

Syllabus Strategies: Focus on Grades 4 and 5 CPD Course
Sunday 10 May 2026
10am – 5pm BST

Event Date:
Sunday 10 May 2026
Event Time:
10am – 5pm BST
Country:
Location:
Manchester
Available Online?
No
Who’s it for?
This course is open to all ballet teachers. It is recommended for mid-career teachers.
Fee:
Members £115 | €134 | $156
Non-members £161 | €186 | $218
Contact:
This practical course is designed for teachers looking to deepen their understanding of the RAD Grades 4 and 5 syllabi. Through interactive discussions and practical exploration, you will develop effective teaching strategies and create development exercises that support an accurate interpretation of the assessment criteria. This course is ideal for teachers aiming to deliver the syllabi with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
Aims
The Syllabus Strategies Course is designed to:
- Look in depth at the philosophy of the work,
- Offer a chance to improve understanding of specific areas within the syllabus, particularly in regards to technical, musical and performance aspects of the work, as identified by examiners during examinations,
- Reflect on the relevance and interpretation of the assessment criteria in selected exercises and dances,
- Provide a platform to discuss, explore and develop strategies to strengthen areas of the work, and
- Support the creation of development exercises for Grades 4 and 5 students by defining the requisite skills and knowledge to do so.
Participants will be better able to understand the ‘how’ of teaching the syllabus, increase knowledge of the assessment criteria and gain insight into how the candidates are generally coping in the examinations.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, participants will:
- Be able to demonstrate, physically and/or through explanation, an understanding of the technique(s) at each level,
- Be able to discuss the relevance and interpretation of the assessment criteria in selected exercises and dances, and
- Have knowledge and understanding of approaches to help their learners develop the necessary strength and understanding to achieve the requirements of the assessment criteria in the examination.
Venue
Central Performing Arts, 1 Parkway, Denton, Manchester M34 3SG
Recommended Preparation
Participants should have knowledge of the exercises and dances of the RAD Grades 4 and 5 syllabi.
Tutor
Vikki Allport RAD RTS Teaching Diploma (Distinction) RAD Examiner
From the northeast of England, Victoria’s love affair with dance began aged five, working through her RAD grades and vocational exams. After embarking on the RAD’s Student Teaching Certificate at 16, her determination to perform led to a successful career as a professional dancer and choreographer.
Settling in Mexico, she founded a highly successful dance school and spearheaded the formation of ‘Acadancers,’ a company that staged seasonal classical ballets with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Acapulco. At the same time, she choreographed shows for Mexican pop artistes, performed in music videos, and completed the RAD’s Teaching Diploma. Her contribution to culture in Mexico was recognised by the state government, which honoured her with a special award and ceremony.
Returning to the UK, Victoria became head of ballet at an independent school, while embarking on her role as an RAD examiner. A recent accolade includes the prestigious choreographic prize in the Phyllis Bedells Bursary, a collaborative creation with her student Anya Mercer, a 2019 Genée finalist and ENB graduate.
In addition to her teaching roles, Victoria is an RAD trustee, lending her expertise on strategic direction. Her involvement extends further as an artistic sub-committee member, contributing insights and guidance to elevate artistic standards in dance.
An RAD Life Member, Victoria’s commitment to continuous learning within the dance community is evident through her role as a CPD tutor. She has previously taught on the CBTS and became a Silver Swans tutor in 2017, along with tutoring on the new CDT course.
Victoria’s mark on the dance world is seen in the achievements of her former students, many of whom have become professional dancers in Mexico, while others have pursued careers as RAD teachers following their completion of the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.
CPD Hours
8 hours Time-Valued CPD
Fees
Members of the Royal Academy of Dance receive discounts on all CPD activities.
How to book
For details on how your information is processed, please see the Cvent Privacy Policy and the CPD Privacy Notice. Please also read our Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact the CPD Team, cpd@rad.org.uk.
Contact
If you have any questions about this activity, please email cpd@rad.org.uk.
Book now
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