How to Do Well in a Ballet Exam

Co-authored by Geraldine Grace Johns

Last Updated: May 24, 2021 Approved

Ballet is a beautiful type of dance, but quite rigorous. Every ballet dancer knows you have to undergo an exam to move onto the next level/grade; and sometimes these exams can be very hard. However, the exams are also a great opportunity to show how much you've progressed and to prove to the examiners that you know the dance work required and that you're ready to advance. Having the ability to do well in such an exam is a mixture of hard work, plenty of practice and a confidence that you know your material thoroughly.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Presenting Yourself Well

1
Keep your hair neat. If it's short, comb through it. If it's long, put your hair in a bun. Use hairspray on flyaway hair, to keep it looking neat. Use pins and a hairnet, unless otherwise specified by your examiner. Do use hairspray or gel if needed.
2
Abide by the dress code. Ballet examiners don't like it when you have anything underneath your leotard (other than a bra) or on top. This includes t-shirts, leg warmers, pants, shorts, skirts, or other warm ups. Remove all jewelry except for small stud earrings, and take off any nail polish.

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3
Ensure that your attire is neat and clean. This includes clean tights that are free of holes, a clean leotard (or bodysuit), immaculate ballet slippers or pointe shoes (if necessary)––no fraying ribbons, and any other ballet wear in its absolute best condition, as specified by your examiner.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Starting the Exam

1
Stretch before you start the exam. Stretching will help prevent injury while dancing, and is also very important for high extensions. You will need to stretch you arms and legs for at least 10 minutes before you perform for the examiner.
2
Smile. Show the examiner that you are willing to enjoy the exam, even if you're nervous. Sometimes smiling can actually make you feel more confident.
3
Stand in first position while waiting. This will show the examiner that you care, and that you are bringing you ballet technique with you. Stand and walk like a proper dancer.
4
Greet and be polite to the examiner. Don't be embarrassed to say "Good morning" or "Good afternoon". They'll appreciate your respect and it can also help them to warm to you.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
During the Exam

1
Make sure you know every exercise perfectly. If you skip this step or are unsure of any of your exercises, you will not do as well as you could. If it helps, buy the music for your pieces. This way, you can run through the dances at home. Practice till you are confident with it, and tell yourself that you can do it!^{[1]
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Expert Source

Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2021.}
2
Use lots of expression in your dances. When the music comes on, think about how it makes you feel inside. Is it sharp, swift, and quick? Or is it smooth and free flowing? Perhaps it is slow, gentle and soft. Use these feelings in your movements. Let your expression come out and don't be afraid to show it - if you are, you will appear as stiff and nervous!^{[2]
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Expert Source

Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2021.}
- Practicing expressions at home beforehand will help your expressions to come out more smoothly.
3
Use your head. Find a focus during the exam. Do not stare at the examiner, but make sure you do sometimes look at them. Otherwise, they will see how nervous you are.
- Be confident. Stand up straight, keep your eyes up, and try not to watch the other girls.
4
Be polite when the examiner talks to you. Keep a good, positive attitude and don't turn him/her off with a snotty, proud air. If you appear as vain and snobby, the examiner will not have a very good impression of you. Be well mannered.
5
Have fun, smile and enjoy throughout the performance (no matter how nervous you are).
6
Say thank you at the end. Always thank the teacher, examiners, and pianist. Again, this helps keep a lasting impression, and also shows that you are respectful, which is an important trait to being a dancer.

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Community Q&A

Question

How should I prepare for a ballet exam?

Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's "Dance Challenge" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020.

Geraldine Grace Johns

Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor

Expert Answer

Try to know your exam work inside and out. Along with your ballet technique, you'll also be marked on your use of artistry, communication, musicality, timing, expression, dynamics, and use of space. Try to focus on each of these qualities in your classes, and don't wait until your exam date to incorporate these elements into your daily practice.
Question

What if I am too scared about the other girls in the exam?

Community Answer

Tell yourself that you are only competing against yourself. Your goal is to improve and move on to the next level. Try not to focus on them, except to encourage.
Question

Can I wear a dance bra?

Community Answer

Yes, I always did, but just make sure that the back or it or the straps are not visible.
Question

Is there something I should do the night before the exam to be prepared?

MarissaLee

Community Answer

You should stretch, have all your stuff together, and practice terminology.
Question

What if I am too nervous to do anything?

Community Answer

Taking ballet exams can be stressful, but remember, you know the material, and your instructor knows your potential. You may be having an off day the day of the exam, but in most cases, the teacher will understand and still move you up to the next level. Take deep breaths, relax, and just enjoy yourself.
Question

What do I do if I make mistake or fall?

Community Answer

Get up and keep dancing! Don't dwell on your mistake and let it affect the rest of your performance.
Question

What if I am scared that everyone else will do way better than me?

Community Answer

If you're like me, you might be able to channel that insecurity into your dancing and use it to push yourself to do better. If this doesn't work for you, just try to put your worries out of your mind and do your best.
Question

What if my ballet ribbons come undone? How can I prevent this?

Community Answer

Hairspray them in place. They shouldn't come undone then, but if you're really worried about it you can sew small stitches in them.
Question

Should I wear makeup?

Community Answer

It's personal preference. If you do wear makeup, keep it very simple.
Question

What happen if my ribbons of shoes get lose is it bad or okay?!

IncredibleGuinevere

Community Answer

It depends on your situation. If it's your normal ballet teacher, then it's fine, don't beat yourself up over it, you'll probably only get a few marks off. If you're on an audtion, yes it's very, very bad, but still don't beat yourself over it. Forgive my grammar. -IncredibleGunievere

Warnings

Don't copy others. They can be getting it wrong and then you will too.

Thanks!
Helpful 40 Not Helpful 4
A rude attitude won't bring you very much luck. A good attitude may cause the examiner to be a little more merciful!

Thanks!
Helpful 30 Not Helpful 3
Don't appear fake. Don't overdo the smiling or the politeness, because that is a big turn-off.

Thanks!
Helpful 33 Not Helpful 4

Things You'll Need

Leotard
Clean, hole-free tights
Good, clean, neat ballet shoes (Note: The RAD only allow full sole leather flats for Intermediate Foundation and below)
Gel and hairspray
Sewing kit
Hair bands and/or bobby pins