The Royal  Academy of Dance (RAD)

exists to promote knowledge, understanding and practice of dance
internationally. It is one of the world’s largest and most influential
dance education, training and membership organisations. With
over 13,000 registered members, its influence has spread to 77
countries.The Academy considers professional training of young
children in classical ballet to be vitally important, therefore the
syllabi have been devised with great care to enable a child to
progress through their dance training in planned stages,
demanding no more of a young  body than it can cope with.

RAD Teachers  adhere to a structured
syllabus, which is both fun and safe. They have the
training and qualifications necessary to teach dance
to young children and students. They continue
training throughout their careers to update
their skills and knowledge.

RAD Examiner
reside throughout the world. They are experienced and respected teachers, who have
undergone a rigorous selection process and training programme before being appointed
as an Examiner. Their professional expertise, together with the ability to create a
welcoming and reassuring environment in the studio, will ensure the necessary personal
qualities and high professional standards expected of the Examining Board.

History of The Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance was established in 1920 in London by a

small group of eminent dance professionals, the group included Adeline

Genee from Denmark, Tamara Karsavina  from Russia, Lucia Cormani

from Italy, Edouard Espinosa from France and Phyllis Bedels from

England. They represented the principal training methods of the time. It

was their concern to raise the standards of dance training in Britain that

led to the emergence of the Association of Operatic Dancing in Great

Britain. Over the next decade the Association grew in size and influence.

In 1935 the Association was granted a Royal Charter by King George V,

and became The Royal Academy of Dancing. In 1946 the RAD’s

Teachers Training Programme was inaugurated and in 1953 Queen

Elizabeth 1 consented to become Patron of the Royal

Academy of Dancing. The Academy was granted charitable status in

1963 and continued to develop its syllabi with the introduction of a new

children’s syllabus devised by the then President, Dame Margot

Fonteyn. In 1991 Antoinette Sibley was elected President. In 2000 the

Privy Council approved the change  of name to the Royal Academy of

Dance. The Academy continues to help and encourage its teachers

to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their

students.

The committee entertains some distinguished overseas members at Grosvenor House in 1938.
From left to right seated:
Miss Cynthia Marson (Queensland), Miss Grant(Johannesburg), Miss Jennie Brenan(Melbourne),     　
Madame Genee, Miss Majorie Sturman(South Africa), Miss Alison Lee(Australia), Mrs Freda Grant,
second row:
Miss Cone, Miss Butterworth, Miss French, Sir William Willox, Miss Bedells, Mr.P.J.S. Richardson,
Miss Danetree, Madame Judith Espinosa, Miss Kathleen Gordon,
back row: Mr.Chamberlain, Mr. Isitt, Mr. Heisch

.

    RAD syllabi  The RAD currently provides two examination syllabi in
                            Classical Ballet, and a series of non-assessed Presentation
                            Classes as follows:

     ★Vocational Graded Examination in Dance

         Levels: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate,

                   Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1,  Advanced 2

     The Vocational Graded examinations syllabus is designed for students 

     wishing to make an in-depth study of classical ballet, with a view to 

     pursuing a career in dance or dance related subjects. Students wishing

     to study for Vocational Graded examinations should have the maturity

     and technique aptitude to enable them to respond to demanding study.

     For example, a relatively proportionate, flexible physique with a

     degree of rotation in the hip sockets necessary for the increased range

     of movement.

     ★Graded examination in Dance

              Levels: Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5,

                         Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

The Graded examination in Dance syllabus is designed to promote

the study of Classical Ballet and related dance disciplines as a leisure

and/or vocational activity.

It encourages enjoyment of movement as a form of physical exercise.

It provides a means of motivating students through the availability

and acquisition of carefully staged goals which have been structured to 

reflect the principles of Safe Dance Practice.

It encourages self-confidence through the experience of dancing solo,

 in partners and in small groups.

 It develops a general appreciation of music through dancing to various

 rhythms and styles of music.

Syllabus consisting of :

                  Classical ballet which is the foundation and the most

                                       important part of the syllabus, providing the

                                            means to acquire technical, musical and 

                                             performance skills.

        Free Movement has been influenced by and incorporates 

                                    movements in common with other dance 

                                    styles such as Natural Movement, 

                                    Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance.

               Character  is the presentation of national dance using

                               original ethnic dance and music. The three

                                    styles used are Hungarian, Russian and

                                    Polish, these selected because of the 

                                    historical importance in the development

                                    of the 19^th century full-length Classical Ballets.

     ★Presentation Classes based on the Graded Examination syllabus

  Levels: Pre-primary, Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5

         The syllabus is a programme of work based wholly and partly on the 

         Graded Examination in Dance syllabus with optional modifications. It is  

         a non-assessed syllabus, performed in front of the Academy’s 

         Examiner and conducted by the teacher, and is rewarded with a 

         certificate of participation.

     ★Pre-school Dance Curriculum and Demonstration Classes

       In all cases syllabus content is structured progressively to ensure that

       the level of technique, musicality and artistic expertise required is within 

       the grasp of the student and that safe dance practices is assured.