RAD Grade 6

[Sakura]

This is the first time I'm doing syllabus work and I'm kinda intimidated by the looong exercises and the quick petite allegro work in the dance studies. I'm pretty heavy and non-flexible so small jumps and quick footwork do not come naturally. I'm also super slow at learning new things and picking up combinations.

 

Any advice from adults who have done it, especially those who have passed the exam? It's really dancey though.I heard syllabus work requires partnering for character, is that true for this grade? I'm worried that whoever ends up as my partner will get cross with my slowness...on the bright side because of my height, it would probably be another adult or one of the tallest kids.

[jchengz]

This is the first time I'm doing syllabus work and I'm kinda intimidated by the looong exercises and the quick petite allegro work in the dance studies. I'm pretty heavy and non-flexible so small jumps and quick footwork do not come naturally. I'm also super slow at learning new things and picking up combinations.

 

Any advice from adults who have done it, especially those who have passed the exam? It's really dancey though.I heard syllabus work requires partnering for character, is that true for this grade? I'm worried that whoever ends up as my partner will get cross with my slowness...on the bright side because of my height, it would probably be another adult or one of the tallest kids.

 

 

Hi Sakura,

 

I am an adult and I just started doing grade 6 syllabus and I believe it is not that hard. it just takes routine practise and alot of memory work.. but after awhile you will get a hang of the exercises...

[sapphirenite]

hey, sakura, me again. i took the exam last year, and yes, the number of exercises in there is overwhelming. quite a massive jump from the basic exercises that one usually does in a beginner's class! but that's the beauty of the grade, which emphasizes a lot on the "danci-ness". because of the length of the exam and the change in emphasis from the lower grades, most teachers here prepare the class for the exam in 2 years instead of 1 as for the other grades.

 

there is some partnering in the exam, not just in character. some of the centre work are done with a partner as well (first port de bras, pas de bouree, petit allegro). but it doesn't have much impact how fast or how slow you are as each examinee is marked individually. what is more important is the interaction between you and your partner during the exam.

 

i found having the tape and the syllabus very helpful in learning the exercises. of course, the best way to learn them is still to go for class regularly. it may help to take down notes after class as well. for petit allegro (which my entire class hated), what i found most useful for me was to go through the steps very very slowly, making sure that i ended in a plie and my feet closed in fifth properly after every jump, and gradually quickening it up. it's a long and slow process (no quick fixes here), but it works. same for just about every other exercise in the exam!

 

this exam was a pleasure to go for (even though there were plenty of times i was discouraged while preparing for it). all the best!

[Hamorah]

Also, don't forget that Grade 6 is not just about technique - it's about style and quality, musicality and presentation. The style is quite romantic and they want to see that quality. As someone mentioned, they also want to see the interaction between you and your partner. Think of the dynamics of the different steps and the phrasing of the music. There is much more to Grade 6 than meets the eye. You really have to go beyond just concentrating on technique alone. I actually found that once my students get into the style and dance quality of the exercises, they do them better technically.