Contemporary dance is a dynamic and evolving art form that invites dancers to explore and interpret a wide range of movements and expressions.
Emerging in the mid-20th century, contemporary dance has become a dominant style for trained dancers worldwide, embracing influences from ballet, jazz, lyrical and street dance forms.
Contemporary dance is at the heart of professional dance today and is ubiquitous in popular culture, from theatre stages to our TV screens.
It features in reimagined ballets by Matthew Bourne, West End shows like Hamilton, Cirque du Soleil performances, TV competitions like So You Think You Can Dance, and music videos by our favourite artists, from Taylor Swift to Sia.
Rambert Grades is an awarding organisation offering graded dance qualifications, similar to exams in ballet, tap, and modern dance.
We offer three contemporary dance grades for children aged 3 and up: Creative Movers, Pre-Primary and Primary Contemporary Dance. This syllabus introduces young dancers to dance and movement whilst developing physical control and encouraging creativity and artistic interpretation.
Rambert Grades Trained Teachers place joy, imagination, and exploration at the heart of learning, helping children build confidence and a positive relationship with movement.
This progressive contemporary dance programme focuses on dance technique, creativity, and performance. Over eight grades, students master core contemporary dance skills, including floor work, centre exercises, traveling, jumping, and improvisation. Each exam includes a solo choreographed by an esteemed international artist.
Rambert Grades qualifications are adaptable an inclusive to all students, welcoming dancers of all abilities and learning styles to participate in our contemporary dance exams.
Learn moreRambert Grades qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and attract UCAS points at Grades 6, 7, and 8, supporting career progression into higher education, even outside of dance.
Achieving the three highest grades with Merit earns 42 UCAS points, equivalent to a B at A-Level. With a Distinction, the 60 UCAS points awarded equate to an A at A-Level.
Rambert Grades is the only fully structured contemporary dance examination programme, supporting students' transition to higher education dance programmes. Our qualifications are recognised and taught at many UK universities.
Rambert is a collective of three organisations: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Rambert (dance company) and Rambert Grades.
Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance opened its doors in 1920, and stands as a world-leading training institutions to this day. Founded by Marie Rambert after she fled Poland at the outbreak of the first world war, the school has trained many of the UK's leading dancers and choreographers. Rambert dance company will celebrate 100 years in 2026 as the first UK dance company to celebrate a century of dance touring. During its rich history, the company presented of classical ballet before becoming the spearhead of the UK's contemporary dance movement from the mid-twentieth century.
In 2019, the founding Rambert companies brought together their extensive knowledge to found Rambert Grades, with the aim of supporting the next generation of contemporary dancers with exceptional contemporary dance training.
