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
At DPA we encourage all students to find their voice and support our students through 1-2-1 Private Singing Lessons. Our DPA Teachers are on hand to support students of all abilities.
Students will commence their lessons with an assessment of their posture, range and technique. Our teachers will then design a personalised program for the student to develop their skills and improve their singing technique musicality, repertoire and ‘acting through song’. Students can choose to specialise in Musical Theatre, Rock, Pop or a combination of all styles.
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 |
RAD Uniform:
The RAD approved uniform is available through DPA and is mandatory for exams.
Baby Ballet/Princess Ballet – Pink leotard which may have a skirt attached and pink ballet shoes.
Pre-Primary and Primary: Pink short sleeved leotard, pink separate ballet skirt, pink ballet tights, pink ballet shoes.
Grades 1-3: Blue sleeveless leotard with matching waist elastic, pink ballet tights and ballet shoes. Character Skirt with ribbons and black canvas character shoes.
Grades 4-5: Navy Blue leotard with matching waist elastic, pink ballet tights and ballet shoes.
Grades 6+: Black
Hair must be in a neat bun for ALL our of DPA Ballet Classes, regardless of age or grade. Students must wear the appropriate footwear for their grade, such as pink leather ballet shoes/pointe shoes
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 |
Exam Uniform
We have approved ISTD Tap and Modern and RAD Ballet examination uniforms available to purchase in our DPA Office.
Our ISTD uniform consists of: Turquoise leotard, black shorts/leggings.
Students must wear appropriate footwear, i.e footsies or tap/jazz shoes.
Our approved RAD Ballet uniforms are provided by Freed of London (add attached logo to partners page)
DPA Graded Colours:
• Pre-Primary and Primary: Pink
• Grade 1-Grade 3: Blue
• Grade 4-Grade 5: Navy Blue
• Grade 6+: Black
Students must wear appropriate tights/footwear: Pink leather balletshoes/pointe shoes.
Hair must be in a neat bun for ALL of our DPA Ballet Classes, regardless of age or grade.
