Online Shopping Sites

By Cedric Grosjean

Every ballet dancer dreams to become a student of a reputable dance school. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Lecturers of Dancing (ISTD) are the leading dance schools in the United Kingdom. It’’s not easy to become a student of these schools, however, those who are going to try their luck need to know about strict rules for dance uniform. For example, to take an exam in the Royal Academy of Dance a female ballet dancer has to wear a RAD skirt, RAD leotards and certain ballet footwear that corresponds to RAD requirements.

Examinations of the Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance offers examination programmes to suit those who are new to ballet or already have dance experience. There are no upper age limits and both female and male students can enter this dance academy. RAD authorities pay special attention to examinations, because they provide students with achievable goals to work towards, recognition from the reputable ballet examination board, and fully accredited qualifications. Whether for pre-school dance examinations, graded examinations or vocational graded examinations, RAD uniforms are a must. As mentioned before, a female dancer has to wear a RAD skirt, leotard and ballet shoes; as to male dancers, they are required to wear leotards, shorts and ballet shoes.

RAD uniform for pre-major and major examinations

Though the items of dance clothing and footwear are the same, they can still vary in colour and style. Different examination levels require different types of uniforms as well as different colours. Pre-major and major examinations require pink, pale blue or white cap-sleeved or sleeveless leotards, special accredited tights, white socks and satin or leather ballet shoes. A RAD skirt is much like a junior-size romantic ballet tutu of pink, blue or white.

RAD uniform for the first and second grade examinations

First and second grade ballet students have a little bit extra freedom concerning RAD uniforms. Leotards need to be cap-sleeved or sleeveless, but of mulberry, navy blue and red colours in addition to pink, pale blue and white. A RAD skirt and ballet shoes have the same requirements as for pre-major and major examinations, however socks or tights have to be pink.

RAD uniform for upper grade examinations

Upper grade students can put on only white brief-sleeved or sleeveless leotards. A RAD skirt can be pink, blue or white, socks have to be white to match the colour of the leotard and tights are required to be navy blue. As to the footwear, ballet shoes have to be made of leather or canvas and come in white or beige.

The Royal Academy of Dance has always had strict dancewear regulations. Over the period of time they have changed a little, however, ballet students still have to wear RAD skirts, leotards, tights, socks and ballet shoes of certain colours depending on the examination level. It’’s really important to choose high quality RAD uniforms; nowadays there are a lot of dancewear stores and specialised websites that offer a wide range of dance clothing and footwear, so one can easily choose necessary items for RAD exams and practice.

About The Author

For further information regarding ballet uniform, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com.