Examinations

ESA offers students the opportunity to take dance examinations in RAD Ballet, ADA Tap, and ADA Jazz. While participation in exams is not compulsory, these examinations provide an excellent extension to a dancer’s training, offering a structured and goal-oriented approach to skill development. Exams allow students to focus on specific technical and artistic elements within their discipline, providing a clear benchmark of their progress. For those who choose to participate, the experience can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to demonstrate their dedication, discipline, and growth.

Examinations

ESA offers students the opportunity to take dance examinations in RAD Ballet, ADA Tap, and ADA Jazz. While participation in exams is not compulsory, these examinations provide an excellent extension to a dancer’s training, offering a structured and goal-oriented approach to skill development. Exams allow students to focus on specific technical and artistic elements within their discipline, providing a clear benchmark of their progress. For those who choose to participate, the experience can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to demonstrate their dedication, discipline, and growth.

examinations at esa

Whats involved in sitting exams?

Weekly Classes

Students wishing to sit for exams will attend additional exam classes on Thursday afternoons. RAD ballet students will begin their exam classes in Terms 1 and 2, continuing through to the exam date in Term 3. Jazz and Tap exam classes will commence in Term 2 and run through Terms 2 and 3, leading up to the exam date in Term 4.

RAD BALLET EXAM CLASS SCHEDULE

Terms 1, 2 & up until exam date in term 3.

3:30pm - 4:00pm | Primary

3:30pm - 4:15pm | Grade 4

4:00pm - 4:45pm | Grade 1

4:45pm - 5:30pm | Grade 3

4:15pm - 5:15pm | Advanced Foundation

5:30pm - 6:30pm | Intermediate Foundation

5:15pm - 6:30pm | Advanced 1/2

6:30pm - 7:30pm | Intermediate

JAZZ & TAP - Schedule of classes to commence in term 2 will be released by 4th April 2025 and will work in with students classical examination class times.

Additional Important Dates

EXAM INTENSIVE SESSIONS

To ensure students are fully prepared, ESA exam students will attend additional Exam Intensive Sessions throughout the year. The following dates have been scheduled for the 2025 exam intensives.

Friday 31 Jan - Sunday 2 Feb - RAD Ballet Exam Intensives

Fri 25 April - Sun 27 April - RAD Ballet Exam & ADA Tap & Jazz Exam Intensives

Wed 9 July - Fri 11 July - RAD Ballet Exam & ADA Tap & Jazz Exam Intensives

Sat 12 July - RAD Ballet Mock Exam Day/ Dress Rehearsal

Fri 3 Oct - Mon 6 Oct - ADA Jazz & Tap Exam intensives

Date TBC pending confirmation of exam date - Sat/ Sun in October, Jazz and Tap exam dress rehearsals

The timetables for the Exam Intensives can be found HERE, under the corresponding dates listed in the ESA Important Dates.

EXAM DATES

Exam dates are determined by the respective associations. It is possible that our allocated exam date may fall on a school day. RAD Ballet exams are scheduled for August, while ADA Tap and Jazz exams will take place in October. Exact dates will be provided as soon as they are confirmed by our exam providers.

EXAM REGISTRATIONS

The final day to register to participate in RAD Ballet exams at ESA is Friday 24 January 2025.

The final day to register to participate in ADA Tap/Jazz exams at ESA is Friday 21 March 2025.

Requirements for Participation

The prerequisites for classical examinations are as follows:

  • Students must be attending 2 ballet classes per week in addition to their exam class

  • Students must be attending PBT class (ages petite & over)

  • Intermediate Foundation & above must be attending pointe class

  • Students should attend all classical development extension classes - 2 scheduled per term (ages petite & over)

The prerequisites for Tap Examinations are as follows:

  • Students must be attending a weekly tap class in addition to their examination class

The prerequisites for Jazz Examinations are as follows:

  • Students must be attending a weekly Jazz Class in addition to their examination class

  • Students must be attending a weekly Tech Class

All exam classes require a minimum of four students to run. If this number is not reached, the weekly fee may be adjusted to account for the equivalent of four students.

Examination Fees

At ESA, we strive to make the exam process as simple and stress-free as possible for families. Our all-inclusive exam fee structure covers everything needed for students to participate, ensuring there are no hidden costs or surprises. From exam entry fees to the necessary materials and preparation classes, everything is included in one transparent fee. This approach allows families to focus on their dancer's progress and performance, rather than worrying about additional charges or last-minute expenses. We aim to provide a seamless experience, supporting our students every step of the way as they work towards their dance exam goals.

Your weekly exam fee includes:

  • Weekly exam class for your examination grade

  • All Exam Intensives & Extra Rehearsals for exams

  • Exam Dress Rehearsal/ Mock Exam Day

  • Your examination entry fee

  • All attire required for your exam including exam uniform or costume, accessories and props. Students to supply shoes and stockings.

The below fees represent fee structure for exams for TRIBE (recreational) Students. Company students should refer to the Exam fee structure outlined in the Company Information Pack.

RAD CLASSICAL BALLET EXAM FEES

Paid weekly on Mondays during terms 1, 2, & 3

Pre Primary & Primary - $21/ wk

Grades 1- 5 - $30/ wk

Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate - $39/ wk

Advanced Foundation & Above - $61/ wk

ADA TAP EXAM FEES

Paid weekly on Mondays during terms 2 & 3

Pre Primary & Primary - $29/ wk

Grades - $39/ wk

Majors - $54/ wk

ADA JAZZ EXAM FEES

Paid weekly on Mondays during terms 2 & 3

Pre Primary & Primary - $29/ wk

Grades - $39/ wk

Majors - $54/ wk