General Graded Examinations

These qualifications offer learners the scope to study several dance related disciplines enabling them to develop a comprehensive understanding of dance and performance providing a firm foundation of technique that can be progressively built upon. The General Graded Examinations are not age related and are open to a wide range of learners. They are aimed at anyone who is capable of safely reaching the required standard.

There are 8 grades covering RQF levels 1-3 and these are available in a wide range of dance and dance related disciplines:

  • Acrobatic
  • Greek
  • Musical Theatre
  • Tap
  • Classical Ballet
  • Lyrical
  • Russian Classical Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Modern Jazz
  • Spanish

For a copy of the specification for these qualifications please click on the relevant PDF icon to the right of this page, please note that Acrobatic, Classical Ballet, Greek, Lyrical, Modern Jazz and Tap are all endorsements within the Theatre Dance Specification/Syllabus.

Programmes of study leading to these qualifications are available from the following organisations for further information please access their website direct from the relevant icon to the right of this page.

British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA), offer programmes in:

  • Acrobatic
  • Greek
  • Musical Theatre
  • Classical Ballet
  • Lyrical
  • Tap
  • Contemporary
  • Modern Jazz

Associated Board of Dance (ABD), offer programmes in:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Tap
  • Contemporary
  • Modern Jazz

United Teachers of Dance (UTD), offer programmes in:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Tap

Spanish Dance Society (SDS), offer programmes in:

  • Spanish

National Performing Arts Alliance (NPAA), offer programmes in:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Modern Jazz
  • Tap

Association of Russian Ballet and Theatre Arts (ARBTA), offer programmes in:

  • Russian Classical Ballet

Entries for these qualifications must be made through a registered teacher with the organisation offering the relevant programme of study. To find out how to become a registered teacher, please contact the organisation direct.

Assessment for these qualifications is external.

In addition GQAL offers Vocational Graded Qualifications.