RAD ballet examinations are a significant milestone for any young dancer. Months of preparation go into mastering the syllabus, and the last thing any family wants is for exam day to be disrupted by a missing item or a wardrobe malfunction. This checklist covers everything your child needs to arrive prepared, composed and dressed correctly.
The RAD Exam Checklist: At a Glance
- Correct leotard for the grade (right colour and style)
- Ballet skirt or dress if required for the grade
- Clean, correct-colour ballet tights (bring one spare pair)
- Ballet shoes — fitted, broken in, with secure elastics
- Ballet belt if required by the school
- Hair in a secure ballet bun with net, pins and bun spray
- Grade-specific hair accessories (ribbons or bows if required)
- Exam number bib if issued by the school
- Warm-up clothes (cardigan, leg warmers, booties) for waiting
- Water bottle with a secure cap
Uniform: Grade-by-Grade Quick Reference
The correct uniform varies by RAD grade. Use this as a double-check the morning of the exam — always confirm with your teacher in advance as colours are updated between syllabus editions.
- Pre-Primary and Primary: Pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (full sole)
- Grades 1–2: Royal blue or sky blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes
- Grades 3–5: Burgundy or raspberry leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes
- Grades 6–8: Purple leotard with long skirt, belt and bow
Shoes: What to Check the Night Before
Inspect ballet shoes the evening before the exam:
- Check elastics are securely sewn and have not frayed or snapped
- Check drawstring is intact and tied correctly
- Ensure shoes are clean — canvas shoes can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and left to dry overnight
- Confirm the shoes fit well — do not put a child in shoes that are too tight hoping they will stretch
Hair: Prepare the Night Before
Ballet bun preparation is one of the most time-consuming parts of exam morning. For students with longer or thicker hair, prepare the bun the night before where possible, or at minimum have all equipment laid out and ready:
- Fine-tooth comb and detangling spray
- Hair ties and secondary elastic
- Hairpins in matching hair colour
- Hair net in matching colour
- Bun spray or hairspray for flyaways
- Grade-specific hair accessories (ribbons, bows)
What to Bring for Waiting Time
Exams often involve a waiting period before the student enters the examination room. Bring:
- Warm-up clothes that are easy to remove quickly — a wrap cardigan, not a pullover jumper
- Leg warmers and warm-up booties to keep muscles warm while waiting
- Water bottle — hydration is important, avoid carbonated drinks
- A quiet activity for waiting such as reading or drawing
What Not to Bring
- Jewellery — rings, necklaces, stud earrings beyond small sleepers are usually not permitted
- Nail polish or makeup (unless your school specifies otherwise for Grades 6+)
- Perfume or strong-scented products — distracting in a small exam room
- Food or drinks to be consumed in the exam room
The Night Before: Final Checklist
- Lay out all uniform items (leotard, tights, skirt/belt/bow, shoes)
- Check shoes and repair any loose elastics
- Wash and dry tights if needed
- Pack bag with spare tights, water, snack, hair kit
- Set alarm to allow enough time for hair before leaving the house
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my child wears the wrong uniform to a RAD exam?
The examiner may note the discrepancy, and in some cases it can affect the presentation mark. More importantly, a child who is aware they are incorrectly dressed may become anxious, which can affect performance. Always double-check with the teacher a week before the exam — not on the day.
Can my child wear makeup to a RAD exam?
For graded exams (Pre-Primary through Grade 8), makeup is generally not worn. For vocational exams and performance assessments, light stage makeup may be appropriate. Check your school’s policy and the current RAD guidelines for the specific exam your child is taking.
How early should we arrive on exam day?
Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled exam time. This allows for changing, a brief warmup if permitted, and settling nerves without rushing. Confirm the call time with your teacher or the exam centre directly.
What if tights ladder on exam day?
Always pack a spare pair of tights. Clear nail polish dabbed on a small ladder can stop it spreading temporarily if no spare is available. Most exam centres will allow a brief delay for a quick change, but do not rely on this — bring a spare.