photo: Patrick Baldwin

1 What are Demonstration Classes?

Demonstration Classes are an optional part of the Pre-School Dance Curriculum; they allow the children an opportunity to perform a selection of the material covered over the year to an invited audience of parents/carers of those participating and an Examiner. An Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance will be present not to assess the children but to watch and enjoy the children’s demonstration, adding to the sense of occasion. Demonstration Classes are held at Level 1 (target age range 2½ - 3½ ) and Level 2 (target age range 3½ - 4½/5). Although recommended age ranges are given, neither an upper nor a lower age limit will be enforced.

2 What should the content of a Demonstration Class be?

Teachers should plan the class so that, using the chosen theme, the content addresses the four learning outcomes of the Curriculum. Teachers should be selective in their choice, meeting the needs of their children. Each class will be ‘unique’ in that the content will be derived from the teacher’s and children’s own inspirations. The teacher conducts and participates in the class as usual, in the children’s regular class environment. Teachers can decide to use a pianist or recorded music. Recorded music can be chosen from the CD supplied with the resource pack, or can be the teacher’s own choice. Resources (eg dressing up clothes and props) can be used if so desired.

3 How can children be entered for Demonstration Classes?

Anyone purchasing the resource pack can teach the Pre-School Dance Curriculum, but only those who hold RAD Registered Teacher Status can enter children for Demonstration Classes, although they may engage the help of an assistant in preparing the children. Demonstration Classes are held only during the course of a normal Graded examination session, and teachers wishing to enter children must also have examination and/or Presentation Class entries in the same session. Demonstration Classes cannot be used to make up the 3-hour minimum for Graded examinations and Presentation Classes.

Continued...