SOUTH OXFORD DANCE ACADEMY
SOUTH OXFORD DANCE ACADEMY
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    • Home
    • Teachers
    • What We Offer
    • Why Join SODA?
    • News and Events
    • Policies
    • Contact Us
    • SODAnce Festival 2026
  • Home
  • Teachers
  • What We Offer
  • Why Join SODA?
  • News and Events
  • Policies
  • Contact Us
  • SODAnce Festival 2026

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus (RAD) Ballet

The RAD offers one of the most well rounded, thorough, and inclusive approaches to classical ballet training. We start from Pre-Primary (ages 3-6) and offer classes all the way up to vocational training. The grades offer a wide variety of options to suit all student’s needs. The vocational pathway is for students who are serious about a potential career in this field, or who excel in their classical training. It begins the preparation of pointe work and increases in difficulty up to Advanced 2 and Solo Seal. 


Children at SODA will always be given the option to take part in various types of RAD examinations. This is not compulsory but is available to all. This will be communicated to the students/parents as and when it is time for exam season. The examinations are a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase their hard work in order to earn a certificate and RAD medal. 

1-1 Private Classes

PRIVATE CLASSES - Email for Availability

We understand that joining a new group class can be extremely daunting, We also know that some dancers wish to have additional training on top of group classes. This is why we offer private classes to everyone and anyone who wishes to join. These classes are centred around the student's goals/aspirations and can help them improve in their technique around ballet, contemporary, street or jazz! We also hold privates for students who are on a reduced school timetable/home schooled to help them gain extra experience alongside their usual classes. 

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Mini Movers - Street Dance

Junior, Intermediate and Advanced Contemporary

MINI MOVERS - Wootton and Dry Sandford Community Centre

Mini Movers is an intro class for little ones in to the world of hip-hop and street. This class centres around basic technique whilst encouraging children to develop their creative skills and confidence. There is the option for children to participate in local performances and competitions but it is also just a fun alternative to classical ballet training. 

Junior, Intermediate and Advanced Contemporary

Junior, Intermediate and Advanced Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a modern take on classical dance training. Inspired by choreographers such as Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, it allows dancers to express and move their bodies in new ways. Contemporary dance comes in many forms, we explore all techniques alongside release work. 


Both our Junior and Senior contemporary groups have the opportunity to perform in local events as well as our annual show. They are also given the opportunity to compete in national competitions.


We also explore Rambert Grades which allows students to learn the various forms of contemporary technique as well as participate in examinations to gain qualifications. 

Senior Street

SENIOR STREET COMPANY - Wootton and Dry Sandford Community Centre


Our senior street company is run by our lovely teacher Miss Charlotte. This classes are for intermediate level dancers, however it is suitable for beginners to street. The sessions focus on street technique and performance skills including improvisation and choreography. 

Adult Ballet

ADULT BALLET - Sunningwell Village Hall (Tuesdays 7-8pm)


Our adult ballet classes are catered for beginners-intermediate dancers. We have dancers of all ages from early 20's to late 60's. Some have previous dance experience and are looking to get back into it, others have no dance experience and are just there for the social and fitness side. The classes follow the RAD Discovering Repertoire syllabus as well as free training exercises. 

PBT - Strength and Conditioning

PBT - Strength and Conditioning

PBT - Strength and Conditioning

All dancer's require extra strength training alongside their normal classes. This directly links into their class work, looking at engaging new muscles and learning how to engage these to enhance their training. We use PBT techniques, using yoga balls and stretch bands, as well as pilates inspired stretches and circuits. 

Bella recommends this class to all her senior dancers, but it is open to anyone who wishes to improve in their strength and flexibility. Although it can be hard work, the upbeat music ensures it is always fun!

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examinations

RAD Examinations - what does this mean?


At South Oxford Dance Academy, students have the opportunity to take Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations across all syllabus levels and grades. These exams offer a wide range of benefits—from building confidence and discipline to developing performance skills and achieving recognised qualifications. While exams are encouraged, they are completely optional, and no student is required to take them.
Please note: vocational exams (Intermediate Foundation and above) do require successful completion of previous levels in order to progress.

How RAD Exams Work

AEC Examination Sessions

Our exam sessions are run as official RAD Approved Examination Centres (AEC). These are organised by our registered teacher and usually take place at venues such as Sunningwell Village Hall, Wootton, or Cumnor. A qualified RAD examiner visits the venue for the day, and exams are scheduled in small groups.

Class Awards

For Class Award examinations, the teacher may accompany students into the exam room. This format is more relaxed—similar to a presentation class—and allows for gentle guidance and prompts. The marking criteria are broader and less strict, and students receive a simple Pass or Fail outcome.

Graded & Vocational Exams

For all other RAD examinations, students enter the exam room independently and perform the set syllabus work just as they do in class. RAD examiners are friendly, supportive, and always ensure dancers feel safe and confident, offering breaks whenever needed.

Once completed, students receive their results, along with a certificate and medal (depending on the level). Graded and vocational exams are assessed as Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

Fees & Administration

Exam entry fees are set by the RAD and can be found on their official website. For AEC exam sessions or Class Awards, a smalladministration fee is added to help cover venue hire and hosting costs.

UCAS Points

From Grade 6 and Intermediate level upwards, RAD exams carry UCAS points, which can support applications to UK universities by contributing to a student’s overall tariff score.

Why Take an RAD Exam?

Examinations offer valuable opportunities for dancers to:

  • Challenge themselves in a structured and rewarding way
  • Grow confidence and resilience
  • Build discipline and focus
  • Enhance memory, coordination, and performance under pressure
  • Celebrate progress with an internationally recognised qualification

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