Can I use these videos if my child isn't in an RAD school?

You can, but it might be confusing. The RAD has a very specific vocabulary and style. If your child's teacher uses a different method, the videos might contradict what they are learning in class.

Why is the app so expensive compared to other dance apps?

You aren't paying for 'an app'; you're paying for the intellectual property of the Royal Academy of Dance. These are the official exam requirements, and the pricing reflects the professional nature of the syllabus.

Does the app include music for the exercises?

Yes, the videos include the official music used in the exams, which is helpful for students to learn the correct timing and musicality required for their specific grade.

Will my purchases transfer if I get a new phone?

Generally, yes, as long as you stay within the same ecosystem (e.g., Android to Android) and use the same account. However, given the app's age, always check for the latest compatibility updates.

Rad – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Rad

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2013

65%

WISE Score

4.1

App Store

The official, strictly-by-the-book video library for ballet students who need to nail their RAD exams without the lag.

Rad

app

Everyone, 2013

65%

WISE Score

4.1

App Store

The official, strictly-by-the-book video library for ballet students who need to nail their RAD exams without the lag.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your kid isn't currently sweating through a leotard in a Royal Academy of Dance studio, you can skip this entirely. This isn't a 'fun dance app' for casual grooving; it’s a technical reference library for serious syllabus work. It’s a 2013 relic that essentially replaced the old DVDs, allowing dancers to carry their exam requirements in their pockets.

While the tech is outdated and the interface is clunky, the content itself is bulletproof. It’s the official word on how these dances should be performed. Just be prepared to pay for every grade your child advances through—this is a professional tool with a price tag to match.

Age Fit

Best for ballet students aged 5 to 18 who are actively preparing for RAD examinations. It's too dry for casual fans but essential for the bun-and-leotard crowd.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is purely educational content focused on the discipline and artistry of classical ballet. No snark, no junk, just high-standard dance training.

Imaginative

While dance is creative, this is a syllabus app. It's about technical precision and following specific exam requirements rather than free-form exploration.

Safe

No social features or ads. The content is professional and safe, though the in-app purchase model for expensive video sets requires a locked-down app store account.

Enriching

For a ballet student, this is the gold standard. It provides clear, professional demonstrations of the technical and artistic demands of the RAD examinations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Official source for the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, ensuring your kid isn't learning 'wrong' versions of the steps.
Offline viewing allows students to practice in the studio or a basement without worrying about a Wi-Fi signal.
Technical precision is the focus, with professional demonstrations of both male and female variations across all grades.
Direct support for the RAD, as profits from the app are gift-aided back to the educational organization.

⚠

What to Watch For

The UI is ancient. Launched in 2013, it looks and feels like a time capsule from the early smartphone era.
Each grade is a separate purchase. It’s not a subscription; you’re buying digital versions of the old DVDs, and they aren't cheap.
It is strictly utilitarian. There are no games, badges, or 'fun' elements—just video files and technical notes.

Conversation Starters

"Which specific exercise in your current grade feels the most challenging to get right?"
"Do you find it easier to follow the video demonstration or your teacher's live instructions?"
"Why do you think the RAD has such specific requirements for every single hand and foot position?"
"How does seeing the 'perfect' version of the dance help you improve your own performance?"

Deep Dive

The Gold Standard in a Dusty Box

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is the heavy hitter of ballet education. If your child is taking exams, they are likely following this specific syllabus. In the old days, parents had to buy physical DVDs that would inevitably get scratched or lost. This app was the 2013 solution to that problem, and it hasn't changed much since.

Utility Over Experience

Don't expect a slick, TikTok-style interface here. This app is a glorified video player. You open it, you see the grades you've purchased, and you watch the demonstrations. There is a certain charm to its simplicity, but modern kids used to fluid animations and intuitive gestures might find it frustratingly slow.

The Cost of Excellence

The RAD doesn't give its secrets away for free. Each title within the app—from Pre-Primary to Advanced 2—must be purchased individually. These are essentially digital textbooks. However, for a student aiming for a 'Distinction' on their exam, having the ability to slow down a specific port de bras or check the exact height of a grand battement on their phone is an massive advantage.

A Niche Necessity

For families outside the classical dance world, this app has zero value. But for the serious dancer, it’s a way to bring the expertise of world-class instructors into their home practice. It’s the digital equivalent of a well-worn pair of pointe shoes: not flashy, a bit stiff, but absolutely necessary for the job.

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