Ballet Class vs Ballet Exam: What Your Child Wears and Why It’s Different

Many parents assume that the uniform their child wears to class every week is also what they wear to their ballet exam. In most cases, that’s true — but there are important differences that can catch families off guard. This guide explains exactly what your child should wear for a regular RAD class versus a formal RAD examination.

Class Uniform: The Everyday Standard

In a typical RAD ballet class, students wear:

• Grade-specific colored leotard (candy pink for Pre-Primary, blue for Grade 1–3, lilac for Grade 4–5, etc.)
• Pink ballet tights
• Canvas or leather ballet shoes with elastic
• Elastic belt (usually required up to around Grade 4 or 5)
• Hair in a bun

For class, there’s some tolerance for minor variations — a slightly different shade of pink, a leotard that’s technically the right color but a slightly older style. Teachers know families are busy and uniforms wear out. The focus is on the movement, not the clothes.

Exam Uniform: The Formal Standard

For a formal RAD examination, the expectation is higher:

• New or near-new tights — no runs, no pills, no fading
• Correct grade color leotard, clean and unworn-looking — not stretched or faded
• Polished ballet shoes with securely sewn elastics (not stitching coming loose)
• Precise bun — no flyaways, centered, covered with a hair net, no decorative clips or accessories
• No jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets all off)
• No nail polish at most schools

The examiner is assessing the student’s standard of presentation as part of their overall professionalism. A sloppy bun or mismatched tights sends the wrong signal, even if the technique itself is excellent.

What Specifically Changes Between Class and Exam

Item	Class	Exam
Tights	In good condition	New pair preferred, no damage
Leotard	Correct color, reasonable condition	Clean, fitting well, no fading
Hair	Neat bun, minor flyaways acceptable	Polished bun, hair net, no loose strands
Shoes	Good condition	Clean, secure elastics
Jewelry	Usually off, small studs sometimes tolerated	No jewelry at all
Nail polish	Often tolerated	Usually not permitted

When There Is No Separate Exam Uniform

At most RAD schools, the class uniform and exam uniform are the same items — just worn in their best condition for the exam. There isn’t a separate “exam-only” leotard or different style; the grade color remains the same. The difference is entirely in the standard of presentation, not the items themselves.

However, some schools do introduce a specific exam style that differs from the everyday class leotard. If your school sends home an exam uniform checklist, follow it precisely — don’t assume that what worked for class will work for the exam.

Preparing the Exam Uniform in Advance

The week before the exam, lay out all the items and check:

1. Tights: no damage, correct shade
2. Leotard: clean, correct color, fits properly
3. Shoes: elastics intact, no worn-through areas
4. Hair kit: enough pins, correct color hair net

Wash the leotard and tights in advance so they’re clean but have been through one wash cycle — fresh-from-packet tights can be stiff. For a full exam day packing list, see our RAD Exam Day Checklist.