DPA Examinations
At DPA we understand the importance of strong technique and taking examinations in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.
Following examination syllabus work encourages commitment and dedication, whilst achieving globally recognised certifications and a sense of accomplishment to both a student and their parents.
DPA are proud to be affiliated with the following leading examination boards;
• RAD (Royal Academy of Dance)
• ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance)
• LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
• Trinity (Trinity College London)
We are an official registered centre with all of the above leading boards and we offer exam preparation and training for ALL levels and Grades.
We are very proud to share that we have an outstanding 100% pass rate with the majority of our students gaining the highest result of ‘Distinction’.
ISTD Tap and Modern examination classes:
ISTD is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards with the widest range of dance genres available. ISTD offers strong technique classes to help your child learn body awareness, discipline and strong dance skills.
We offer ALL grades starting from Primary to Advanced levels.
We will be releasing the timetable ahead of the new Winter term.
LAMDA, Trinity Acting and Musical Theatre Courses:
Discover the actor within you and explore improvisation, script work and characterisation. ALL ages and grades available. LAMDA and Trinity exams are taken annually. Private Drama lessons also available.
For more information email our Office at info@dubaiperformingarts.com.
Private Singing and Voice Lessons
We offer private singing lessons which are 30 minutes per week. We recommend children to start private singing lesson from the age of 8 as this is an appropriate age to start training the voice and developing performance from feedback.
DPA follow Musical Theatre Singing Examinations with Trinity. All private singing students have the opportunity to be entered for these exams students. If a student would like to complete a Trinity Examination, they must take singing lessons with a DPA vocal coach for the full academic year.
Students taking Trinity exams from Grade 4 upwards are offered additional Trinity sessions in Term 1 only, as this is the term where most preparation will go into choosing Trinity repertoire, researching the chosen repertoire and starting to rehearse the programme. These classes are a great opportunity for students to build and secure their repertoire in Term 1, and have an extra opportunity to be guided by the teacher to find appropriate songs that contrast in style, suit their vocal range and will give them a positive result. We strongly advise students Grade 4 and above to use the Trinity classes to help prepare their repertoire as more depth is needed and the exam structure changes after Grade 3.
Exams
Around the world, RAD Exams are recognised for their rigour and quality, with nearly a quarter of a million candidates across the globe taking RAD Ballet exams.
With a wide range of exams and assessments to motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities, focusing on creativity and musicality whilst providing opportunities to progress and achieve.
The Royal Academy of Dance is a leading Ballet examination organisation. Its headquarters are in the UK but there are around 80 countries around the world that enter students for its examinations. The recent changes to the syllabus from age 5 to 18+ have been developed with attention to the emotional and physical development of the young student. The vocational exams may lead to professional or teaching qualifications.
Ballet is the core to all dance and it is important for developing discipline, musicality and fitness.
Graded age requirements:
| Level | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Pre-Primary in Dance | 5 |
| Primary in Dance | 6 |
| Grades 1-5 | 7 |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 |
| Intermediate Foundation | 11 |
| Intermediate | 12 |
| Advanced Foundation | 13 |
| Advanced 1 | 14 |
| Advanced 2 | 15 |
ISTD is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards with the widest range of dance genres available. ISTD offers strong technique classes to help your child learn body awareness, discipline and strong dance skills.
We offer ALL grades starting from Primary to Advanced levels.
ISTD – Love, Learn, Teach Dance
ISTD is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. At DPA we offer ISTD Tap and Modern giving our students the opportunity to be entered into their exams, develop technique, placement, performance and spread the joy of dance.
ISTD’s mission is to educate performers about the art of dance, promote knowledge of dance, to provide up to date techniques and improve teaching standards.
Modern Theatre – Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which is often seen on stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all requires strength and flexibility. At DPA we believe it’s important to take ISTD modern exams to understand the correct body lines and placement as well as dance technique, which will help with other styles of dance.
Tap Dance – This has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world. Tap dancers use their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms, with dancers wearing tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give a distinctive sound. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals such as 42nd Street and Stomp. We recommend our students taking ISTD tap at DPA as its it broadens their dance styles and helps with co-ordination, rhythm, timing, style and performance.
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. DPA has a 100% pass rate and enters students for solo and duo acting examinations.
LAMDA is one of the most respected awarding examination bodies and has been delivering world-renowned qualifications in communication and performance for over 130 years.
Inspiring the next generation of confident communicators through examinations in drama, literature and poetry.
In LAMDA’s words “At the heart of LAMDA examinations is the recognition that our qualifications are for everyone”
LAMDA believe drama has the power to transform lives. And at DPA we want more people to share in this experience. We are thrilled that so many of our students are taking part in these exams.
Whether or not a student intends to go on to further study at Drama School, there is a big incentive for all students to take LAMDA exams, as each Medal Grade Exam 6, 7 and 8 are awarded with valuable UCAS points, with up to 30 points to obtain at Grade 8.
Level | Year |
Entry | 3 & 4 |
Grade 1 | 5 |
Grade 2 | 6 |
Grade 3 | 7 |
Grade 4 | 8 & 9 |
Grade 5 | 10 |
Grade 6 | 11 |
Grade 7 | 12 |
Grade 8 | 13 |
Trinity College London is an examination board based in London, UK, which offers graded qualifications across a range of disciplines. Trinity College London was founded as the external examinations board of Trinity college of Music and began offering exams to external students in 1877, and have since became international, working and teaching in over 70 Countries world-wide.
Here at DPA we offer Musical Theatre exams from initial all the way up to Grade 8. Trinity College London Exams are a great way for your child to build skills in Acting, Singing and Dance.
Trinity examinations in Musical Theatre are valuable qualifications for all students, even those who do not intend to further their education at Drama School. Trinity’s Level 3 examinations, Grade 6, 7 & 8, are recognised by UCAS and points are awarded as shown below.
Grade | Merit | Pass | Distinction |
6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
7 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
8 | 24 | 27 | 30 |
Students are marked on their technique, interpretation and knowledge of their chosen pieces.
Marks received | Attainment level |
85 or more | Distinction |
75 – 84 | Merit |
65 – 74 | Pass |
64 and below | Below Pass |
Students can enrol for Trinity lessons and exams as early as 5 years old and can progress through the grades at their own pace. Please see the table below for exam age criteria.
Grade(s) exam level | Age of candidate |
Initial
| 5 years and over
|
Grade 1 | 7 years and over
|
Grades 2-3 | 8 years and over |
Grades 4-5 | 12 years and over
|
Grades 6-8 | 16 years and over |
