Millfield dancer scores perfect mark in Royal Academy of Dance exam

Millfield Upper Sixth ballet dancer Sophie scored a perfect technical mark in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Grade 8 Ballet Examination Award. Sophie passed the exam with a Distinction, with a rare perfect technical mark out of 10 in one of the four variations that she had to perform.

Seventeen-year-old Sophie is undertaking three A levels in Economics, English Literature and Chinese, and hopes to study law at university in the South West next year. The aspiring lawyer has worked for the past year to undertake the exam, which provides a broad practice dance education and develops technical, musical and performance skills.

Head of Classical Ballet, Juliet Peach, says, “Sophie is an outstanding ballet student whose example and success has made her a tremendous role model especially for our younger dancers to follow. Sophie completed her RAD Grade 8 within two terms which is exceptional. Sophie continues to shine as one of our 4 Dance Captains and is playing a vital role in the upcoming Evening of Ballet on the 11th November.”

Sophie says, “I am really pleased that my commitment to dance alongside my school work has rewarded me this, and I hope to continue dance in the future.”

There are currently over 100 Millfield pupils who dance as part of their Games programme at Millfield. The school offers over 30 classes throughout the week, including Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Tap and Commercial dance styles. Millfield has six dance tutors, who offer a wide range of expertise and work to prepare pupils for exam work, taking junior and senior dance classes, and acting as choreographers for dance shows and school musicals. Students study contemporary dance technique and choreography, and the school offers specialist support for those wishing to continue their dance studies at a higher level. Millfield Dance study the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus and the school currently offers classes from Grade 5 to Intermediate. Millfield also teach the I.S.T.D Intermediate Modern and Grade 6 Tap syllabuses.

Millfield’s next Open Day is Saturday 5th October 2019.