://www.rad.org.uk/achieve/exams/tea ... quirements
The child needs to be at least 5 years old on 1 January of the year she is taking the Pre-Primary exam i.e. she needs to be at least 6 years old in the year (i.e. K2) unless she happens to be born on 1 January!!! -
* Extracted this from RAD website as well*
Cut-off dates for minimum ages are 1 January and 1 September.
The minimum age rule was changed in order to guide candidates through the preparation and training for their exams at an appropriate age, due to the demands of the new syllabus and in accordance with safe dance practice. Examiners were becoming more concerned that dancers were too young for the exams they were attempting, which reduced successful outcomes and risked damaging students’ development.
Minimum ages align with the period of training, when students are learning the work, rather than when they take their exam.
Removing the age rule altogether could result in students being entered for exams far too early. We realise that students develop at different rates, but the only fair basis on which we can apply the policy is that of age.
As many teachers lay great store by their students’ exam results, we are certain that the policy will help teachers and encourage students, as results are likely to be enhanced and achievement maximised when students learn the work at the correct developmental stage.
The policy change was first announced in February 2011, and we have supported teachers with a flexible approach to the policy as they make the necessary arrangements in their schools. Although this transitional period is now over, we still sometimes grant dispensations when candidates miss the deadline by a small amount. Please contact your local RAD office for more information.
Teachers should note that dispensations are not granted on the basis of previous exams or the predicted outcome of future results, but purely their age in relation to the time of their exam.
Examinations Board
February 2015 -
** Teachers should note that dispensations are not granted on the basis of previous exams or the predicted outcome of future results, but purely their age in relation to the time of their exam.
So in the letter of appeal, it cannot be stated that the child is very skilful or dances very well, hence strongly recommended he/she can still be granted to take a ballet exam above his/her age.
Although this transitional period is now over, we still sometimes grant dispensations when candidates miss the deadline by a small amount.**
DD is born in January, so missed by a few days… I know of a girl in another ballet school born on 2 January - She can’t take the ballet exams too (not sure if her ballet school appeal to RAD). So the "small amount" stated by RAD seems discretionary. Anyway, at DD ballet teacher’s suggestion, DD does not take Grade 1 ballet exam, then proceed to take the Grade 2 ballet exam the following year. -
Hi Oh My Gosh
I have seen parents shouting at the Teacher over this issue.
Very Disgusting. -
Em Ser:
Oh no! ... shouting at the teacher? But it is no fault of the teacher. These are restrictions imposed by RAD. DD is directly affected by the restriction but I don't blame the teacher and understand why RAD wants to set the minimum age - at lower grades, the impact is minimal but it is certainly not advisable to do pointe at a young age when the feet is not fully developed.Hi Oh My Gosh
I have seen parents shouting at the Teacher over this issue.
Very Disgusting.
I think the main problem is the expectations. Now that the restrictions are known, many ballet schools will inform parents upfront when they decide to enrol their DD at a young age. It is probably those parents like myself who are \"affected\" when the restrictions are imposed (and RAD did not give any leeway for those affected in the interim) who gets angry.
But I believe ultimately it is whether the interests will last ... it doesn't matter if the child takes the ballet exams 1 or 2 years later. -
Em Ser:
Yes, had witnessed some parents shouting, because they plan for their dd to DSA via ballet into those few Secondary schools. But then they enrolled their dd late to learn ballet, & their girl not quite ready to take exam. But they insist to Tr, to let their dd take exam.Hi Oh My Gosh
I have seen parents shouting at the Teacher over this issue.
Very Disgusting.
They want their dd to clear Grade faster, So that by the time reach P6, already cleared Grade 5 RAD.
Yes, disgusting !
Because is not the fault of the ballet Tr. -
The route to ballet is not as \"cutsy and fun\" seeing the cute girls dancing around. That's why many girls dropped out of their levels the higher they go. Below are some pictures (some can be quite gruesome) of blisters on the girls' feet when doing pointe. I know the mother of a girl who made regular appointment with her family doctor remove her toenails, so that pointe can be done better.
Ballerinas out there... you have my admiration :)!
https://www.google.com.hk/search?q=blis ... d=0CBoQsAQ -
Yes, some girls drop out of ballet : before reaching Grade 1 or 2, because they no interest in ballet.
They started out in N2 / K1, K2 initially. After a while, they just not interested anymore
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better đź’—
Register Login