Chonavb

On 21/02/2024 at 15:00, Angela Essex said:

I do my grade 6 class with a 16 year old and a 20 year old and I’m 47. It’s a case of making your desire to do exams known upfront and dancing at a studio that can facilitate that. Last year I did my intermediate foundation via private lessons and a once weekly class at RADHQ. Like you I have family commitments and initially couldn’t think about going to London for class, but I found that since I’d not danced as a child intermediate foundation needed more than my once weekly private lesson so I did a term at RAD HQ doing one class a week on a Weds night coming up to the exam. Since the class was an evening one (1940-2110) hubby was back from work and was with the kids. I’d highly reccomend that Weds night class - the teacher is Alex Simpkins and he is really next level. Even if you can only get into London for class once a week for a term coming up to the exam it is so worth it. 

Sounds like adults in RAD Graded/Vocational classes are more prevalent than I surmised.  Thank you for the insight, I'm accumulating the courage to try it with each narrative of people's experiences. Once a week in RAD HQ leading up to an exam is convincing and I will give it serious thought.  Just need my hubby to agree to the idea . Thanks again for your help.

2 hours ago, NeverTooOld said:

In my experience, different schools have different opinions on this and some are very inclusive so best to speak to each one near you to ask about it. I am 49 and am in an Intermediate Foundation class with girls around 14 years old. It has never been a problem and my school and teacher are very happy for me to be there but not every school is this open. Hope this helps.

Fantastic!  You've given me hope, thank you.  I will start asking around.

Many thanks for the responses to my query, much appreciated.

I am relatively close to Sutton, which is where I’d take a train if I want to get to London quick, but still find London too far for regular classes.

I am hoping to do Intermediate Foundation, but I guess that is for the teacher to advise if I am at the standard required. 

Assuming I am up to scratch for this exam, would local ballet schools let me join the children’s classes at this level, given I’ll probably be a generation or two older?

Thanks again for your help!

Hi, very new to this forum (or any forum for that matter) so apologies in advance for a possibly unconventional post.

I see a lot of adults have gone in and done RAD ballet exams, which is great as I have been considering taking an exam for the past year.  Most of the ballet schools in my area that I am aware of only teach children for RAD. Some will offer the occasional Adult Intermediate open class but their website does not indicate offering RAD classes (or exams) to adults.

Any suggestions on how I might be able to find a school that would be willing to take me in to do an RAD exam?

I am based in Surrey, and can't travel too far due to work commitments (and a family!).

Thanks much for your help.