Royal Academy of Dance in San Diego

Royal Academy of Dance official certification logo

The Dance Academy Del Mar is proud to be among a select few RAD-certified studios in the San Diego region offering the Royal Academy of Dance.

The Dance Academy Del Mar is proud to be among a select few RAD-certified studios in the San Diego region offering the Royal Academy of Dance.

A Globally Recognized Standard

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world's most influential dance education and training organizations, with global headquarters in London. Its work reaches diverse communities worldwide, expanding access to dance and delivering the benefits of structured ballet training.

At The Dance Academy Del Mar, we proudly offer the RAD syllabus, bringing this legacy of dance education to students across San Diego. Through progressive, structured training, the RAD program nurtures technical skill, body awareness, and a deep appreciation for the artistry and discipline of ballet.

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Royal Academy of Dance ballet class San Diego

Experience the Artistry: Watch Our 2025 Royal Academy of Dance Highlight Video

RAD Ballet Levels and Progression

The RAD syllabus follows a clear, structured pathway that builds technical skill at every stage of a dancer's development. At The Dance Academy Del Mar, students are carefully assessed before placement, ensuring every dancer advances at the right pace.

  • RAD Pre-Primary Ballet: introduces young dancers to core steps, free movement, and foundational ballet technique in an age-appropriate, nurturing setting.

  • RAD Primary and Graded Classes (Grades 1–5): graded RAD ballet classes that progressively introduce character dance, more complex technique, and performance quality.

  • RAD Vocational Grades (Intermediate Foundation through Advanced): intensive training in advanced ballet technique, pointe work, and examination syllabus content for serious, committed dancers.

  • Silver Swans Ballet Classes: the RAD's specialized program for adults aged 55 and over, focusing on movement education, body awareness, balance, and the joy of dance. The Dance Academy Del Mar is proud to offer Silver Swans ballet classes in San Diego.

Each level prepares students for the next stage, creating a seamless pathway from beginner ballet classes through to advanced RAD training.

Four young girls in lavender ballet costumes holding hands in a dance studio, each with a numbered badge on their chest, in front of a wall with the logo 'The Dance Academy Del Mar' and the slogan 'Ignite the Passion'.

RAD Ballet Exams in San Diego

Each spring, an esteemed examiner from the Royal Academy of Dance travels to evaluate our students at The Dance Academy Del Mar. Our dancers prepare thoroughly across every element of the examination syllabus, and earning results from the RAD is a meaningful milestone in each student's growth.

When results and certificates arrive from the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London, students experience a genuine sense of accomplishment that reflects months of dedication and growth.

Earning a RAD certification is an internationally recognized credential that validates a dancer's technical achievement and opens doors to further training, competition, and professional opportunities. The Dance Academy Del Mar is among a select few RAD-certified studios in the San Diego region able to prepare students for and host these official examinations.

Dance Classes and Programs

Beyond the core RAD program, The Dance Academy Del Mar offers a full range of classes for every age and ability. Dancers can train in Classic Ballet and Ballet Academy, Pre-Pointe and Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, and Musical Theater; the youngest begin with Baby & Me and Toddlers & Tiny Tots; and Adult Dance Classes welcome every level. Explore the full class list to see levels, schedules, and what each program works toward.

Every student receives personalized instruction in a structured, supportive environment. Small class sizes ensure teaching is adapted to each dancer's individual learning pace and development.

Start Your Royal Academy of Dance Journey

The Dance Academy Del Mar welcomes students of all ages to experience the RAD program firsthand. Whether you are enrolling a young child in their first RAD Pre-Primary class, preparing a dedicated dancer for graded RAD ballet exams, or exploring Silver Swans and adult RAD ballet classes, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. Contact us at The Dance Academy Del Mar, we are here to guide you on your dance journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Royal Academy of Dance is an internationally recognized ballet education organization headquartered in London. The RAD syllabus provides structured, progressive ballet training with official exams that result in globally recognized certifications. The Dance Academy Del Mar is among a select few RAD-certified studios in the San Diego region offering this program.

  • The RAD syllabus begins with RAD Pre-Primary ballet for young students and progresses through Primary, Grades 1–5, and Vocational Grades, including Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2. Students at The Dance Academy Del Mar are individually assessed to determine the appropriate starting level before enrollment.

  • Each spring, an official examiner from the Royal Academy of Dance visits The Dance Academy Del Mar to conduct formal RAD ballet exams in San Diego. Students are evaluated on technical skill, performance quality, musicality, and artistry. Certificates are issued directly by the Royal Academy of Dance in London, marking a significant milestone in each dancer's training.

  • Yes. Adult ballet at The Dance Academy Del Mar is offered through Silver Swans, the Royal Academy of Dance program for adults aged 55 and over. These RAD ballet classes welcome adults at every experience level, from absolute beginners to those returning to dance after time away.

  • Joining the Royal Academy of Dance program at The Dance Academy Del Mar is by invitation. Students are assessed by the studio's qualified teachers, who determine readiness and the right level for each dancer before placement in the program.

Student and Parent RAD Experiences

Parent Testimonials

  • RAD ballet student at The Dance Academy Del Mar

    "Ms. Francine is committed to the advancement of her students’ experience and enjoyment and the teachers and staff at The Dance Academy Del Mar fully compliment her program. This studio is truly one of a kind!"

    Claudine M.

  • RAD ballet student at The Dance Academy Del Mar

    "We might have many teachers throughout our lives, but just a few leave a positive mark on ourselves. Francine is one of those teachers, she sees the best in her students and makes sure they see this in themselves as well. Francine, goes beyond teaching dance. She loves so much what she does, that in her passion, she transforms the children in the best version they can be."

    Ale R.

  • RAD ballet student at The Dance Academy Del Mar

    " All the teachers are AMAZING making classes fun but structured allowing for all dancers whether recreational or advanced to grow and be supported in the dance studio. The Owner (Francine) is fabulous and has created something truly wonderful for these dancers."

    Natalie W.