Enrolment Guidelines – Ballet

Welcome to our 2026 Enrolment Information.
Our ballet program follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, ensuring age-appropriate progression and consistent development in both technique and artistry.

Kinder Ballet

Ages: 3–5 years

Kinder Ballet introduces young dancers to the joy of movement through creative exercises that build coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a supportive environment. Classes are designed to foster imagination and foundational ballet skills while developing listening and group participation.

Primary Ballet

Ages: 5–6 years (must be 5 by 30 June 2026)

Primary Ballet is recommended for students aged 5–6 years old who have completed one or two years of Kinder Ballet or are turning 6 in 2026. This level builds on basic ballet positions, posture, and musical awareness, preparing students for the graded RAD syllabus levels.

If your child is under 6 or has not yet completed two years in Kinder Ballet, please re-enrol in Kinder Ballet for 2026 to ensure steady progress and confidence in their training.

Grade Advancements

Our graded classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) international syllabus. Below is a general age guide for ballet grade progression:

About the RAD Syllabus & Exams

Our ballet program follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus — one of the world’s most respected and internationally recognised classical ballet training systems. The RAD syllabus offers a structured and progressive pathway from early childhood through to advanced and vocational levels.

RAD training focuses on developing a strong classical foundation while nurturing artistry, musicality, and performance quality. Examinations are designed to encourage growth, reward achievement, and inspire confidence at every stage of a dancer’s journey.

RAD examinations are optional and available to students who are technically and artistically prepared. Dancers may be invited to participate in an exam when:

• They demonstrate consistent attendance and commitment to their training,
• They can confidently perform the required syllabus exercises and dances, and
• Their teacher believes they are ready to progress to the next level.

RAD exams provide:

• A clearly defined progression through graded and vocational levels,
• Objective feedback from internationally accredited examiners, and
• Recognition of achievement through globally recognised certification.

Students who do not undertake examinations will still study the RAD syllabus in class and continue to progress at a pace that supports their individual development.

Jazz & Tap Enrolment Guidelines

Our Jazz and Tap programs follow the Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) syllabus, providing a structured and progressive pathway for students from Primary through to Senior levels.

The SFD syllabus promotes strong technical development, musical understanding, and expressive performance skills across both genres.

Age is used as a guide only — class placement will also take into account prior experience, coordination, musicality, and exam readiness.

Primary Jazz & Tap

Ages: approximately 6–8 years

Primary Jazz and Tap introduce students to rhythm, timing, and musical awareness while developing coordination, confidence, and performance quality. Students learn basic jazz isolations, turns, and floor patterns, as well as foundational tap steps and rhythmic sequences.

Primary Jazz & Tap are ideal for:

• Students enrolled in Primary to Grade 3 Ballet, or
• Dancers aged 6–8 who are new to Jazz or Tap.

Junior Jazz & Tap

Ages: approximately 8–12 years

Junior Jazz and Tap extend on foundational skills through more complex rhythms, combinations, and travelling sequences. Students at this level begin to explore stylistic performance work and build strength, flexibility, and coordination.

At the Junior level, students may begin working towards SFD Jazz or Tap exams, which assess rhythm, timing, performance, and technical quality.

Junior Jazz & Tap are generally suited to:

• Students in Grade 4–Grade 5 Ballet, or
• Dancers aged 8–12.

Teen Jazz & Tap

Ages: approximately 12–15 years

Teen Jazz and Tap classes introduce higher-level SFD exam work, focusing on style, accuracy, and expressive performance. Students refine technique through more challenging combinations, syncopated rhythms, and musical theatre-inspired routines.

Teen Jazz & Tap are suited to:

• Students in Intermediate / Advanced Foundation Ballet, or
• Dancers aged 12–15 with intermediate experience in Jazz or Tap.

Senior Jazz & Tap

Ages: approximately 15+ years

Senior Jazz and Tap are advanced-level classes designed for experienced dancers ready to refine artistry, stamina, and technical polish. Students work across multiple styles — including commercial jazz, Broadway, and rhythm tap — while focusing on precision, versatility, and performance maturity.

At this level, students may prepare for higher SFD exam levels or continue in open non-exam classes depending on training goals.

About the SFD Syllabus & Exams

Turning Pointe Dance Academy proudly follows the Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) syllabus for both Jazz and Tap. This respected Australian syllabus encourages well-rounded dance training with a balance of technique, artistry, musicality, and stagecraft.

SFD examinations are an optional but valuable part of the program. Students may be invited to sit an exam when:

• They demonstrate consistent attendance and technical readiness,
• They show confidence in performing the set syllabus work, and
• Their teacher believes they will benefit from the assessment experience.

SFD exams provide:

• Clear progression through graded levels,
• Personal feedback from accredited examiners, and
• Recognition of each dancer’s technical and artistic achievements.

Students not undertaking exams will still follow the same syllabus work in class and continue to progress through each level at an appropriate pace.