A Creative Contemporary Dance syllabus

Created from the groundbreaking collaboration between Rambert dance company and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, the Rambert Grades syllabus for Grades 1-8 offers dancers of all abilities and background the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.

The ethos that surrounds and informs all aspects of the syllabus is grounded in the belief that the nurturing and support for the development of the individual’s voice is the bedrock of our work.

The syllabus material for Grades 1-8 is articulated as three strands:

Technical

The technical strand supports each dancer’s technical development as they progress through the grades. Teachers are trained to support each student as an individual to explore their full potential as they learn all elements of technical skill to the highest standard, from floorwork to complex leaps.

Performance

The performance area of our offer demands personal interpretation rather than reproduction, to celebrate and embrace the skills and understanding that each person brings to their performance of the material. For this component, the student learns and performs a solo by an established choreographer.

Creative

Geared to open interpretation, a stimuli-centred process is informed by the student’s own understanding of the world, fed by their questions, heritage and personal experience. Students gain the skills to investigate a creative task in group settings and develop improvisation skills.

Grounded in professional practice

This syllabus was developed by some of the most relevant and exciting voices in contemporary dance in the UK, including material from renowned choreographers.

We believe that dance education should be grounded in professional practice. The syllabus is designed to support all dancers to develop the skills and creativity required from the professional dance industry.

Invited Choreographers

The Performance Strand includes learning a solo from one of our Invited Choreographers. We currently offer solos from influential contemporary choreographers Hofesh Shechter and Alesandra Seutin who have each created eight stunning solos for the syllabus.

Every Syllabus Training programme includes one of these pathways with further opportunities to add additional solos available.

Regulated by Ofqual

Rambert Grades Graded Examinations sit on the Ofqual Register of Qualifications.  The register gives you information on the qualification level and credit value.  To view the Register please go to GOV.UK and enter our Awarding Organisation Recognition number - RN6023. 

Teach

About the training

Our Syllabus Training programmes are virtual learning environments for teaching the syllabus. Teachers are supported through a variety of ways to learn, digest and embody the Rambert Grades material.

The programme is constructed as two distinct units of learning (phases) followed by a consolidation session. Through a blend of self-led and guided learning, you’ll cover our three strands: technical, creative and performance.

Members may train in All Levels (Grades 1-8), or select specific grades which are grouped as Level 1: Grades 1-3, Level 2 (Grades 4-5) and Level 3 (Grades 6-8).

For younger children under 7, Creative Dance for Early Years provides three grades for children aged 3+.